Louisiana SNAP (Food Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
Louisiana SNAP puts monthly food money on a Louisiana Purchase Card, an EBT card you swipe like a debit card. One change to know: SNAP is now run by the Louisiana Department of Health, which took over these programs from DCFS, so current pages live at ldh.la.gov. Apply online through the LA CAFE self-service portal, by phone at 888-LAHelp-U (888-524-3578), or on paper, and one application also covers FITAP and Kinship Care.
The interview got easier. An eligibility interview is still required, but LDH now does it by phone to save you a trip, so provide a good phone number. You can request a face-to-face interview at a parish office instead if you prefer.
Most households must pass both a gross and a net income test. Households with a member 60 or older, or receiving certain disability payments, only have to meet the net test. Let your parish office run the exact numbers for your household size.
There is a resource test many states have dropped. Non-exempt households may have up to $3,000 in countable resources like bank accounts and cash, or $4,500 with a member 60 or older or disabled. Households on SSI, FITAP, or Kinship Care are exempt from the resource limit entirely.
One work rule to note: able-bodied adults 18 to 64 not living with a child under 14 can only get three months of SNAP in a 36-month period unless they meet the work requirement, which is 80 hours a month of work or approved activity. Louisiana's current ABAWD clock runs April 2026 through March 2029.
The card works widely, including online. Use it at stores and for online grocery orders through USDA-approved retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Check your balance with the free LifeInCheck app, which LDH warns is the only officially approved app. And if food is short today, dial 2-1-1 for the nearest pantry.
Phone 1-888-524-3578
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based; the Office of Economic Stability runs the exact income and resource limits for your household size, so apply even if you are unsure
- Working families, older adults, and people with disabilities with limited income may qualify
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply through the LA CAFE portal, by phone at 888-524-3578, or on paper (form OFS-4APP).
- 2
Give a good phone number; the required interview is now done by phone.
- 3
Send proof of income and resources; SSI, FITAP, and Kinship Care households skip the resource limit.
- 4
After approval, set up your Louisiana Purchase Card and the LifeInCheck app.
What to have ready
- Photo ID for the person applying
- Proof of income for the household
- Proof of resources and expenses. Your parish office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I apply for SNAP in Louisiana?
Online through the LA CAFE self-service portal, by phone at 888-524-3578, or on paper. One application also covers FITAP and Kinship Care.
Do I have to go in for an interview?
An interview is required, but LDH now does it by phone. You can request a face-to-face interview at a parish office if you prefer.
Is there a resource limit?
Up to $3,000 in countable resources, or $4,500 with a member 60 or older or disabled. Households on SSI, FITAP, or Kinship Care are exempt.
Can I use SNAP for online groceries?
Yes. You can order online through USDA-approved retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Check your balance only with the LifeInCheck app, the officially approved one.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Louisiana programs →Free · Private · No account needed