If you lost food due to a power outage that lasted for a minimum of 24 consecutive hours, you may be able to replace your food stamps. You must have already been receiving food stamps before the storm.
DCFS works with the Louisiana Public Service Commission to obtain reports of specific areas of power outages. If DCFS cannot verify a household’s power outage through these reports, you may be asked to verify your loss.
To apply for replacement stamps, complete the SNAP 38 form here: https://dcfs.la.gov/page/replacement-snap-benefits-faqs#apply. The Form is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Submit the completed form to DCFS:
- By mail: to DPC, P. O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826-9918
- By fax: (225) 663-3164; or
- In-person: At your local DCFS office – Office Locator: https://www.dcfs.la.gov/directory
How the process works:
- After confirming the length of power outages in your area with the Louisiana Public Service Commission, DCFS will determine your eligibility for replacement benefits.
- If caseworkers need additional information, they will contact you.
- If replacements are warranted, DCFS expects to issue benefits to your account within ten days. You will not receive correspondence from DCFS about this request.
Amount of Replacement SNAP Benefits:
- The value of the replacement benefit shall be an amount equal to the value of the lost food purchased with SNAP benefits, up to the maximum of one month of the household’s SNAP benefits.
- If eligible, the replacement benefits are added to the SNAP household’s regular EBT card.
Still have Questions? Contact DCFS:
- Email LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov or
- Call 1-888-524-3578
Information for this post was taken from the DCFS website. Additional information can be found here: https://dcfs.la.gov/page/replacement-snap-benefits-faqs#apply.
The information provided in this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.