Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share with Add This
Follow
on Twitter on YouTube
Skip To Content
Louisiana.gov  >   DCFS   >  Economic Stability High Contrast Version   |   Text Size: Increase Text SizeDecrease Text Size
E-mail this to a friend Print this page Share

Economic Stability

The Economic Stability section of DCFS assists families with needed assistance programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - formerly Food Stamps), Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP), and the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP).

apply for assistance

  Step One:
  • Apply online now for one or more of the following:
    • Family Independence Temporary Assistance (FITAP)
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - formerly Food Stamp Program)
    • Kinship Care Subsidy (KCSP)
    • Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
OR
Step Two:
Step Three (for downloaded applications only):
  • Return the completed form to any parish Economic Stability Office.
Step Four:
  • Conduct an in-person interview for FITAP and KCSP.
  • Conduct an over-the-phone interview for SNAP.
Step Five:
  • DCFS will determine your eligibility for all programs for which you apply.
You may also contact DCFS at 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578) for information on all programs and how to apply.
View the LAHELP-U keypad shortcuts
  
Cash-Based Assistance Programs

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps) - Provides monthly benefits that help low income households buy food needed for good health.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) - Provides assistance to parents to help pay for the child care they need to work or attend school or training.
Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) - Provides cash assistance for eligible children who reside with qualified relatives other than parents.


Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) - Provides temporary cash assistance to families in need.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan - Sets forth criteria for operation of FITAP.

What happens after I apply?
  • You will be assisgned a worker who will interview you if you are applying for FITAP, SNAP or KCSP and give you a list of verification items needed.
  • Your worker will determine your eligibility.
  • A letter will be delivered to you that will tell you if you are eligible or not. If eligible, this letter will tell you the amount of your benefits, which will be paid back to the date of your application.
  • If  you applied and are eligible for CCAP, you will recieve a certificate for each child who needs care. Your child care provider must complete the certificate and you must return it by the due date.
  • If you applied for FITAP, you may be required to participate in the Strategies to Empower People (STEP) program, which provides opportunities for work-eligible FITAP families to recieve job training, employment and supportive services.
   How are Benefits Distributed?
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) - the electronic method of delivering Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) and SNAP benefits to recipients.

 

DCFS OfficesYou can apply for DCFS services at any DCFS parish office. Economic Stability offices specialize in cash-based assistance, but applications can be picked up and dropped off at Child Welfare offices as well.

E-mail the Economic Stability Webmaster
You may e-mail the Economic Stability Webmaster with questions or concerns.

Three ways to Report Fraud