Louisiana.gov DCFS Family Support

SNAP Updates - Issuance Schedule Changes

DCFS is changing its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits schedule to distribute benefits more evenly throughout each month. The transition began in December 2020, and the new regular schedule goes into effect in February 2021.

Why We're Changing
DCFS is changing SNAP benefit schedules to allow retailers to provide SNAP families and other shoppers with more consistent access to a variety of foods. Households typically shop on or shortly after the day their benefits are issued. The changes will help retailers maintain sufficient supplies of essentials, like bread, dairy, and produce.

SNAP Schedule Changes
Under the new SNAP issuance schedule, benefits will be distributed on the 1st through 23rd of each month. DCFS will take three months to transition to the new schedule, beginning in December 2020. Recipients classified as elderly or disabled will continue to receive their benefits on the 1st through 4th of each month. Elderly, in this case, refers to a Head of Household who is age 60 or older. All other recipients should review the chart below, take note of your upcoming issuance dates, and budget accordingly. No recipient will go more than 40 days between benefit issuances.

SNAP Schedule Changes

Under the new SNAP issuance schedule, benefits will be distributed on the 1st through 23rd of each month.
DCFS will take three months to transition to the new schedule, beginning in December 2020.
Recipients classified as elderly or disabled will continue to receive their benefits on the 1st through 4th of each month.

Elderly, in this case, refers to a Head of Household who is age 60 or older.

All other recipients should review the chart below, take note of your upcoming issuance dates, and budget accordingly.
No recipient will go more than 40 days between benefit issuances.

SNAP Issuance Schedule - Transition Plan

What does the new schedule mean for me?
Here are some examples: If your Social Security Number ends in 5, and you are not classified as elderly or disabled, your December benefits will be issued on Dec. 10th, your January benefits on Jan. 13th, and your February benefits on Feb. 15th. Your regular issuance date will then be the 15th of each month. If your Social Security Number ends in 9, and you are not classified as elderly or disabled, your December benefits will be issued on Dec. 10th, your January benefits on Jan. 18th, and your February benefits on Feb. 23rd. Your regular issuance date will then be the 23rd of each month. If you are classified as elderly or disabled, your benefits will be issued on the 1st through 4th of each month.

What does the new schedule mean for me?

Here are some examples:

If your Social Security Number ends in 5, and you are not classified as elderly or disabled, your December benefits will be issued on Dec. 10th, your January benefits on Jan. 13th, and your February benefits on Feb. 15th.

Your regular issuance date will then be the 15th of each month.

If your Social Security Number ends in 9, and you are not classified as elderly or disabled, your December benefits will be issued on Dec. 10th, your January benefits on Jan. 18th, and your February benefits on Feb. 23rd.

Your regular issuance date will then be the 23rd of each month.

If you are classified as elderly or disabled, your benefits will be issued on the 1st through 4th of each month.

211

Dial 211 for Food Assistance
211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. It's single access point for details about food pantries and other food assistance sources near you. Learn more about the 211 Louisiana Statewide Network Call 211

Dial 211 for Food Assistance

211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community.

It's single access point for details about food pantries and other food assistance sources near you.

Learn more about the 211 Louisiana Statewide Network

SNAP Information

SNAP Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) 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. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.