Replacement SNAP Benefits

January 2026 Winter Storm

SNAP households in the following parishes will automatically have 20% of their January SNAP benefit replaced by Tuesday, February 10 following the severe winter storm that struck Louisiana on January 23.

  • Caldwell
  • DeSoto
  • East Carroll
  • Jackson
  • Ouachita
  • Red River
  • Richland
  • West Carroll

SNAP households residing in one of the above listed parishes whose food loss due to the storm exceeds 20% of their January benefit may request additional replacement benefits beyond the automatic 20% replacement by completing and submitting a SNAP 38 by February 24.

SNAP households living in the following parishes who have experienced food loss due to the winter storm must also submit a SNAP 38 by February 24. Replacements benefits are authorized for the amount of the loss, not to exceed the monthly SNAP allotment for the household.

  • Bienville
  • Bossier
  • Caddo
  • Claiborne
  • Franklin
  • Lincoln
  • Madison
  • Morehouse
  • Natchitoches
  • Sabine
  • St. Landry
  • Tensas
  • Union
  • Webster
  • Winn

Please note that D-SNAP is not currently available for this weather event. 

If you are experiencing urgent food insecurity, contact your parish Office of Emergency Preparedness for the current location of mass feeding sites in your area.

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In the event of a disaster, LDH can authorize SNAP replacement benefits if the household loses food purchased with SNAP benefits.

  • If the food loss is due to a power outage, the power must have been out for a minimum of 24 consecutive hours.
  • LDH works with the Louisiana Public Service Commission to obtain reports of specific areas of power outages.
  • If LDH cannot verify a household's power outage through these reports, SNAP recipients may be asked for verification of their power loss.

Amount of Replacement SNAP Benefits

The value of the replacement benefit shall be an amount equal to the value of the lost food purchased with SNAP benefits, up to the maximum of one month of the household's SNAP benefits. If eligible, the replacement benefits are added to the SNAP household's regular EBT card.

How to Apply for Replacement SNAP Benefits

Two ways to apply:

  • Visit your local LDH office to complete a SNAP 38 form
  • Download and submit the SNAP 38 form
    • Download a SNAP 38 form
    • Submit the completed form
      • By mail: to LDH ES Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826-9918
      • By fax: 225-663-3164
      • In person: At your local LDH office

After confirming the length of power outages in your area with the Louisiana Public Service Commission, LDH will determine your eligibility for replacement benefits. If caseworkers need additional information, they will contact you. If replacements are warranted, LDH expects to issue benefits to your account within 10 days. You will not receive correspondence from LDH about this request

Contact

For more info, email LAHelpU@la.gov or call 888-524-3578.

Surgeon General Evelyn Griffin, MD

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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