Those living in the eight parishes most affected by Hurricane Francine can start applying for DSNAP benefits Wednesday.
Last week, the Department of Children and Family Services received federal approval for multiple forms of disaster food assistance.
The parishes included are Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne.
Registration for the first three days is based on the applicant’s last name.
“Wednesday, it’s for people whose last names start with A through G,” says Sammy Guillory, assistant secretary for family support for DCFS; “Thursday would be H through M, and Friday would be N through Z.”
And next Monday and Tuesday, registration is open to everyone in those eight parishes.
“The amounts depend on the household size. But it’s the same as the maximum allotments for regular SNAP households.”
Once approved, applicants should get their DSNAP cards quickly.
“They will mail the cards Priority Mail to the applicant’s mailing address,” Guillory says, “so they should receive it within two to three days.”
Guillory says there are certain requirements.
“It is an eligibility determination based on income,” says Guillory, “net income for the month, but they can subtract disaster-related expenses from that income to come up with an amount, and we determine eligibility based on that.”
Guillory says those who are already receiving SNAP benefits shouldn’t bother to apply.
“Current SNAP recipients should not apply,” Guillory says. “They already receive SNAP; and if they do not receive the maximum allotment, they can get more benefits.”
To apply, residents should call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled, who are unable to apply by phone can apply in person at select DCFS offices or community-based organizations within the affected parishes.
