Help us protect Louisiana's children. Report Child Abuse & Neglect: 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF)

Louisiana families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) are eligible for an additional $100 cash infusion payment in November 2023 for each eligible household member.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which established a $1 billion Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF) to aid needy families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, provides funding for this program.

Between November 2021 and July 2022, Louisiana provided PEAF cash infusions to eligible FITAP and KCSP families in four payments averaging $572. These payments allowed a $250 cash infusion payment for each eligible family member. These cash infusion payments targeted assistance to TANF families facing winter clothing expenses, holiday expenses, summer expenses, school-related expenses, and other essential living needs. Ninety-six percent of the initial Louisiana PEAF award was provided directly to needy FITAP and KCSP recipient families with children to offset economic hardships related to the pandemic.

As a result of unspent PEAF across the nation, Louisiana received a final PEAF award, scheduled for dispersal on November 22, 2023. Because the funding allotted to Louisiana from other states is limited, the fifth and final payment allows for a $100 cash infusion payment for eligible FITAP members only.

The November 2023 issuance is intended to help families purchase technology hardware in the form of a computer, and assist with connectivity and related costs.

Who is eligible?

Individuals receiving FITAP benefits during the month that a one-time non-recurrent, short-term (NRST) payment is issued.

What is the purpose of these payments?

The November 2023 issuance is to help families purchase technology hardware in the form of a computer, and assist with connectivity and related costs.

When will the payment be distributed?

Payments will be made during the eligible month directly to the household’s Louisiana Purchase Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The fifth and final payment will be available to eligible FITAP recipients on November 22, 2023.

How much is each payment?

The November 2023 payment is $100 per eligible household member.

What can be purchased with these payments?

Cash benefits from DCFS are intended to be used to meet the basic needs of families. Those basic needs include food, shelter, and clothing. Cash benefits provided to FITAP recipients through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards cannot be used at certain types of retailers and establishments. They also cannot be used at any retailer to buy jewelry.

How long do families have to spend these payments?

Cash Infusion (NRST) payments are subject to the new expungement rule. NRST benefits will expunge after 9 months of account inactivity.

Once this benefit has been removed, it cannot be added back to your card.

View this site in another language: