The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has launched the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) in response to Hurricane Francine’s impact. Residents in eight affected parishes can now apply for DSNAP benefits to help offset food and income losses. At the same time, the DCFS is automatically replacing and supplementing regular SNAP benefits for those in the hardest-hit areas.
DSNAP
The DSNAP program is designed for individuals and families who were not already receiving SNAP benefits but have now experienced disaster-related losses. The parishes eligible for DSNAP assistance are Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, and Terrebonne.
DSNAP interviews will begin on Wednesday, September 25, and residents should apply based on the first letter of their last name. The following dates apply:
- Wednesday, September 25: Last names A–G
- Thursday, September 26: Last names H–M
- Friday, September 27: Last names N–Z
- Monday, September 30: Open to all
- Tuesday, October 1: Open to all
The interviews will take place from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day. Applicants can call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578. After selecting a language, pressing 6, then 1, will direct them to the application process. Applicants will need to verify their identity, residence, and disaster-related expenses from September 9 to October 8, 2024.
Support
For individuals unable to apply over the phone, in-person assistance is available. This includes seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others who may need additional help. DCFS has set up offices in each of the affected parishes, where applicants can visit from Monday through Friday. Below are the locations and operating hours:
| Parish | Office Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ascension | Ascension Economic Stability Office, Gonzales | 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Assumption | Belle Rose Library, Belle Rose | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Lafourche | Lafourche Child Welfare Office, Thibodaux | 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| St. Charles | Alan Arterbury Building, New Sarpy | 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| St. James | Vacherie Library, Vacherie | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| St. John | Let’s Work! River Parishes Office, LaPlace | 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| St. Mary | St. Mary Child Welfare Office, Franklin | 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Terrebonne | Terrebonne Economic Stability Office, Houma | 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
These offices will help vulnerable groups complete the DSNAP application process and offer assistance with document verification.
Application Process
Applicants will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and documentation of any disaster-related expenses incurred due to Hurricane Francine. Most applicants will know the status of their application immediately, and those approved will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. These cards will be mailed out and used to access the DSNAP benefits.
Additionally, applicants can authorize a representative to apply on their behalf, although this requires confirmation from the head of the household.
SNAP Replacements
Existing SNAP recipients are not eligible for DSNAP but will receive other forms of support. SNAP recipients in Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary, and Terrebonne parishes, which were severely impacted by the hurricane, will automatically receive a replacement of 40% of their September benefits. These parishes experienced widespread power outages, with more than 50% of residents losing electricity for over 24 hours. The automatic replacement benefits will be loaded onto recipients’ EBT cards by September 25.
For SNAP recipients in other parishes who lost food due to power outages or storm-related issues, manual replacement of benefits is available upon request.
SNAP recipients in six parishes—Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. James, and Terrebonne—will also receive automatic supplements to bring their benefit amounts up to the maximum allowable level for their household size.
This combination of automatic replacements and supplements is designed to quickly restore access to food assistance for those hardest hit by Hurricane Francine.
The DSNAP and SNAP assistance programs are critical for ensuring that Louisiana residents affected by the disaster can access the food they need. With both automatic benefits for current SNAP recipients and new DSNAP assistance for those in need, the state is taking steps to provide rapid relief in a challenging time.
FAQs
Who is eligible for DSNAP?
DSNAP is available to non-SNAP households affected by the disaster.
How can I apply for DSNAP assistance?
You can apply by calling 1-888-LAHELPU or visiting a local office.
Can I designate someone to apply for DSNAP on my behalf?
Yes, an authorized representative can apply for you with approval.
When will I receive my SNAP replacement benefits?
Automatic replacement benefits will be available by September 25.
How will I know if my DSNAP application is approved?
You will receive an immediate response, and a confirmation letter will follow.
