Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP)

DSNAP - February 2021 Winter Storms

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) received federal approval to begin virtual Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) operations in 23 parishes severely affected by the winter storms.

Application Dates: April 5-17, 2021

Due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, DSNAP applications will be handled by phone and benefits cards will be mailed to approved applicants. Residents will be assigned a day, based on the first letter of their last name, to apply and be interviewed for DSNAP.

how-to-apply

How to Apply

On their designated day, residents will call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Translation services are available for individuals whose primary language is not English.

Applicants must select the following menu options during the call:

• 1st Option - Select Language
• 2nd Option - Press 3
• 3rd Option - Press 3
• 4th Option - Press 1

Residents are encouraged, but not required, to take the following steps before calling to apply for DSNAP:

• Pre-register online first. Step-by-step instructions for this can be found on the DSNAP pre-registration page.

• Residents who pre-registered or applied for DSNAP anytime since March 2020, do not need to pre-register again but will need to call to apply for benefits to be considered.

• Download the LA Wallet mobile app for identity and residency verification. Click here for information on the app, including download links.
• Gather all information needed for the application. A list of what is needed can be found on the DSNAP FAQ page

When residents call to apply and be interviewed for DSNAP, a worker will:

• Verify the applicant’s identity and residency
• Obtain information about income, resources and disaster-related expenses

Most applicants will be told on the phone immediately after completing their application and interview whether they have been approved to receive DSNAP and, if so, the amount of benefits they will receive. Applicants will also receive a letter by mail, confirming the eligibility decision made on their application.

Applicants may name an Authorized Representative (AR) to apply for DSNAP benefits on their behalf. The head of household must authorize the person to serve as AR on their behalf, and the worker will need to speak to the head of household to confirm that they agree for the AR to speak on their behalf.

Elderly and disabled applicants who cannot complete the phone application process can apply at their local DCFS office.

snap-eligibility

SNAP Recipient Eligibility

SNAP recipients are not eligible for DSNAP benefits. However, individuals who began receiving SNAP benefits after the storm can apply .

• Residents who began to receive SNAP benefits after February 2021 MAY BE eligible.
• Residents who received SNAP benefits in February 2021 ARE NOT eligible.
• The latest information about SNAP benefits can be found at www.dcfs.la.gov/page/snap-updates. 

app-sched

Application Schedule

Residents should call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center to apply and be interviewed for DSNAP on their designated day (according to the first letter of their last name) or on the A-Z days, which are open to all residents in the approved parishes for each phase.

flyers

2021 Winter Storms DSNAP Application Flyers

About DSNAP