The Propel Guide To EBT In Louisiana: food stamp (SNAP) eligibility.

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Food stamp eligibility is complicated, and the rules change often. This page is a good starting point, but the best way to find out if you’re eligible for food stamps is to apply for them.

If you have a question that we haven’t answered here, let us know.

Do I qualify for food stamps?#do-i-qualify-for-food-stamps

To figure out if you qualify for food stamps, Louisiana needs to know your:

  • Household size: How many people you live and buy/make food with.
  • Income: How much money your household makes. This includes both earned income (the money you make from jobs) and unearned income (cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support, etc.).
  • Assets: How much you have in the bank, not including retirement savings or your most recent tax returns. Some states also include real estate, trusts, investments, and vehicles as assets.

Who counts as a member of my household?#who-counts-as-a-member-of-my-household

Anyone you live with and buy/make food with counts as a member of your household.

You may live with people who don’t count as household members, like tenants who are renting a room, or adult children (22+) who buy/make their own food.

Children (under 22) always count as household members, even if they buy/make their own food.

Elderly (60+) and disabled people count as household members if you buy/make food for them, or you buy/make food together. If they live with you but buy/make food separately, they do not count as household members.

What’s the income limit for food stamps?#whats-the-income-limit-for-food-stamps

Here are the monthly income limits by household size in Louisiana, through September 2026:

  • 1 person: $2,609/month
  • 2 people: $3,525/month
  • 3 people: $4,442/month
  • 4 people: $5,359/month
  • 5 people: $6,275/month
  • 6 people: $7,192/month
  • 7 people: $8,109/month
  • 8 people: $9,025/month
  • Each additional person: +$917/month

How much money/property can I have and still get food stamps?#how-much-money-property-can-i-have-and-still-get-food-stamps

Most households in Louisiana are not subject to asset limits.

However, if your household includes at least one elderly (60+) or disabled person and your income is above the standard income limit, the federal asset limit of $4,500 may apply.

Can I get food stamps if I’m unemployed?#can-i-get-food-stamps-if-im-unemployed

Yes. Being unemployed does not disqualify you from food stamps, as long as you didn't quit your job or reduce your hours specifically to qualify.

However, if you are an able-bodied adult between 18 and 64 without dependents, you may be required to work, volunteer, or participate in a job training program for at least 80 hours per month to keep your benefits beyond three months. Some exemptions apply—for example, if you have a disability, are pregnant, or are caring for a young child.

Contact the Louisiana SNAP hotline at 1-888-524-3578 or visit your local office to find out if work requirements apply to you and what programs are available to help you meet them.

Can I get food stamps if I have a drug felony conviction?#can-i-get-food-stamps-if-i-have-a-drug-felony-conviction

Yes. If you’re eligible for food stamps, Louisiana won’t disqualify you because of a drug felony.

Apply

Can I get food stamps if I’m not a citizen? #can-i-get-food-stamps-if-im-not-a-citizen

Some non-citizens may be eligible for food stamps depending on their immigration status. Eligibility rules for non-citizens changed in 2025 under a new federal law, and some categories of immigrants who were previously eligible may no longer qualify.

Generally, lawful permanent residents who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years, and certain other groups, may still be eligible. Children under 18 with a qualifying immigration status may also be eligible, regardless of how long they have been in the country.

Because these rules are complex and still being implemented, we recommend contacting the Louisiana SNAP hotline at 1-888-524-3578 or visiting your local office to find out if you or your family members qualify.

Can I get food stamps if I’m homeless?#can-i-get-food-stamps-if-im-homeless

Yes. You do not need a mailing address or housing to apply for food stamps. If you’re currently living in a shelter that gives you free meals, you can still apply for food stamps.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Once your child is born, your household size will increase. More household members = more benefits.

While you are pregnant, you can’t get more food stamps, but you can apply for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.

WIC provides food and resources for pregnant women, new parents, and children up to 5 years old.

Learn more about WIC

Am I eligible for other benefits?#am-i-eligible-for-other-benefits

Check out this benefit finder tool and find out.

Find benefits