The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program, provides monthly benefits that help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for good health.  Eligible households can receive food assistance through regular SNAP or through the Louisiana Combined Application Project (LaCAP).

LaCAP is a food assistance program for Louisiana residents who are at least 60 years of age and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It is a simplified version of SNAP. If you are eligible for LaCAP, you will receive a Louisiana Purchase Card and SNAP benefits will be automatically deposited into your account every month.

Comprehensive information is available about the food stamp program at:
http://www.dss.state.la.us/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&nid=34&pnid=7&pid=93&catid=0

Qualifying for Benefits:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is dependent on these eligibility requirements:

• To get benefits through SNAP, households must meet certain tests, including resource and income tests.
• Residence - the client must be living in Louisiana. (There is no time period provided.)
• Citizenship - household members can include either US citizens and/or certain aliens with verifiable USCIS documentation.
• Enumeration - households must provide or apply for Social Security numbers for each member before certification.
• Work Registration - all able-bodied adults, with specific exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment

You can determine if you are eligible for food stamps through this pre-screening online tool at:
http://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/

Applying for Benefits:

Step One:

• Fill out an Application online.
• You can also apply for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) or Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) with this application.
• You can also download an application, fill it out by hand and mail it to your local DCFS office.

Step Two:

• Gather the documents you will need to verify the information in your application. What must be verfified and examples of proof.

Step Three (for downloaded applications filled out by hand only):

• Mail the application to or drop it off at your DCFS parish office. (Applications are also available there to fill out).

Step Four:

• After receiving your application, a DCFS employee will call you to conduct an interview over the phone, saving you time. Please provide a valid telephone number for contact purposes, or
• If a face-to-face interview is requested, you may schedule an appointment with any DCFS parish office.

Questions?

• Call 1-888-LA-HELP-U (View the LAHELPU keypad shortcuts)

*Households composed entirely of people who are applying for or receiving SSI may apply for SNAP benefits through regular SNAP at the Social Security Administration office unless they already have a SNAP application pending.