The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has received approval to implement the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) in eight parishes. They will also provide automatic replacements of SNAP benefits in four parishes and automatic supplements in six parishes.
It’s important to note that current SNAP recipients are not eligible for DSNAP, as this program is designed for individuals who were not previously receiving assistance.
Details about the SNAP program
Residents of Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, and Terrebonne parishes can apply for DSNAP assistance. This program is aimed at helping those who were not SNAP beneficiaries before the disaster but now require support due to food or income loss.
DSNAP interviews will begin on Wednesday, and residents of the approved parishes should contact the LAHelpU Customer Service Center by calling 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) on the day designated according to the first letter of their last name:
- Wednesday, September 25 – Last names A to G
- Thursday, September 26 – Last names H to M
- Friday, September 27 – Last names N to Z
- Monday, September 30 – Open to all
- Tuesday, October 1 – Open to all
The hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. After selecting your language, press 6, then 1, to begin the process.
Options for vulnerable groups
Seniors, people with disabilities, or those unable to apply for DSNAP over the phone will have the option to apply in person at several DCFS offices or community organizations within the affected parishes. Below are the locations and operating hours for these assistance offices:
- Ascension Parish: Ascension Economic Stability Office (1078 E Worthy St., Gonzales), Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Assumption Parish: Belle Rose Library (7089 Highway 1, Belle Rose), Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Lafourche Parish: Lafourche Child Welfare Office (1416 Tiger Drive, Thibodaux), Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- St. Charles Parish: Alan Arterbury Building (14564 River Road, New Sarpy), Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- St. James Parish: Vacherie Library (2593 Highway 20), Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- St. John Parish: Let’s Work! River Parishes Office (1708 Chantilly Drive, Suite A, LaPlace), Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- St. Mary Parish: St. Mary Child Welfare Office (604 2nd St., Franklin), Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Terrebonne Parish: Terrebonne Economic Stability Office (1012 W. Tunnel Blvd., Houma), Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Language assistance and verification of information
Throughout the application process, translation services will be available for anyone who needs them. DCFS workers will verify the applicant’s identity, residence, and any disaster-related expenses incurred between September 9 and October 8, 2024. Most applicants will know immediately whether their application has been approved and the amount of benefits they will receive. Additionally, a confirmation letter will be mailed out.
Applicants may also designate an authorized representative to apply on their behalf, though this requires approval from the head of the household, who will be contacted to confirm the authorization. If the application is approved, applicants will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in the mail.
Replacements and supplements for SNAP recipients
For those who are already receiving SNAP benefits in the affected parishes, two types of assistance are available: automatic benefit replacements and automatic supplements.
SNAP recipients in the parishes of Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary, and Terrebonne will automatically receive a replacement of 40% of their September benefits, as long as these benefits were issued before Hurricane Francine hit on September 11. These parishes were among the hardest hit, with more than 50% of residents experiencing power outages for more than 24 hours, according to the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
The replacement benefits will be loaded onto the recipients’ EBT cards by Wednesday, September 25. If you live in other parishes and lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to power outages of at least 24 hours or other impacts from the hurricane, you may apply for a manual replacement.