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September SNAP Benefits to be Issued Early to Assist Those Impacted by Isaac

Benefits to be issued beginning Saturday

August 28, 2012

08.28.12 - The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) September benefits will be issued on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards early, beginning this Saturday, September 1, to assist those impacted by Hurricane Isaac. All SNAP recipients eligible for September benefits will receive their benefits by Tuesday, September 4.

"We want to ensure that those eligible for SNAP benefits in September receive those resources as soon as possible in the event they ran out of resources evacuating or need to replace food damaged in the storm," said DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier.

SNAP benefits will be loaded based on when recipients normally receive their monthly allotment, which are usually loaded on Louisiana Purchase EBT cards between the first and the fourteenth of each month.

If recipients normally receive benefits between the 1st and the 10th of the month, early benefits will be issued on September 1.

If recipients normally receive benefits on the 11th of the month, benefits will be issued on September 2.

If recipients normally receive benefits on the 12th of the month, benefits will be issued on September 3.

If recipients normally receive benefits on the 13th or 14th of the month, benefits will be issued on September 4.

This timeline maintains compliance with federal requirements. It is important to note that these are not added benefits and that October benefits will return to normal issuance schedules.

DCFS has informed and worked with the Louisiana Retailers Association, Associated Grocers, Wal-Mart and other stores to make them aware of the early issuance so they can adjust their orders as needed to help ensure stores have an adequate stock.

Recipients can check the balance of their EBT cards by calling DCFS' EBT Customer Service Center at 1-888-997-1117 or visit www.ebt.acs-inc.com.

SNAP is administered in Louisiana by DCFS and overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Read more about recipients' rights.