Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)

Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) is Louisiana’s version of TANF that provides cash assistance to low-income families with children.

The overall goal of FITAP is to decrease the long-term dependency on public assistance by promoting job preparation and work. As a result, all work-eligible FITAP recipients must participate in work activities through the STEP program or risk losing their cash benefits.

Louisiana’s Strategies to Empower People Program (STEP) provides a range of services, including vocational training and GED preparation.

FAQ

How do I qualify for cash assistance in Louisiana?

In order to qualify for cash assistance in Louisiana, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
Be a resident of the state of Louisiana.
Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
Be unemployed or under employed with very low wages.

What is the income limit for TANF in Louisiana?

A family in Louisiana is considered “needy” when its countable income, both earned and unearned, are equal to or less than the payment standards shown below.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$244
2	$376
3	$484
4	$568
5	$654
6	$732
7	$804
8	$882

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

How much does TANF pay in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $484 per month.

Household Size	Payment
1	$244
2	$376
3	$484
4	$568
5	$654
6	$732
7	$804
8	$882

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

How do I apply for FITAP in Louisiana?

Applications for FITAP and other Louisiana public benefits are accepted online through LA CAFÉ or in person at local Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) community partners.

Once the application is filed, an eligibility worker will set up an interview, by phone or in person, to screen your likely eligibility.

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
DCFS Customer Service
(888) 524-3578

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Louisiana?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Louisiana, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact Louisiana DCFS (DCFS) at (888) 524-3578 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP)

The second form of cash assistance in Louisiana is the Kinship Care Subsidy Program for eligible children who live with qualified relatives other than parents.