You can apply for food stamps online, in person or by fax in Louisiana. Regardless of which method you choose, a caseworker will conduct a phone interview, evaluate your eligibility and notify you of her decision within 30 days of receiving your application.
Online Application
Go to the Louisiana CAFE Customer Portal page of the Department of Children and Family Services' website. Sign in to the system by entering your User ID and Password. If this is your first time using the site, create an online profile using the "Click here to get started" link. After creating or logging into your online account, you will be taken to your "My Accounts" page. Click "Apply for Benefits/Services" link. Select Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, to begin your application. You will be asked for information about yourself and other household members, such as everyone's name, Social Security number and date of birth. Financial details also will be requested, including monthly income, expenses and assets.
Paper Application
You also can download the application from DCFS' website. Review the instructions and complete the application by hand. Return the application in person to a local DCFS office. DCFS provides a list of locations on its website. Select "Community Partners" from the drop down menu then conduct a search by city, zip code or parish. You also can mail your application to Document Processing Center, DCFS Economic Stability, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826, or fax it to (225) 663-3164.
Interview
After DCFS receives your application, it will assign a caseworker to you. She will schedule you for a phone interview and notify you of the date and time by letter. You also will receive a list of verification documents you must return to DCFS. This may include a copy of your driver's license, Social Security card and recent paycheck stubs. Your case worker will determine your eligibility within 30 days of receiving your application.
Eligibility
DCFS will mail you a confirmation letter if your case worker determines you are eligible for SNAP benefits. The letter discloses the benefit amount you have been approved for, calculated from the date you submitted your application. Benefits are distributed by a personalized Electronic Benefit Transfer card, popularly known as an EBT card. Your benefits will be deposited to your card on the same day each month, sometime between the 1st and 14th.