Replacement SNAP Benefits

There is no current disaster at this time. Please check the DSNAP page for updates, and follow DCFS on Social Media for the latest news.

In the event of a disaster, DCFS can authorize SNAP replacement benefits if the household loses food purchased with SNAP benefits.

• If the food loss is due to a power outage, the power must have been out for a minimum of 24 consecutive hours.
• DCFS works with the Louisiana Public Service Commission to obtain reports of specific areas of power outages.
• If DCFS cannot verify a household's power outage through these reports, SNAP recipients may be asked for verification of their power loss.

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Amount of Replacement SNAP Benefits

The value of the replacement benefit shall be an amount equal to the value of the lost food purchased with SNAP benefits, up to the maximum of one month of the household's SNAP benefits. If eligible, the replacement benefits are added to the SNAP household's regular EBT card.

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How to Apply for Replacement SNAP Benefits

Two ways to apply:

• Visit your local DCFS office to complete a SNAP 38 form
• Download and submit the SNAP 38 form

• Download a SNAP 38 Form
  
  — English
  — Spanish
  — Vietnamese
  
  
• 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

How do I get answers to additional questions?

• Email LAHelpU.dcfs@la.gov or call 1-888-524-3578.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:

1. Mail:
   Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
   1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
   Alexandria, VA 22314; or
   
   
2. Fax:
   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
   
   
3. Email:
   FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.