Food assistance from SNAP support after Hurricane Francine
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has received approval to roll out the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) across eight parishes. Additionally, the agency will provide automatic replacements of SNAP benefits in four parishes and automatic supplements in six others.
Who is Eligible for DSNAP?
It’s essential to note that current SNAP recipients are not eligible for DSNAP. This program specifically assists individuals who were not receiving assistance before the disaster but now require support due to food or income loss.
Approved Parishes for DSNAP Assistance
Residents of the following parishes can apply for DSNAP assistance: Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, and Terrebonne. DSNAP interviews will commence on Wednesday, September 25. Residents are encouraged to contact the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) on designated days based on 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
In-Person Application Options
For vulnerable groups, including seniors and individuals with disabilities who cannot apply for DSNAP over the phone, in-person application options are available at various DCFS offices and community organizations in the affected parishes. The following locations will be open for assistance:
- Ascension Parish: Ascension Economic Stability Office (1078 E Worthy St., Gonzales), Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Assumption Parish: Belle Rose Library (7089 Highway 1, Belle Rose), Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Lafourche Parish: Lafourche Child Welfare Office (1416 Tiger Drive, Thibodaux), Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- St. Charles Parish: Alan Arterbury Building (14564 River Road, New Sarpy), Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- St. James Parish: Vacherie Library (2593 Highway 20), Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- St. John Parish: Let’s Work! River Parishes Office (1708 Chantilly Drive, Suite A, LaPlace), Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- St. Mary Parish: St. Mary Child Welfare Office (604 2nd St., Franklin), Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Terrebonne Parish: Terrebonne Economic Stability Office (1012 W. Tunnel Blvd., Houma), Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Language Assistance and Verification
Throughout the application process, translation services will be available for those in need. DCFS workers will verify applicants’ identities, residences, and any disaster-related expenses incurred between September 9 and October 8, 2024. Most applicants will receive immediate feedback regarding the approval of their application and the amount of benefits they will be granted. A confirmation letter will also be mailed.
Applicants may designate an authorized representative to apply on their behalf; however, this requires approval from the head of the household, who will be contacted for confirmation. If approved, applicants will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in the mail.
Assistance for Current SNAP Recipients
For those already receiving SNAP benefits in the affected parishes, two types of assistance are available: automatic benefit replacements and automatic supplements.
SNAP recipients in Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary, and Terrebonne parishes will automatically receive a replacement of 40% of their September benefits, provided these benefits were issued before Hurricane Francine struck on September 11. These parishes experienced significant impacts, with over 50% of residents suffering power outages lasting more than 24 hours, as reported by the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
Replacement benefits will be loaded onto recipients’ EBT cards by Wednesday, September 25. For those living in other parishes who lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to power outages of at least 24 hours or other hurricane-related impacts, manual replacement applications are available.
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