Getting and Paying for Food (SNAP or Food Stamps)

Can I apply for Disaster Food Stamps (DSNAP)?

No. DSNAP is provided after federal disaster declarations, and there is no current federal disaster declaration. However, in the event of a disaster, go online to check Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) | Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services for the most up-to-date information.

I don’t have SNAP (food stamps) benefits yet. How do I apply?

There are three ways you can apply:

• Apply online at https://cafe-cp.dcfs.la.gov/selfservice/. Submit any proof that you have about your income and bills with your application. If you do not have a copier, you can take pictures of your documents on your phone and upload the pictures to your application. (Keep reading for more information.) You should apply even if you do not have all your proof ready. The amount of money you get is based on your application date. So do not wait to file.
• Mail, fax, or physically drop off a paper application to DCFS. We do not recommend this method because it might take longer to get your benefits than it would if you apply other ways. If you use a paper application, here are the steps:
  • Get a copy of the paper application
    • Download an application form from http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/searchable/EconomicStability/Applications/OFS%20English%20Combined.pdf
    • If you do not have a computer, you can call DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 and ask them to mail you an application
  • Complete all of the information in the application.
  • Make copies of proof that you have. (Keep reading for more information.)
  • To submit:
    • Mail your application and the copies of the supporting documents you have (by certified mail, if possible) to:
      • DCFS Economic Stability P.O. Box 260031 Baton Rouge, LA 70826
    • Fax it to (225) 663-3164; or
    • Drop off your paper application at your nearest local office.
      • Use this link to find the office closest to you.
    • Apply for SNAP benefits over the phone. You may also contact DCFS at 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578) to apply by phone.

I can’t apply for SNAP online and I can’t get through the phone lines to give DCFS my application.

If you cannot submit your application online for some reason and cannot download a paper application, contact DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 or email them at LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov. If you still cannot submit your application, you can call Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Intake Line at 1-225-448-0331 to apply for free legal help.

What proof do I need to submit? And when do I need to submit it?

You need to give DCFS proof that you qualify for SNAP benefits. You can get your SNAP benefits faster if you turn the proof in at the same time you turn in your application. But, if you don’t have the proof they need or don’t have a way to send the proof with your application, you can turn in your application first and then turn in the proof later. DCFS will contact you to let you know what proof you still need and will help you figure out a way to submit it. If you cannot get the proof, ask your DCFS worker for help. By law, the worker must try to help you if you ask. Make sure you keep copies of anything that you turn in. If you cannot get to a copy machine, you can also take pictures of proof on your phone.

Identity:You must prove the identity of the person who is turning in the application. This is the most important proof for you to give DCFS. You should turn it in with your application if you can. You cannot get benefits before you prove your identity. Here are some things you can turn in to prove your identity. You only need one:

• Driver’s License
• State ID
• Medical card (Medicaid, Medicare, Health Insurance, VA Card)
• ID card for some other social service program
• Work ID
• School ID
• Voter’s Registration Card
• Check Stub
• Birth Certificate
• If none of these are available, you can confirm your identity through a “collateral contact.” A collateral contact is someone outside of your household who can confirm your situation. This can include employers, landlords, social services agencies, or neighbors who can be expected to provide accurate information. DCFS will call the collateral contact to prove your identity.

Other Proof: Here is a list of the other things you need to prove and what things you can use to prove them. Note that some people can start getting their benefits before they turn in all of this proof. But you will need to turn them in later to keep getting benefits.

What happens next?

• If your application needs more information, DCFS will try to call you at the number you listed in your application. Keep the phone charged and close by. Make sure to answer the calls in case they call you. Submit any additional proof DCFS tells you to turn in.
• Make sure you check your mail in case DCFS sends you a letter. If you applied online and created an account, you can also check your account to see if DCFS sent you a notice there.
• EBT Card.DCFS will mail the EBT card (like a debit card just for eligible food) to the address you give them in your application. When you get the EBT card, it may or may not have benefits loaded on it. DCFS will load the benefits onto the card after it approves your application. Visit Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) | Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services for more information about EBT cards.

You can also find information about EBT cards at Food Stamps – EBT Cards

Tips for getting SNAP benefits quickly

• Submit as much proof as you can with your application.
• Apply online and set up an account for your online application if you can. To set up an account, you need to have an email address. However, we recommend that you only set up an online account if you check your email account regularly.
• If you have a phone that gets text messages, sign up for text alerts when you apply. You will get a text message when there is a new notice in your account.
• If you set up an on-line account, check your account at least once a day to see if there are notices in it.
• Make sure to check your mail every day.
• Make sure to keep your phone charged and near you. Answer calls you receive in case a DCFS worker calls you to get more information.
• If you have questions about your application, contact your DCFS worker by
  • Messaging your working through your online account
  • Emailing DCFS@la.gov. But note that you might need to wait a long time for a response.
  • Calling 1-888-524-3578. But phone lines are busy so expect to wait on hold for a long time before you can talk to someone.
• If you need help getting proof, write a note on your application and tell your DCFS worker during when they call.

How quickly can I get SNAP benefits?

By law, your food stamp application must be decided in 30 days, unless you have not turned in the needed proof. However, some households are entitled to benefits no later than seven calendar days from their application date. To qualify for benefits within 7 days of applying, one of the following must be true:

• Your household’s combined gross income and liquid resources are less than the household’s monthly utilities plus its rent or mortgage;
• Your household’s gross monthly income is less than $150 and its countable liquid resources are $100 or less; or
• Your household is a destitute migrant or seasonal household and its countable liquid resources are $100 or less.

You’ll need to submit proof of these conditions to DCFS to get the faster 7-day benefits.

Do I have to register for work to get SNAP benefits right now?

Probably, but there are few exceptions. Many of the people in Louisiana who receive SNAP benefits have to register for work. If you cannot work because you have physical or mental conditions that make you unfit for work (or another exemption applies), you should let your DCFS caseworker know. A list of exemptions from the work registration requirement can be found here.

Where can I get food while I’m waiting for DCFS to make its decision?

While you are waiting for DCFS to approve your SNAP application, you might be able to get food from a food pantry and other programs in your community. Below are various food assistance programs in New Orleans and surrounding areas (More info at New Orleans Community Resource Guide ):

Broadmoor Improvement Association

Broadmoor Community Church

2021 S Dupree.

504-249-5130

Food Pantry open Mon 10:00-12:00 & Wed 1:00-3:30

Community Center of St. Bernard

6800 Patricia St., Arabi

504-518-5968

Wed & Thurs 9AM – 12PM

Community Kitchen

Duncan Plaza between City Hall & the Main Branch Public Library, New Orleans

504-383-3349

Serving Hot Food Tues 3:00-4:00PM

Crescent City Café

3900 St. Charles Ave (Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church),

1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, 8:00-9:30 AM

Culture Aid NOLA Food Distro

Our Lady Star of the Sea, 1835 St. Roch

Wednesdays, 6:00 PM

Corpus Christi Church, 2022 St. Bernard

Saturdays, 9:00 AM

Free food distribution twice weekly and volunteer opportunities as well! No reservation, identification, or proof of income required, and no questions asked.

Dragon Café at St. George Episcopal Church

4600 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, 70115

504-899-2811

Sun 8:30-9:30 AM

Gretna United Methodist Church Food Bank

1309 Whitney Ave, Gretna, 70056

504-366-6685

Second Harvest Food Bank (ID & proof of residency required);

Food Mon and Thurs 10:00AM-12:00PM

Hope House

916 Saint Andrew St., New Orleans (Irish Channel), 70130

MWF 9:00AM-1:00PM, Thurs 9:00-4:00PM

504-525-2561

Groceries for residents of 70130 zip code; See listing under Basic Needs for additional programs.

Lantern Light at Rebuild Center

1803 Gravier St., New Orleans, 70112

Mon-Frid 8:00AM-2:30PM

Lunch served Mon-Frid 1:00PM-1:30PM;

Food bank 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month, 9:30AM-10:30AM (call for eligibility)

504-273-5577

Walk-in for lunch. Food bank requires a state ID, copy of lease, and proof of income

Lower 9 Food Pantry

1739 Jourdan Avenue

504-278-1240

Saturdays from 10:00AM-2:00PM

New Orleans Mutual Aid Group •NOMAG•

Florida & St. Roch

Food banks now on SUNDAYS 4:00PM-6:00PM

(504) 383-3790

Northshore Food Bank

840 N Columbia St., Covington, LA 70433

985-893-3003 ext. 102

Mon, Tues, Thurs 9:00AM-12:00PM

Food Distribution Mon, Tues, Thurs 9:00AM-11:00AM.

Registration Mon, Tues, Thurs 9:00-10:00AM.

Free; Requires photo ID, proof of residence, SS card, and proof of income for all household members;

Open Table at Mt. Zion Methodist Church

2700 Louisiana Ave., New Orleans, 70119

Tuesday 2:00 PM-3:00 PM

Meals not currently served, but those with documentation of Salvation Army can receive a meal voucher.

St. Jude Community Center, Food bank

400 N. Rampart, New Orleans, 70112

504-931-6993, 504-553-5790

St. Peter Claver Church

1910 Ursulines Ave., New Orleans, 70116

504-822-8059, fax 504-822-9251

Direct assistance & Food Pantry Tues & Thurs 10:00AM-2:00PM at Sankofa Center, 1839 St. Philip

Free with ID and proof of address

Sankofa Lower 9 Food Pantry

5200 Dauphine St, New Orleans

504-872-9214

Monday and Wednesday 10:00AM-12:00PM

Food pantry & grocery boxes

Complete application (in-person, online or by phone) to determine eligibility. Requires name, address, household size, and income information. Requires date of birth for senior commodity box.

Southern Solidarity

southernsolidarity@gmail.com

Meal distribution every day between the hours of 5-8PM, downtown along Decatur, Canal and Calliope

Free; Walk in Spanish spoken? N

United Churches of Algiers

1111 Newton St (in Arthur Monday Bldg.), Room 109, Algiers

Mon-Thurs 8:00AM-1:00PM

504-361-1661

Food bank for Algiers residents (1 visit per month). See Basic Needs section for info on additional programs.

Walk in, Only first 20 people seen, arriving before 8 recommended. Spanish spoken? N

New Orleans Community Fridges

Free food and meals in fridges is available in several locations across New Orleans, including:

• 1522 N Villere St.
• 2425 N Miro St.
• 3908 Joliet St. @ Trinity Community Center
• 1206 Touro St.
• 2528 Lapeyrouse St.
• 300 Wagner St. (Algiers)
• 1126 Piety St.
• 1804 Deslonde St.
• 401 Sala Ave. (Westwego)
• 1014 N. Miro St.
• 1801 Alvar St.
• 1924 Jackson Ave.
• 1823 Washington St.

Check these websites for fridge location updates:

New Orleans Community Fridges

New Orleans Community Resource Guide

How much will I get in SNAP benefits?

It depends. The amount you get is usually based on your household size, your income, and expenses. DCFS posts SNAP benefit amounts for different-sized households on its website: https://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/snap-allotment-amounts. United Way has an online SNAP benefit calculator you can use to get an idea of what your monthly SNAP benefits would be, if approved: SNAP Calculator.

What if DCFS denies my application or cuts off my benefits?

You have a right to appeal DCFS’s decision. You can request a SNAP fair hearing by phone or in writing to your caseworker. Include your Name and Case/CAFÉ number (or SSN if case number is unknown) on your document.

Call 1-888-524-3578, then choose these options in order: 1, 3, 1, 5, 1. Or send your request in writing:

• By mail to:DCFS Economic Stability
  O. Box 260031
  Baton Rouge, LA 70826
• By Fax: 225-663-3164

For more information:

You can find more information about Louisiana SNAP at Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services

WIC

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits are available for  applicants who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum as well as infants and children under 5 years old. WIC provides a card to buy specific nutritious foods, nutrition information, breastfeeding promotion, breastfeeding support and referrals to other health and social services. Most WIC clinics are still open. Your information will be collected over the phone and a member of the staff will come out to your vehicle. Please bring your ID, WIC card (if you already have one), and all other required documents with you. Visit Nutrition Services Home | La Dept. of Health for more updated information about WIC. Call 1.800.251.BABY to apply or to get more information.

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.