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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. There’s no need to visit a DCFS office! 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.

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:

  1. Visit www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/cafe or call 1-888-LAHELP-U.
  2. 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)
  3. 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.