Louisiana SNAP

Louisiana SNAP is a federally-funded food assistance program for eligible low-income Louisiana residents. Eligible households can receive food assistance through regular SNAP or through the Louisiana Combined Application Project (LaCAP).

As condition of eligibility, most adult recipients who aren’t disabled or exempt are required to register for work or accept an offer of employment to continue receiving benefits beyond three months.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) ages 18—64 must comply with special work rules or be subject to a three-month limit on SNAP benefits within a 36-month period.

FAQ

Who is eligible for SNAP in Louisiana?

In order to qualify for SNAP, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Live in Louisiana
Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. non-citizen national, or an eligible non-citizen
Show proof of identity
Meet income limits and other financial eligibility rules

What are the income guidelines for food stamps in Louisiana?

There is no asset limit in Louisiana. Most families with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for food assistance. For a family of three, that’s about $4,442 per month.

Household Size	100%Net Income	200%Gross Income
1	$1,304	$2,608
2	$1,763	$3,525
3	$2,221	$4,442
4	$2,679	$5,358
5	$3,138	$6,275
6	$3,596	$7,192
7	$4,054	$8,108
8	$4,513	$9,025

Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Gross income limit applies to most households, except when at least one member is age 60 or older or receives disability income; in these cases, only the net income test applies.

Louisianians, are you eligible for SNAP?

Find out if you may qualify and get an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.

How much are SNAP benefits in Louisiana?

Benefits depend on both the number of persons in the household and the net monthly income amount remaining after all allowable deductions.

For example, a families of three in Louisiana with no income may receive up to $785 per month in SNAP benefits.

Household Size	SNAP Benefits
1	$298
2	$546
3	$785
4	$994
5	$1,183
6	$1,421
7	$1,571
8	$1,789

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate the amount of benefits you can expect to receive.

How do I apply for SNAP in Louisiana?

To apply for SNAP, you must first create an online account through LA CAFÉ and complete an application. A DCFS staff member may contact you by phone to complete an interview, if required.

If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive a Louisiana Purchase Card, and your benefits will be automatically deposited into your account each month.

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

When you apply for SNAP, you may be asked to provide the following documents:

A valid photo ID
A valid Social Security Number
Proof of residency (where you live)
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of earned and unearned income
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

How long does it take to get approved for food stamps in Louisiana?

If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your SNAP benefits no later than 30 days from the date the office received your application. In some emergency cases, you may get your first benefits in seven days or less.

What is LaCAP in Louisiana?

Louisiana Combined Application Project (LaCAP) is a food assistance program for Louisiana residents who are at least 60 years of age and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It is a simplified version of SNAP with three standard payments.

Depending on shelter costs, LaCAP participants will receive $100, $155, or $244. LaCAP cases are certified for 36 months.

For more information on SNAP and other services, please call

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
625 N 4th St
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(888) 524-3578