SNAP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you are not a current SNAP recipient, you can apply online for regular SNAP benefits. More information on this can be found at www.dcfs.la.gov/getSNAP.

You can apply for regular SNAP benefits online through the CAFÉ customer portal, or by downloading a paper application and submitting it to DCFS by U.S. Mail or fax. You will find a list of documents here that are required for proof of identity and eligibility. Applications cannot be emailed. For instructions on how to apply for SNAP, visit www.dcfs.la.gov/getSNAP or text GETSNAP (no spaces) to 898-211.

You can also find tips, how-to videos and more at http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/snap-how-to-apply. Find helpful how-to videos here: http://www.dcfs.la.gov/page/cafe-video-tutorials.

To receive SNAP benefits, households must meet certain resource and income eligibility standards. In addition, a family's SNAP benefit amount depends on the number of people in the SNAP household and the amount of their net income. Click here to view a table showing the maximum SNAP allotments by household size: http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/584. Learn more about the documents needed to provide proof of eligibility: http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/204

It depends. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or households including anyone who receives Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) or Strategies to Empower People (STEP) Program benefits, are exempt from the SNAP resource limit.

DCFS is also using Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) to expand SNAP eligibility to applicants who have excess assets but who are otherwise income eligible. If a household is BBCE-eligible, assets will not be counted in determining SNAP eligibility.

Certain restrictions do apply. If household members have been disqualified (for program violations, failure to comply with work registration requirements, noncompliance with SSI-required treatment for addiction/alcoholism, conviction of certain crimes, receipt of substantial lottery/gambling winnings) or if a household member is otherwise ineligible (e.g., an ineligible student, ineligible alien, or on strike), Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility will not apply and assets will be considered in determining SNAP eligibility.

Assets of households who are not BBCE-eligible, and who are not otherwise exempt from the resource limit, must be counted in determining SNAP eligibility.

Assets include things like bank accounts, cash, certificates of deposit (CDs), stocks and bonds. More information on SNAP eligibility and resource limits.

No. The coronavirus stimulus checks (also known as Economic Impact Payments) are actually refundable tax credits and do not count as income.

For more information on Economic Impact Payments, visit the IRS at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.

Maybe. It depends on how much you receive and your household size.

While the USDA allows certain disaster unemployment assistance to be excluded from income for SNAP purposes, the 1st round of federal pandemic unemployment benefits ($600 weekly) authorized under the CARES Act were required to be counted as income when calculating SNAP eligibility.

However, the 2nd round of pandemic unemployment benefits ($300 weekly) authorized under the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2021, will NOT be counted as income. Please note that state unemployment benefits will still be counted.

You can also find the income limits for eligibility here. For more information about what income and resources are counted in determining SNAP eligibility, and to see maximum income levels by household size, visit www.dcfs.la.gov/page/snap-eligibility

When applying for SNAP benefits, there are several documents you need to provide – either by uploading them in CAFÉ when you apply or by emailing/mailing/faxing them to us.

Uploading these documents in CAFÉ when you apply will help reduce the time it takes to process your SNAP application. Please gather these documents and save them to your computer or mobile device before you start the application process so you will have them ready to upload when you apply. CAFÉ can accept scanned PDF documents, as well as GIF, JPG and PNG photos. For a video tutorial on How to Upload Documents to CAFÉ, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqDbW1m_fRc&feature=youtu.be. This and other helpful How-To videos about CAFÉ and applying for SNAP can also be found at www.dcfs.la.gov/page/cafe-video-tutorials.

Documents you need to provide with a SNAP application include proof of:

• Identity
• Status as a legal resident, if applicable
• Wage information if employed or a notice of termination or separation if recently unemployed
• Self-employment income information
• Any other income, such as unemployment compensation, Social Security, veterans benefits, child support, or retirement income
• Medical expenses
• Child support paid to someone outside your home

For a list of what kinds of documents can be used as proof, visit www.dcfs.la.gov/page/204.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are applying for FITAP and/or KCSP, additional documentation is required. For a list of what documents are required with FITAP/KCSP applications, visit www.dcfs.la.gov/page/204.

If you cannot upload your documents in CAFÉ, you may email, mail, or fax them to us instead:

• Email to LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov
• Mail to DCFS Economic Stability, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826
• Fax to (225) 663-3164

When you send your documents by email, mail or fax, please be sure to include on each page: your name as it appears in our records, your date of birth, your mailing address and the last four digits ONLY of your Social Security Number.

The best way to provide documents is through the DCFS CAFE portal. You can find a helpful how-to video about this and other SNAP application issues here on our website. However, if you're having trouble, you can send your documents using one of the following options:

• Fax the documents to (225) 663-3164
• Mail copies of the documents to:

DPC

P.O. Box 260031

Baton Rouge, LA 70826

You should also include your name, date of birth, your mailing address and the last four digits only of your Social Security number. If you already have a SNAP EBT card, you should include your case ID number (the small number below the 16-digit number on your card).

Find out what documents are needed to provide proof of eligibility: http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/204

You will be notified by mail once an eligibility decision is made on your application. DCFS has 30 days to process your application. However, if you are determined eligible for SNAP benefits, you will be eligible from the date of application.

Because of the great volume of applications DCFS has been receiving, it may take 30 days to process applications. Providing all required documents at the time of application can help expedite the process. More about what must be verified and examples of proof. If we do not receive all required documentation to make a determination on your case, you will receive a call and/or letter from your caseworker, requesting the needed documentation.

After you apply, you can check on the status of your application through our online CAFÉ customer portal at www.dcfs.la.gov/cafe. After signing into your CAFÉ account, go to the “My Applications” page and click the status link next to the application. Possible status updates include: Submitted, Received, Incomplete, Pending, Awaiting Verifications, Verifications Received, Approved, Denied and Unavailable. Please note that, due to the volume of applications we have received during this pandemic, it may take some time for your application status to be updated (for example, from the time you send your verification documents until your caseworker can review them and mark your case as “verifications received.”) Please be patient as we work to process cases as timely as possible. 

You can find a helpful how-to video on this and other topics involving applying for SNAP at http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/cafe-video-tutorials.

If you have additional questions about your application or case, you may:

• Call our Customer Service Center at 1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578), 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please be aware that wait times may be long.
• Email our Customer Service staff at LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov. Please do NOT send more than 1 email on the same issue. Multiple emails will only clog the system and delay response times.

You can check the status of your application through our online CAFÉ customer portal at www.dcfs.la.gov/cafe. After signing into your CAFÉ account, go to the “My Applications” page and click the status link next to the application. Possible status updates include: Submitted, Received, Incomplete, Pending, Awaiting Verifications, Verifications Received, Approved, Denied and Unavailable.

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to the high volume of applications we have receive, it may take some time for your application status to be updated (for example, from the time you send your verification documents until your caseworker can review them and mark your case as “verifications received.”)  Please be patient as we work to process cases as timely as possible.

You can also check your status through our Call Center’s automated system (1-888-524-3578).

Find out more about the documents required for SNAP eligibility: http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/204.

contact_caseworker

Yes, SNAP, FITAP, KCSP and Child Support Enforcement clients can contact their caseworkers through the upgraded CAFÉ Self-Service Portal at www.dcfs.la.gov/cafe.

For SNAP, FITAP and KCSP:

• Log into your CAFÉ account
• Click on “Check My Cases” on your My Account page
• Click on the “Details” link next to the case you are asking about (for example, “SNAP Details” next to your SNAP case) under “Case Summary.” This will take you to the Case Details page.
• On the Case Details page, scroll down to the section labeled “Questions About Your Case?”
• Select your question or topic from the drop-down menu (for example, “I would like to reschedule my interview” or “Why did my case close or benefit amount change?”)
• Click the “Submit Now” button to notify your caseworker of your question
• A message will then be sent to your caseworker for a response. Please note that the response can take up to two business days.
• When your caseworker responds, you will receive a Notification in your CAFÉ account Inbox. Please check your CAFÉ account regularly.

NOTE: If you just need general information about CAFÉ, please use the HELP or FAQs section within CAFÉ. If you would like to request changes or the closure of your case, please complete and submit a Change Report. For other questions, use the “Questions About Your Case?” feature described above. If your question or concern does not appear in this section, you may contact our Customer Service Center at 1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578).

For Child Support Enforcement:

• Log into your CAFÉ account
• Click on “Check My Cases” on your My Account page
• Click on “Child Support Enforcement Details” under “Case Summary.” This will take you to the Case Details page.
• Click on “Child Support Enforcement Message Center” under “General Information”
• Click on “Submit a Question” and send your question or information
• A message will then be sent to your caseworker for a response. Please note that the response can take up to two business days.
• When your caseworker responds, you will receive an email notifying you that a response to your question has been placed on the Child Support Payment and Information Center. Please log in to view the message.

NOTE: If you just need general information about CAFÉ, please use the HELP or FAQs section within CAFÉ.

Call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center (888) 524-3578. The regular hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., M-F.

• To speak with a customer service representative, select your language, then press these numbers in sequence: 3-1-3-6.

Or email the Customer Service Center at LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov with a brief explanation of your reason for writing. 

• If you are a current SNAP recipient, please include your full name as it appears in our records, all of your contact information and your case identification number (the smaller number below the 16-digit number on the front of your EBT card).
• If you are not a current SNAP recipient, please include your full name as it appears in our records, all of your contact information, your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Clients have 90 days from the date of DCFS's decision on a SNAP case to appeal the department's decision. The decision letter you receive from DCFS will include instructions for filing an appeal. You will need to complete and sign the section below "Fair Hearing Information" and return it to the address indicated in the letter.

If your application is still pending on the 21^st day after your application date, an EBT card will be mailed to you automatically. This will ensure you have a card in-hand in case your application is ultimately approved, so that you can access benefits more quickly.

PLEASE NOTE:  No benefits will be loaded onto the card unless/until your application is approved, so you may receive a card with $0 benefits loaded onto it. The benefits would then be loaded onto the card the day after your application is approved.

If your application is approved before the 21^st day after your application date, an EBT card will be mailed to you the day after your application is approved. The card will already be loaded with the amount of benefits for which you have been approved.

If your application meets the federal criteria for expedited services, an EBT card will be mailed to you when your application is received by DCFS. Please note that you may receive an EBT card without benefits on it, even if your application is subsequently denied. Benefits will be loaded onto your card if/when your application is approved.

EBT cards are mailed to applicants automatically if their application is still pending on the 21^st day after their application date. We do this to ensure clients have a card in-hand as soon as possible, in case their application is approved, so benefits can be accessed more quickly.

If you are determined to be ineligible and your application is denied, however, no benefits will be loaded onto the card.

EBT cards are mailed to applicants automatically if their application is still pending on the 21^st day after their application date. We do this to ensure clients have a card in-hand as soon as possible, in case their application is approved, so benefits can be accessed more quickly. However, no benefits are loaded onto the card until the application is approved.

If your application is approved, your benefits will be loaded onto your EBT card the next day.

Yes. You may use a relative/friend/neighbor’s EBT card to go grocery shopping for them if they give you their card and their PIN.

Yes, Louisiana residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may now purchase groceries online at participating retailers across the state. Consumers can use their EBT cards to shop and pay for qualified foods online. Delivery and other fees associated with online purchasing are not covered by SNAP benefits. Approved retailers can be located onUSDA FNS's webpage. For more information, visit our EBT Online Purchasing page.

If you have previously bookmarked or saved the link to our CAFE customer portal on your computer or phone, you may have linked to our old CAFE Customer Portal rather than our new, upgraded CAFE Self-Service Portal. To figure out which version of CAFE you are viewing, look at the top of the CAFE webpage and see whether it says "CAFE Customer Portal" (old system) or "CAFE Self-Service Portal" (upgraded system). If you are currently in the old system, you can reach the new system by going to https://sspweb.ie.dcfs.la.gov/selfservice/

NOTE: If this is your first time visiting our upgraded CAFE Self-Service Portal, you will need to create a new CAFE account (even if you have an active SNAP case). For directions on how to do that, please watch this tutorial on How to Create a CAFE Account.

You can reach the new CAFE Self-Service Portal by clicking on following web address: https://sspweb.ie.dcfs.la.gov/selfservice/. If it says "CAFE Self-Service Portal" at the top of the page, you are in the right place!

To figure If this is your first time visiting the new CAFE, you will need to create a new CAFE account (even if you have an active SNAP case). For directions, please watch this helpful how-to video:  http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/video-tutorial-how-to-create-a-cafe-account. You'll find other SNAP video tutorials at http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/cafe-video-tutorials.

From time to time, DCFS sends text messages to SNAP recipients and/or applicants with helpful information regarding benefits or other updates, as appropriate. To confirm the legitimacy of a message, you can contact LAHELP-U at 1-888-524-3578.

You can opt-out by replying with 'StopTEXT' or 'STOP'.

DCFS is actively trying different messaging to gather information to determine which experiences work best for clients.

It depends on your phone plan. If you have a plan that charges for text messages, it will charge you the same as it would for any text message. Most phone plans, including those provided by the government, don’t charge for individual text messages.