The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has announced that federal SNAP benefits will begin rolling out again today, November 7, despite the ongoing government shutdown. The Department has also ended furloughs for SNAP staff and fully reopened all SNAP offices starting today.

Thanks to federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), eligible Louisiana households will receive approximately 50% of their usual monthly SNAP benefits, distributed on their regular payment schedule. Households that received emergency state-funded SNAP assistance earlier this month — especially those with elderly residents or individuals with disabilities — will also receive federal SNAP benefits starting today.

Unused benefits from previous months will remain active on recipients’ EBT cards and can be spent normally.

SNAP recipients do not need to reapply or take additional steps to receive the new benefits. However, participants are reminded to continue meeting basic program requirements, such as:

• Reporting changes in household circumstances

• Completing recertification paperwork when due

• Responding to any requests for verification documents

  • By mail: LDH ES Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826

  • In person: Any LDH ES parish office

  • By fax: 225-663-3164

WIC Services Continue Without Disruption

Louisiana’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is operating as normal after receiving contingency funds from the USDA. There have been no cuts or changes to WIC food packages or support services such as breastfeeding counseling and nutrition education.

Families enrolled in WIC are urged to continue attending scheduled appointments and using their benefits at authorized stores throughout November. LDH officials say they are closely monitoring funding but do not anticipate service interruptions at this time.

SNAP Staff Return to Work

With federal funds now available to reimburse state administrative costs, LDH has ended furloughs for SNAP employees, and operations at parish SNAP offices have resumed. Staff are now available to assist with applications, eligibility issues, and general program support.