SNAP Eligibility & Application

Resources

Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or households including anyone who receives Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP), or Strategies to Empower People (STEP) Program benefits are exempt from the resource limit. Households not exempt from the resource limit may have up to $2750 in resources, such as a bank account, cash, certificate of deposit (CDs), stocks, and bonds. Non-exempt households that include at least one household member who is age 60 or older or includes a disabled member may have up to $4250 in resources.

Households are not exempt from the resource limit if:

• Any member is disqualified for Intentional Program Violation
• The household is disqualified for failing to comply with work registration requirements

The following individuals are not exempt from the resource limit:

• An ineligible alien
• An ineligible student
• An individual who is disqualified for failure to comply with work registration requirements
• An individual who is disqualified for failure to provide or apply for a Social Security number
• An individual who is on strike

Other Eligibility Requirements

• Identity - Individuals must show proof they are the person they claim to be. Applicants must provide proof of their identity.
• Residence - the client must be living in Louisiana.
• 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

Visit the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program online and view the federal requirements for food assistance in several languages.

Applying for SNAP Benefits

Step One:

• Download and complete a print application.
  • Application for Assistance (English)(*economic stability doc link)
  • Solicutud de Asistencia (Spanish)(*economic stability doc link)
  • Đơn xin hỗ trợ (Vietnamese)(*economic stability doc link)
  • Application for Assistance (Large-print)(*economic stability doc link)

Applications can be printed and completed at an office nearest to an applicant.

• You can also apply for the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) or Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) with this application.
• You may also apply by phone by calling 1-888-LAHELP-U (888-524-3578).
• You can also complete an application online.

Step Two

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

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

•  Mail the completed form to the Document Processing Center:
  • LDH Economic Stability
    P.O. Box 260031
    Baton Rouge, LA 70826
• Drop off at the nearest local office (*directory link)
• Or fax the completed form to:
  • (225) 663-3164

Step Four:

• After receiving your application, an LDH 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 LDH parish office. (*directory link)

Questions?

• Call 1-888-LAHELP-U (View the LAHELPU keypad shortcuts)(*document link)

*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.