You can apply online via Louisiana’s DCFS LaCAFÉ portal (sspweb.ie.dcfs.la.gov) or download a paper application to mail or fax. You’ll need proof of identity (driver’s license, birth certificate), income (pay stubs, award letters), and expenses (lease/rent receipts, utility bills). After submission, DCFS typically processes applications within 30 days for most households, or 7 days in emergencies.

For FFY 2025, gross monthly income must be ≤130% of FPL: e.g., $1,580 for 1 person, $2,137 for 2, adding ~$557 per additional member. Net income (after deductions) must fall below 100% of FPL. Seniors/disabled households may waive gross tests.

The formula is: Max Allotment – (Net Income × 0.30). Net Income = Gross Income – allowable deductions (20% earned income, shelter, medical, child support). Use USDA’s 2025 max allotment table (e.g., $766 for 3 people) to compute your share.

Count taxable income (wages, tips, unemployment, SSI) and certain non‑taxable (child support, veterans’ benefits). Exclude energy assistance, student loans, disaster relief payments. Self‑employment income uses net earnings after business expenses.

Provide ID (driver’s license, state ID), SSNs for all members, proof of income (recent pay stubs, benefits letters), proof of residency (lease agreement, utility bill), and expense verification (rent/mortgage receipts, medical bills over $35 for seniors/disabled). Additional docs may include child support payment records.

Standard processing is up to 30 calendar days from application receipt. Emergency SNAP (for households ≤ $150 gross income + liquid assets ≤ $100) must be approved within 7 days. Processing may extend if verification documents are missing.

You receive a shelter deduction equal to allowable costs (rent/mortgage + utilities) minus 50% of your net income, capped at $597 for most households (waived for seniors/disabled). A standard utility allowance of ~$400 may apply if detailed bills aren’t provided.

Seniors (60+) or disabled households are exempt from gross income tests but must meet net income and resource limits. They qualify if net income ≤ 100% FPL and assets ≤ $3,750 for the elderly/disabled household.

The 2025 maximum allotment for a 4‑person household is $973 per month. Your actual benefit = $973 – (Net Income × 0.30), never below $20.

Most households recertify every 6 or 12 months, depending on household type. Seniors/disabled may get 24‑month certifications. DCFS will send reminders via mail or your LaCAFÉ inbox.

Call 1‑888‑997‑1117 (nationwide EBT line), log into your LaCAFÉ portal, or use the LAHelpU mobile app. Balances also print on your most recent purchase receipt.

Count cash on hand, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and certain vehicles. Households with any member receiving SSI, FITAP, KCSP, or under BBCE are exempt from resource limits.

Able‑bodied adults 18–49 without dependents must work/participate in job training at least 80 hours/month or face a 3‑month time‑limit in any 36‑month period. Exemptions include pregnancy, disability, or caregiving for a child under 6.

Students enrolled at least half‑time must meet income limits plus one of: work ≥ 20 hrs/week, care for a dependent under 6, participate in state‑approved work‑study, or receive TANF. Otherwise they’re ineligible.

Qualified immigrants (green card holders, refugees, asylees) meeting length‑of‑residence rules can apply. Undocumented immigrants are ineligible, though U.S. citizen household members may still qualify.

DSNAP provides expedited benefits after declared disasters. Eligibility is based on residency in affected areas and normal SNAP rules, plus waiving asset limits. Payments occur within 7 days of application.

LaCAP (Louisiana Combined Application Project) is a simplified SNAP for SSI recipients aged 60+; benefits are standard allotments ($100, $151, $244). Regular SNAP uses income/deductions formulas. Both deposit benefits to the same EBT card.

Report changes (income, household, address) online via LaCAFÉ, by phone at 1‑888‑LAHELP‑U, or at your local DCFS office. Reporting within 10 days prevents overpayments and potential penalties.

Benefits post based on the last two digits of your EBT card number, between the 1st and 10th of each month. All cycle dates are listed on dcfs.louisiana.gov under “SNAP Updates.”

Call 1‑888‑997‑1117 to report and request a replacement; your old card is deactivated immediately. A new card arrives within 7–10 business days. You can also visit your parish DCFS office for same‑day reissue.