Elderly Simplified Application Project

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a method of electronically delivering governmental benefits to recipients. Louisiana uses magnetic stripe card technology. The card, called the Louisiana Purchase Card, enables recipients to access benefits at Point-of-Sale (POS) machines.

All households applying under ESAP rules must be interviewed at initial application. However, interviews are not required at redetermination. Exception: An interview is required if the information on the application is questionable, incomplete, or contradictory and if the ESAP household has an associated Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) or Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) case.

Identity, Social Security Number, Immigration status, Income, Medical Expenses, and Child Support payments made to someone outside the home. 

Louisiana residents receiving SNAP benefits may purchase groceries online at participating retailers across the state. Consumers can use their EBT cards to shop and pay for qualified foods online. SNAP benefits do not cover delivery and other fees associated with online purchasing. For more information, visit our EBT Online Purchasing page.

ESAP households are assigned a 36-month certification period.

All ESAP households are assigned to Simplified Reporting; however, they are not required to complete a Simplified Report.

ESAP households must report:

• When the household’s monthly gross income exceeds 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for the household size,
• If the household receives lottery or gambling winnings of $4250 or more, won in a single game before taxes or other withholdings.

ESAP households may report changes in the household’s medical and housing expenses, utility costs, and court-ordered child support obligation. However, the household is not required to do so.

Households become ineligible under ESAP rules when:

• A child in the household turns 18 who is not disabled,
• The household reports having earned income, or
• A new adult household member moves into the household who is neither elderly nor disabled.

If an ESAP household is no longer eligible for ESAP, but remains eligible for SNAP, the household retains their 36-month certification period. These households must submit a Simplified Report every 6 months starting the month their case is no longer eligible under ESAP rules.