SNAP and food help for older adults in Louisiana

SNAP for older adults

SNAP helps you buy groceries. In Louisiana it is run by LDH, and benefits come on the Louisiana Purchase Card, an EBT card. In 2026, the most one person can get is $306 a month, or $562 for two people. Most people get less.

Special rules if someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled

• Resources include cash, bank accounts, CDs, stocks and bonds. If someone in your home gets SSI, there is no resource limit.
• Medical costs: If your out-of-pocket medical costs are more than $35 a month, LDH gives a standard medical deduction of $161. If you can prove higher costs, the actual amount is used.
• Living with others: In some cases an older or disabled person who lives with others can be a separate SNAP household. Ask LDH if this applies to you.

The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

ESAP is a simpler way for older adults to get and keep SNAP.

Who can use it: Households where everyone is 60 or older or disabled (or a child), and no one has job earnings.

How it is easier:

• A shorter application form (ESAP 1).
• You are approved for 36 months at a time.
• No interview at renewal. You still have an interview when you first apply.
• No report in the middle of your approval period.

What you must still report:

• If your household's monthly gross income goes over 130% of the poverty level.
• Lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or more.
• You may also report higher medical costs, rent or utilities. This can raise your benefit.

If someone in your home starts working, or a new adult who is not 60 or disabled moves in, you leave ESAP. You keep SNAP if you still qualify, but you must send a simple report every 6 months.

How to apply for SNAP

1. Choose how:
   • Online: the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal (sspweb.ie.dcfs.la.gov/selfservice), or start at the SNAP Success Center on ldh.la.gov.
   • Paper: the ESAP 1 form or the regular application (OFS 4APP), in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and large print.
   • Phone: 888-LAHelp-U (888-524-3578).
   • In person: any LDH local office.
2. Gather proof of identity, Social Security number, income, medical costs, and immigration status if it applies.
3. Interview: A worker will contact you.
4. Decision: You should hear within 30 days. If you have little or no money, you may get benefits within 7 days.

If you disagree with a decision

You have the right to ask for a fair hearing. Follow the instructions and date on your notice, or call 888-524-3578.

Monthly senior food box (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)

LDH runs this program with Feeding Louisiana and local food banks. It serves every parish.

Who qualifies: You are 60 or older, live in Louisiana, and your household's gross income is at or below 150% of the poverty level:

If you get SNAP, SSI, Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program, you qualify on that basis.

What you get each month: canned meat or fish, vegetables, fruit and juice, cereal or grits, a block of cheese, pasta or rice, shelf-stable milk, and peanut butter or dried beans.

How to apply: Apply online through feedinglouisiana.org, or get a form from a food bank or distribution site. Then visit a site with proof of address, income and age. If you cannot travel and no one can pick up for you, ask about home delivery. Feeding Louisiana: 225-310-0091. You can get SNAP and a food box at the same time, but only from one site per month.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Run by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

• Who qualifies: You are 60 or older, with gross income up to $2,461 a month for one person or $3,337 for two. If you get SNAP, SSI, Medicaid or a senior food box, you pre-qualify but must still apply.
• What you get: $30 a year on a card for fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and honey at approved farmers markets and farm stands.
• When: 2026 benefits expire November 30, 2026. Applications for 2027 open in February 2027 and are first come, first served. Funds ran out early in 2026, so apply as soon as it opens.
• Questions: Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, 1-866-927-2476.

Senior meals

Louisiana's parish Councils on Aging serve group meals and home-delivered meals for people 60 and over. Call the Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs at (225) 342-7100 to find yours.

Common mistakes

• Not telling LDH about medical costs. They can raise your SNAP benefit.
• Thinking a small benefit is not worth it. ESAP makes it easy to keep.
• Missing the farmers market opening in February.

See all benefits in Louisiana.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Louisiana agencies

Check what you may qualify for