Hurricane Francine brought significant devastation to Louisiana, affecting the livelihoods and food security of thousands. To help residents recover, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has implemented the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) in eight parishes, along with automatic SNAP benefit replacements and supplements in several others.
Here’s everything you need to know to access SNAP assistance in the wake of Hurricane Francine.
DSNAP
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) is a temporary program designed to provide food assistance to individuals and families impacted by a disaster. It’s intended for those who were not receiving regular SNAP benefits before the disaster but now face food insecurity due to the hurricane’s aftermath.
If you live in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, or Terrebonne parishes and were not a SNAP recipient before Hurricane Francine, you can apply for DSNAP. This program can help you recover from food losses, loss of income, and other disaster-related challenges.
How to Apply
DSNAP applications for residents in the approved parishes will begin Wednesday, September 25, 2024. To apply, contact the LAHelpU Customer Service Center by calling 1-888-524-3578 on the designated day according to the first letter of your last name:
- Wednesday, September 25: Last names A to G
- Thursday, September 26: Last names H to M
- Friday, September 27: Last names N to Z
- Monday, September 30: Open to all
- Tuesday, October 1: Open to all
The phone lines will be open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. After choosing your language, press 6, then 1 to begin the application process.
In-Person Applications
For seniors, people with disabilities, or those unable to apply by phone, DCFS will offer in-person application options at several offices and community organizations. Below are the locations and their hours of operation:
| Parish | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ascension | Ascension Economic Stability Office, Gonzales | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM |
| Assumption | Belle Rose Library, Belle Rose | Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM |
| Lafourche | Lafourche Child Welfare Office, Thibodaux | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM |
| St. Charles | Alan Arterbury Building, New Sarpy | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM |
| St. James | Vacherie Library, Vacherie | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM |
| St. John | Let’s Work! River Parishes Office, LaPlace | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM |
| St. Mary | St. Mary Child Welfare Office, Franklin | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM |
| Terrebonne | Terrebonne Economic Stability Office, Houma | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM |
Eligibility
To qualify for DSNAP, applicants must live in one of the disaster-declared parishes and have disaster-related expenses, such as:
- Home or property repairs
- Evacuation and temporary housing costs
- Medical or funeral expenses due to the disaster
- Food loss due to extended power outages
- Lost income or inability to work due to Hurricane Francine
You’ll need to provide proof of your identity, residence in the affected area, and documentation of disaster-related expenses incurred between September 9 and October 8, 2024. DCFS workers will verify your information, and most applicants will receive an immediate decision. If approved, your benefits will be provided via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Authorized Representatives
If you are unable to apply yourself, you can designate an authorized representative to apply on your behalf. This requires approval from the head of your household, who will need to confirm the authorization during the process. Once approved, the EBT card will be mailed to your address.
SNAP Assistance
Current SNAP recipients in the affected parishes do not qualify for DSNAP, but they can still receive help through automatic benefit replacements and automatic supplements.
Automatic Replacements
Residents of Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary, and Terrebonne parishes will automatically receive a replacement of 40% of their September SNAP benefits. These benefits will be loaded onto EBT cards by Wednesday, September 25, for recipients who were issued benefits before Hurricane Francine hit on September 11.
If you live in another parish and lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to power outages of at least 24 hours, you may be eligible for a manual replacement.
Automatic Supplements
Residents of six parishes impacted by Hurricane Francine will receive automatic supplements that ensure they receive the maximum benefit for their household size. This supplement will be provided without the need to apply separately.
Considerations
- Language Assistance: Translation services will be available during the DSNAP application process to assist non-English speakers.
- Verification: Be prepared to provide documentation proving disaster-related losses, such as receipts for home repairs or medical expenses.
- Time Frame: DSNAP benefits are temporary, intended to cover one month of food expenses. However, the program can sometimes be extended if disaster recovery is prolonged.
Final Thoughts
The DSNAP program and automatic SNAP benefit replacements provide essential relief to Louisiana residents recovering from Hurricane Francine. Whether you’re a first-time applicant for food assistance or already receiving SNAP, knowing the options available can help you get the support you need.
Make sure to apply during the designated days, gather the necessary documents, and reach out to the DCFS or visit a disaster recovery center if you need in-person assistance.
FAQs
Who qualifies for DSNAP after Hurricane Francine?
DSNAP is available to those in eight Louisiana parishes who were not previously receiving SNAP but now need food assistance due to the disaster.
When can I apply for DSNAP?
You can apply starting on September 25, based on your last name.
How do I apply for DSNAP if I’m unable to use the phone?
You can apply in person at designated DCFS offices in the affected parishes.
Can SNAP recipients get DSNAP?
No, current SNAP recipients are not eligible for DSNAP but may receive automatic benefit replacements or supplements.
How much of my SNAP benefits will be replaced?
SNAP recipients in certain parishes will automatically receive 40% of their September benefits as a replacement.
