Louisiana Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP)

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program commonly known as D-SNAP is an initiative by the government to help people who are struck with disaster. This program falls under the US department of agriculture and is responsible for people who are in specific need of food and groceries.

Disasters can strike at any time and cause damage to a person’s household. This particular program is designed for households who do not have anything to eat or have lost all their groceries with no income to buy more. The program can be of use once it gets approved by the US department of agriculture and its food and nutrition service. Once the program is approved, it can be of help in case of a sudden disaster.

In the case of a hazardous situation, the President will most likely announce assistance. The state will also have to demand FNS endorsement to work the program known as Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or D-SNAP.

Once the program is approved and people are authorized to attain benefits from D-SNAP, they will receive a card similar to an ATM or credit card. The card will help the people buy food from many local groceries in their state.

D-SNAP Phase 2

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) attained endorsement from the government to start operating D-SNAP virtually on November 12. The approval will cause the program to help people who have been struck by a natural disaster, Hurricane Delta. Food will be provided to the people in need.

Five parishes have been given acceptance to operate DSNAP after being struck by Hurricane Delta. They include: Beauregard, Lafayette, Rapides, St. Landry, and St. Martin

The disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is different from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Its procedure and eligibility criteria are different as one may be eligible for D-SNAP but not for SNAP.

An individual will most likely be eligible for D-SNAP if he or she has experienced any disaster or spent all their money on resolving their issues due to the hazardous situation.

Following are the situations that will most likely qualify an individual for D-SNAP.

If they have spent money on restoring business affected due to the disaster.

If they have used up all their expenses in fixing their house

If they have migrated from one place to another due to the hazardous situation and have spent their money during the process.

If they have used all their income to arrange a funeral or pay hospital bills

If they have lost their source of income due to the hazardous situation

If they have lost all access to their food due to a disaster like a flood or fire.

People who were impacted by Hurricane Laura before and are attaining D-SNAP benefits will be getting the same benefits for another month. This is due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Delta. Such people are not eligible to apply as they are already a part of the process.

People who were living in the approved parishes and are already operating the D-SNAP because of Hurricane Laura’s impact will continue to be a part of the program. They can attain benefits for another month. This is due to Hurricane Delta’s impact on the residents. These people do not need to re-apply for the program as they are already a part of it. They will be attaining the benefits for another month. To apply for a new card, the residents can contact the service center.

Individuals who are already using SNAP benefits are not eligible to apply for D-SNAP in this situation. More information can be found here. 

The residents can make a phone call to the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578. Customer service center information can be found by following the link here.

The application process has been converted to virtual due to the pandemic. Residents who did not apply for assistance during Hurricane Laura are welcome to apply this time. The applicants will need to call the service center at 1-888-524-3578.

Once the individual has been approved, he or she will receive the benefits card on their email address.

Although it is not compulsory, individuals who want to apply for the benefits should still register themselves on the internet first.

The steps to do so are easy to follow. The link for the registration page can be found here. It includes all the information that you might need to pre-register yourself online.

The download link for LA wallet mobile is here. It might help in the verification process.

All the other relevant information can be found here.

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