May 22, 2026 Louisiana Department of Health announces new EBT policy for SNAP recipientsPurchases will be limited to retailers in Louisiana and along the state border

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 22, 2026 - The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announces that beginning May 26, 2026, Louisiana SNAP recipients will only be able to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for purchases made within the state and in ZIP codes adjacent to Louisiana's border in neighboring states. The change protects benefits from fraud and out-of-state use, strengthening program integrity and ensuring SNAP dollars support Louisiana grocers, farmers, businesses, and local communities.

EBT cardholders who shop at Louisiana stores and through approved online retailers will not be affected by this policy change. Louisianans who regularly shop just across the state line in Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas will also experience little to no disruption, as many of those ZIP codes are included under the policy's in-state designation. Out-of-state purchases occurring outside of the approved areas will be blocked. 

SNAP recipients who are traveling and need temporary access to make purchases outside of Louisiana can request a short-term exemption at lifeincheckebt.com, by calling 888-LAHelp-U (888-524-3578), or by visiting a local LDH SNAP office.

Any temporary out-of-state access will automatically expire at the beginning of the following month, returning the card to the default in-state-only setting.

For more information, including a full list of approved border-area ZIP codes, visit ldh.la.gov/page/electronic-benefits-transfer-ebt or call 888-LAHelp-U (888-524-3578).