Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Louisiana. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Food
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for seniors in Louisiana
Louisiana's SNAP puts money on the Louisiana Purchase Card each month to help buy groceries. Since October 1, 2025, it has been run by the Louisiana Department of Health.
If your household's gross income is at or under 200% of the poverty level, Louisiana doesn't count your savings, and older adults may apply through a simpler process for seniors.
How to apply in Louisiana
- By phone
- 1-888-524-3578
- In person
- Drop off a paper application at the nearest LDH parish office. If you want a face-to-face interview, you can schedule it at any LDH parish office.
- By mail
- Mail the completed application to LDH Economic Stability, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826, or fax it to 225-663-3164. Applications can't be emailed.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in Louisiana
| Savings limit, household with someone 60+ or disabled, gross income at or under 200% of poverty | No limit |
|---|---|
| Savings limit if gross income is over 200% of poverty (Oct. 2026 to Sept. 2027) | $4,750 |
| Gross income limit for the no-savings-test rule (broad-based categorical eligibility) | 200% of the poverty level |
How Louisiana is different
Where Louisiana's rules differ from the federal rules for SNAP for seniors.
- Louisiana offers a simpler way to apply for older adults, the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), alongside regular SNAP
Good to know
- The Louisiana Legislature moved SNAP to the Louisiana Department of Health effective October 1, 2025. Older letters and websites may still name the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
- To apply by phone, call 1-888-524-3578 (888-LAHelp-U), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and LDH mails you a copy.
Sources: Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office (source 1), Louisiana Department of Health (source 4)
Free help
Free help with this in Louisiana
Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs (GOEA)
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Louisiana
SNAP food benefits in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office, Fiscal Note on HB 624 (2025 Regular Session): transfer of SNAP to the Louisiana Department of Health (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility chart (June 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Louisiana Department of Health, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Louisiana Department of Health, SNAP Success Center (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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