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SNAP COVID Extra Benefits
Pandemic-related extra benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have ended as of March 1, as required by the passage of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.
In March 2020, Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to combat the negative economic impacts of COVID-19. This act authorized states to temporarily waive certain eligibility rules and increase monthly SNAP payments by at least $95 per household. Since then, Louisiana SNAP recipients have received over $2 billion in additional assistance with a monthly average of roughly 418,000 families received assistance. Additionally, despite several other states declining the assistance as far back as 2021, Louisiana households continued to receive extra COVID SNAP benefits for an additional 11 months.
Congress's Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 ends emergency allotments after the February 2023 issuance. In March 2023, each SNAP household in Louisiana will receive benefits based on the standard factors for determining eligibility, including household size, income, and deductions.
SNAP households can review their regular benefit amount:
- by viewing the customized letter DCFS sent to each SNAP household in February;
- checking their online CAFÉ accounts at www.dcfs.la.gov/CAFE;
- accessing their accounts through the LifeinCheck smartphone app; or
- by calling the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-LAHelp-U (1-888-524-3578) and following the prompts.
The Department is encouraging SNAP households to report any changes in household size, income, and/or expenses as certain changes may lead to an increase in a household's regular SNAP benefit amount. SNAP households with unmet food needs are also recommended to contact organizations such as LA 211, food banks, and faith-based organizations to see if additional assistance is available.
Additional information regarding this change can be found on the USDA's webpage.
RESOURCES
WIC
WIC protects the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to the age of five. WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to other health and social services.
Greaux the Good
Greaux the Good empowers families to purchase more fresh local foods and generates more business for local farmers. Find a farmers market close to you by clicking learn more below.
Market Match for SNAP
Market Match offers a dollar-for-dollar match to shoppers who participate in SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
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Additional Resources For YouLearn more about additional assistance programs at DCFS and other government agencies. |
211
| Dial 211 for Food Assistance |
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 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. |
FAQ'S
Why are the Emergency SNAP benefits ending?
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 law recently passed by Congress ends emergency allotments after the February 2023 issuance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will discontinue issuing COVID Emergency Allotments to Louisiana recipients in February 2023.
What can I do to prepare?
- Review your current SNAP case on the CAFE portal
- Understand your normal benefit amount (without the Emergency Allotment)
- Update any household changes such as persons in the home, new expenses, new income, new contact information, etc.
- Submit any new documentation
- Check and monitor the balance on your Louisiana Purchase Card (EBT Account)
- Take note of the date your benefits are disbursed each month
- Begin to plan your family's grocery budget with your upcoming benefit reduction in mind
Can I speak with someone?
- Reach out to your SNAP caseworker by phone, if assistance is needed, at 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578)
- If you would like assistance in person, visit Find an Office to locate a DCFS Office in your area
- Use DCFS's chatbot service
When will the Emergency Allotments end?
February 2023 is the last month that an Emergency Allotment will be disbursed. Recipients will only receive regular SNAP benefits in March 2023.
Where can I find help with this transition?
- If assistance finding employment is needed, visit Louisiana Workforce Commission
- For additional assistance, dial 211
- Visit the additional resources page for more options such as the WIC program or locations of local food banks
OUTREACH MATERIAL
With SNAP COVID extra benefits ending, here are some things you can do...
