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SNAP Updates - Hurricane Laura 2020
SNAP Replacement Benefits
Automatic Replacement of 50% SNAP Benefits in 26 Parishes
All SNAP recipients in 26 parishes whose cases were certified before Aug. 27 were eligible to receive an automatic replacement of 50% of their monthly SNAP allotment due to widespread power outages caused by Hurricane Laura. The automatic replacements were loaded onto recipients’ EBT cards on September 11, 2020.
- The replacement benefits are meant to cover food that had been purchased with SNAP benefits and was lost due to power outages from the storm.
- Click here to view the 26-parish list.
snap38
SNAP recipients who did not receive automatic replacement benefits and lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a power outage of 24+ straight hours can submit a SNAP 38 form to request replacement benefits.
The deadline to request replacements due to Hurricane Laura is October 8.
Two Ways to Apply
- Online
- Mail or Fax
- Download a SNAP 38 Form
— English
— Spanish
— Vietnames - Submit completed form
— By mail: to DPC, P. O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826-9918
— By fax: (225) 663-3164
— In person: At your local DCFS office
After confirming the length of power outages in your area with the Louisiana Public Service Commission, DCFS will determine your eligibility for replacement benefits. If caseworkers need additional information they will contact you. If replacements are warranted, DCFS expects to issue benefits to your account within 10 days. You will not receive correspondence from DCFS about this request.
Please know, DCFS staff are actively processing requests, but as a result of Hurricane Laura and increased need due to the pandemic, they are receiving a larger than normal volume of forms and applications. We ask for your patience.
Supplemental SNAP Benefits — October 2020
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, DCFS received federal approval for supplemental SNAP benefits for October to bring familuies to the maximum benefit for their household if they are not already receiving the max amount. Emergency allotments issuance date: Friday, October 16, 2020.
SNAP Benefits Issued Early — October 2020
Because of lingering effects from Hurricane Laura, DCFS will issue regular SNAP benefits early in October. SNAP recipients will receive their benefits on Thursday, October 1.
All Recertifications Extended 3 Months
All SNAP recertifications (redeterminations and simplified reports) have been extended for 3 months to allow staff to focus on DSNAP and new SNAP applications. (That means, for example, if you had a redet or simplified report due in September, it will now be due in December. If you had a redet or simplified report due in October, it will now be due in January. And so on.)
No September Interviews
September interviews for new SNAP applicants have been waived.
- Emergency allotments for September will bring families to the max for their household size.
- The supplements issued early -- on September 16.
- All Louisiana SNAP Recipients received September benefits on Tuesday, September 1.
Purchase Hot Foods with SNAP Benefits
SNAP recipients can use their benefits to purchase “hot” or prepared foods, following a waiver approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).