SNAP Updates

In response to the pandemic, DCFS has received federal approval to issue supplemental SNAP benefits for August 2021.

SNAP Recipients not Already at Max

• Will receive a supplement to bring them to the max. 
• Max amounts less than $95 will be boosted to $95.

SNAP Recipients Already at Max

• Will receive a $95 supplement.

For current SNAP recipients, all supplemental allotments are scheduled to be loaded onto EBT cards on Saturday, August 7. Those who have applied for SNAP, but aren't yet certified as eligible to receive benefits, will have supplements loaded onto their cards on a rolling weekly basis after their applications are approved.

Manage your SNAP EBT card account with the LifeInCheck mobile app.

In December, DCFS began a three-month process of transitioning its SNAP benefits schedule to distribute benefits more evenly throughout each month. Rather than receiving benefits during the 1^st through 14^th, SNAP households will now receive them between the 1^st and 23^rd of each month.

The new regular schedule, which goes into effect in February 2021, will allow for more even stocking and staffing at grocery stores and more consistent access to a variety of foods for shoppers, as households typically do their shopping on or shortly after the day their benefits are issued. 

See the new schedule, along with examples that help explain what it means for you: http://dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/snap-updates-issuance-schedule-changes

As a result of recent COVID relief measures passed by the U.S. Congress, SNAP benefits are increasing up to 15% through September. 

• Maximum allotments will increase by roughly 15%, and the minimum allotment will increase from $16 to $19.

• New allotment amounts can be viewed here: 
  dcfs.la.gov/page/snap-allotment-amounts.

• The temporary increase will be in effect through September 2021.
• The additional benefits will be issued along with each household’s regular issuance amount on their regularly-scheduled issuance date.

• More about issuance dates here:
  dcfs.la.gov/page/snap-updates-issuance-schedule-changes.

• The $300 boost in federal pandemic unemployment benefits will NOT be counted as income or resources in determining SNAP eligibility.

• This is different than the 1st round, under the CARES Act that passed last spring.
• State unemployment benefits will still be counted in determining SNAP eligibility.

• The $600 stimulus checks also won’t be counted as income or resources. Same as under the CARES Act.
• College students enrolled at least half-time and either have an expected parental contribution of $0 or are eligible for work-study are now eligible for SNAP.

• Before, $0 parental contribution was not enough for automatic eligibility.
• Students should be prepared to provide their FAFSA paperwork or proof of eligibility for work-study when applying for SNAP.

This fall, DCFS has been operating under federal waivers to allow staff to focus on additional applications associated with hurricanes and the pandemic. Some of these waivers will continue in 2021. Others will come to a close, as follows:

• All SNAP Interviews Suspended Through June 30, 2021. DCFS will not conduct formal SNAP interviews until at least July 1, 2021. This includes interviews for new SNAP applications, simplified reports and annual redeterminations.

• “No interviews” doesn’t mean automatic SNAP approval. To be considered for SNAP, you must first fully complete your application! DCFS staff cannot determine SNAP eligibility unless they have all the information they need to process an application. It’s important for you to include all income and resource information and respond quickly to any questions. If staff need more, they will contact you. Any missing information will affect your eligibility and lengthen the time it takes to approve your application.

• SNAP Simplified Reports Resume in January 2021. After a three-month extension, SNAP simplified reports will resume in January. SNAP families whose simplified reports are due in January will receive a letter from DCFS in late December.
• SNAP Redeterminations (Annual Recertifications) Resume in February 2021. Annual SNAP redeterminations begin again in February. DCFS will send letters in January to anyone who is scheduled for a February redetermination.

211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community.

It's single access point for details about food pantries and other food assistance sources near you.

Learn more about the 211 Louisiana Statewide Network