Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP)

COVID-19 - No Option for Emergency or Disaster SNAP (DSNAP)

However, if you are not already a SNAP recipient and have a food need, we encourage you to apply for benefits online. You can apply online or by mail/fax. For more information, text GETSNAP (no spaces) to 898211, visit the DCFS website at www.dcfs.la.gov/getSNAP, email LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov or call 1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578) Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Get SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits that help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for good health. For most households, SNAP funds account for only a portion of their food budgets; they must also use their own funds to buy enough food to last throughout the month.

Learn How to Get SNAP

As you prepare for hurricane season or other disasters, make pre-registering for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) part of your plan. If you think your household could be impacted by damages or lost wages due to a hurricane or other disaster, pre-register online or by phone for DSNAP. DSNAP provides eligible low- to moderate-income households - who do not normally receive SNAP benefits - with help buying groceries due to lost income or damages following a disaster.

How to Pre-Register for DSNAP

Visit www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/cafe or call 1-888-LAHELP-U.
Provide the following information:
- Names, Social Security Numbers and Dates of Birth for each household member
- Address and Parish where you currently live
- Monthly income for each household member
- All liquid resources for each household member (cash on hand, checking, savings)
After an emergency, visit a DSNAP site to verify your information and identity and receive your benefit card, if you qualify.

Pre-registering before a hurricane or other disaster strikes is important, as you may not have access to the required household and income information following a disaster or evacuation.

If you already receive SNAP benefits and are eligible for disaster benefits, you do not need to pre-register, as benefits will be added to your benefit card automatically.

Pre-registering does not guarantee benefits. DSNAP is only administered after a federally declared disaster and after the state receives approval from the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services to activate DSNAP services.

After a disaster is declared, residents who have pre-registered only need to visit a DSNAP issuance site to verify their information and identity, determine final eligibility and receive their benefit cards. Eligibility requirements and DSNAP locations will be announced at the time of a disaster.

You may name an Authorized Representative to go to a DSNAP site on your behalf. Accommodations will be made for the elderly and those with disabilities to reduce on-site wait times. Authorized Representatives must bring with them to the DSNAP site a picture ID and the picture ID of the applicant/head of household along with a signed statement from the applicant/head of household or an adult household member authorizing them to make an application on their household's behalf.