EBT Guides
Apr 10, 2025
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential food assistance to low-income individuals and families in Louisiana, helping them afford nutritious meals and improve their overall well-being.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Louisiana
Income limits and benefit amounts for SNAP in Louisiana are determined based on the household size and gross monthly income. These limits ensure that assistance is provided to those who need it most. Below is a detailed breakdown of the maximum monthly income limits and SNAP benefit amounts for different household sizes:
Household Size: 1
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,383
Maximum Benefit Amount: $250
Household Size: 2
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,868
Maximum Benefit Amount: $459
Household Size: 3
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,353
Maximum Benefit Amount: $658
Household Size: 4
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,839
Maximum Benefit Amount: $835
Household Size: 5
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,324
Maximum Benefit Amount: $992
Household Size: 6
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,809
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,190
Household Size: 7
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,295
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,316
Household Size: 8
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,780
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,504
For households with more than 8 members, add $486 to the gross monthly income limit and $188 to the maximum benefit amount for each additional person. For the most current information, please visit the official Louisiana SNAP website.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Louisiana
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Louisiana, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:
Income Limits: Applicants must meet both gross and net income limits based on household size.
Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside in Louisiana.
Citizenship Status: U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can qualify.
Work Requirements: Certain work-related conditions must be met.
Special Conditions: Special considerations are given to seniors, disabled individuals, and students.
For detailed and up-to-date information, please visit the official Louisiana SNAP website.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Louisiana
Applying for SNAP benefits in Louisiana can be done online, in-person, or by mail, providing flexibility for applicants to choose the method that best suits their needs.
Applying Online
To apply for SNAP benefits online as a Louisiana resident, follow these steps:
Visit the official SNAP application website: Go to the Louisiana SNAP application portal.
Create an account or log in: Register for a new account or log in if you already have one.
Complete the application form: Fill out the online application form with the necessary details about your household.
Submit required documents electronically: Upload any required documents directly through the online portal.
Review and submit your application: Double-check all entered information and submit your application for processing.
Applying In-Person
To apply for SNAP benefits in-person, follow these steps:
Locate your nearest SNAP office: Find the closest SNAP office using the Louisiana DCFS office locator.
Gather necessary documents: Collect essential documents like ID, proof of income, and residency verification.
Visit the office during business hours: Go to the SNAP office during their operating hours, typically Monday to Friday.
Complete the application form: Fill out the application form provided at the office with your household details.
Submit your application to a caseworker: Hand your completed application to a caseworker for processing and further instructions.
For more information, you can contact the Louisiana DCFS at 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578).
Applying by Mail
To apply for SNAP benefits in Louisiana by mail, follow these steps:
Download and print the SNAP application form: Obtain the form from the Louisiana SNAP website.
Fill out the form: Complete the application with your household details.
Photocopy necessary documents: Include copies of essential documents like ID and proof of income.
Mail the application and documents: Send everything to the address provided on the form.
Wait for confirmation: Await further instructions or confirmation from the SNAP office.
Special SNAP Services in Louisiana
In certain situations, Louisiana residents may receive special SNAP services, such as expedited benefits for urgent needs, disaster assistance, and support for homeless individuals. Visit the Louisiana SNAP website to learn more and see if you qualify.
Expedited SNAP Services in Louisiana
Residents of Louisiana facing emergency situations can receive expedited SNAP benefits to address urgent food needs. To qualify for expedited services, applicants must meet specific criteria. These include having extremely low income, limited resources, or an urgent need for food assistance. For instance, households with less than $150 in monthly gross income and less than $100 in liquid resources may qualify.
Additionally, if a household's combined monthly income and liquid resources are less than their monthly rent or mortgage and utility costs, they may also be eligible for expedited benefits. The goal is to ensure that those in immediate need receive assistance as quickly as possible, typically within seven days of application.
Disaster Assistance for SNAP Beneficiaries
If you are affected by disasters such as fires or power outages in Louisiana, you may qualify for replacement SNAP benefits. This assistance is available to current SNAP recipients who have lost food due to these emergencies.
To apply, you need to contact your local SNAP office and report the loss within ten days of the disaster. Even if you are not currently receiving SNAP benefits, you can still apply for disaster assistance by completing a SNAP application and indicating your disaster-related needs.
Required documents may include proof of identity, residency, and details of the disaster's impact on your household. Ensure you provide accurate information to expedite the processing of your request.
SNAP for Seniors and People with Disabilities
SNAP in Louisiana provides tailored support for older adults (60+) and individuals with disabilities, recognizing their unique needs. These groups often have simplified application options, making the process more accessible and less time-consuming.
Eligibility criteria for seniors and disabled individuals may differ slightly, often allowing for higher income limits and more lenient asset tests. This ensures that those with fixed incomes or additional financial burdens can still qualify for assistance.
Common deductions for these groups include out-of-pocket medical expenses, which can significantly reduce countable income. This adjustment helps ensure that essential medical costs do not hinder access to necessary food assistance.
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Louisiana
Once approved for SNAP benefits, it's important to understand how to use them effectively, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
EBT cards, or Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, are used by SNAP recipients to access their benefits. Similar to a credit or debit card, an EBT card is swiped at the point of sale to purchase eligible food items. The card is linked to the recipient's SNAP account, automatically deducting the purchase amount from their available balance. This system ensures a convenient and discreet way for individuals to use their food assistance benefits.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Recipients in Louisiana can use their EBT card to purchase a variety of eligible food items, ensuring they have access to nutritious options. These items include:
Fruits
Vegetables
Dairy products
Bread and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
However, there are restrictions on what can be purchased with an EBT card. Ineligible items include:
Alcoholic beverages
Hot foods and foods prepared for immediate consumption
Vitamins and supplements
Non-food products such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet foods
Cosmetics and hygiene items
Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT
With Benny, you can earn cash back on groceries from stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree, as well as services such as Uber and Lyft. Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.
Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?
Recipients in Louisiana can use their EBT card at a variety of locations, including grocery stores, corner stores, and farmers' markets. These venues offer a wide range of eligible food items, ensuring access to nutritious options.
Additionally, EBT cards can be used for online purchases at approved retailers like Amazon and Walmart, providing further convenience. This flexibility allows recipients to shop for groceries in a way that best suits their needs and lifestyle.
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing SNAP benefits effectively ensures recipients maximize their food assistance, avoid running out of funds, and maintain eligibility. This includes checking your EBT balance, understanding deposit schedules, and renewing benefits on time.
EBT Deposit Schedule in Louisiana
In Louisiana, SNAP benefits are typically deposited onto EBT cards based on the last digit of the recipient's Social Security Number (SSN). This system helps ensure a smooth and organized distribution of benefits. Here is the deposit schedule:
SSN Ending in 0: Benefits deposited on the 1st of the month
SSN Ending in 1: Benefits deposited on the 2nd of the month
SSN Ending in 2: Benefits deposited on the 3rd of the month
SSN Ending in 3: Benefits deposited on the 4th of the month
SSN Ending in 4: Benefits deposited on the 5th of the month
SSN Ending in 5: Benefits deposited on the 6th of the month
SSN Ending in 6: Benefits deposited on the 7th of the month
SSN Ending in 7: Benefits deposited on the 8th of the month
SSN Ending in 8: Benefits deposited on the 9th of the month
SSN Ending in 9: Benefits deposited on the 10th of the month
Understanding this schedule is crucial for managing your SNAP benefits effectively, ensuring you plan your grocery shopping and budget accordingly.
For more details, check out our guide on EBT deposit schedule in Louisiana to learn about common reasons for delays and other helpful tips.
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
There are several methods available for checking your EBT balance in Louisiana:
Online Portal: Visit the Louisiana SNAP website and log in to your account to view your balance.
Benny App: Benny is a mobile app that allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions in real time by linking your EBT card to the app. Download Benny for free.
Phone Number: Call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card and follow the prompts to check your balance.
ATM Receipt: Insert your EBT card into an ATM, select "Balance Inquiry," and your balance will be printed on the receipt.
For additional information on each method for checking your EBT balance, check our guide on EBT Balance Check in Louisiana.
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
Recipients in Louisiana typically need to renew or recertify their SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months, depending on their specific circumstances. Required documents include proof of income, residency, and any changes in household size or expenses.
The recertification process involves completing a renewal form, either online, by mail, or in-person, and submitting the necessary documents. Timely recertification is important to ensure continuous access to benefits. For detailed instructions, visit the Louisiana SNAP website.
EBT Customer Support in Louisiana
SNAP and EBT customer support in Louisiana ensures recipients have access to assistance for managing their benefits, resolving issues, and answering questions.
For contact details, support options, and solutions to common issues, check out our guide on EBT customer service in Louisiana.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Louisiana
EBT Customer Service Phone Number: 1-888-997-1117
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services Offered:
Reporting lost or stolen EBT cards
Resetting PINs
Checking EBT card balances
Assistance with EBT transactions
General inquiries about EBT benefits
Local SNAP Office Locations and Contact Info
Finding your nearest SNAP or DHS office is straightforward with several available resources. You can use online locator tools, call dedicated phone lines, or book appointments directly. These methods ensure you get the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Here are the steps to find your nearest office:
Online Locator Tools: Visit the Louisiana DCFS office locator and enter your zip code or city to find the closest office.
Phone Lines: Call the Louisiana DCFS customer service at 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578) for assistance in locating your nearest office.
Appointment Booking: Some offices offer online appointment booking through their websites, allowing you to schedule a visit at your convenience.
Multi-Langual Support
SNAP application materials and assistance in Louisiana are available in multiple languages to support non-English speakers. This ensures that all residents can access the benefits they need. The most common languages in which assistance is available include:
Spanish
Vietnamese
Chinese
Arabic
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Managing your SNAP benefits in Louisiana is easier with Benny. This app lets you check your EBT balance and transactions instantly, ensuring you stay on top of your benefits. Plus, you can earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.
Discover how Benny can help you manage your SNAP benefits more effectively. Learn more about Benny.
Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP in Louisiana
Who qualifies for SNAP benefits in Louisiana?
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Louisiana, you must meet income limits based on household size, reside in the state, and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Additionally, you must comply with work requirements unless exempt due to age, disability, or other special conditions. For more details, visit the Louisiana SNAP website.
Can college students apply for SNAP?
Yes, college students can apply for SNAP in Louisiana if they meet certain conditions. These include working at least 20 hours per week, participating in a state or federally funded work-study program, or caring for a dependent under 6 years old. For more details, visit the Louisiana SNAP website.
Can I get SNAP benefits if I’m an immigrant?
Some immigrants may qualify for SNAP benefits depending on their immigration status. Eligible non-citizens include those with legal permanent residency, refugees, and asylees. It's important to check specific eligibility criteria to determine qualification. For detailed information, visit the Louisiana SNAP website.
How often do I need to renew my SNAP benefits?
SNAP recipients in Louisiana typically need to renew their benefits every 6 to 12 months. The exact renewal period depends on individual circumstances and state rules. Keeping track of your renewal date is important to ensure continuous access to your benefits.
