Louisiana Government Assistance for Single Mothers: Benefits and How to Apply

Securing Louisiana government assistance for single mothers is a crucial step toward building a stable and secure life for your family. The journey of single motherhood in Louisiana is one of incredible resilience, but it often comes with significant financial challenges.

Fortunately, the state offers a network of support programs designed to provide a foundation for families in need. These resources, from financial aid and food security to healthcare and child care, can provide the stability necessary to thrive. This roadmap offers a clear, step-by-step path to identifying and applying for the vital benefits available to you and your children.

Your Starting Point: The LA CAFÉ Online Portal

For many of the most essential benefits, your first and most important step is the LA CAFÉ online portal. LA CAFÉ, which stands for Customer Assistance for Economic Stability, is Louisiana's self-service website where you can apply for and manage several key assistance programs from one central location. Using this portal can streamline the process and reduce the burden of multiple applications.

The Louisiana state government system for benefits is spread across different departments. For example, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) handles food and cash aid, while the Department of Education manages child care assistance. Starting with LA CAFÉ allows you to apply for the most immediate survival benefits first.

Programs on LA CAFÉ

You can apply for the following programs through the LA CAFÉ portal:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)
• Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP)
• Child Support Enforcement Services

How to Use LA CAFÉ

To begin, visit the LA CAFÉ website at dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/cafe to create an account. Once your account is set up, you can apply for benefits, check your application status, renew benefits, and report any changes to your household or income.

A key feature is the ability to upload required documents directly to the portal, which can significantly speed up the processing of your application. If you encounter issues with uploading, you can also submit documents by email to LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov, by fax, or by mail.

Cash Assistance Programs for Financial Relief

Louisiana offers several programs that provide direct financial assistance to help single mothers cover essential living expenses. These programs are designed to offer temporary relief and promote long-term economic independence.

Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)

FITAP is Louisiana's version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides monthly cash benefits to low-income families with children. The program's primary goal is to serve as a temporary support system during a financial crisis while promoting job preparation and work.

• Benefit Amount: The benefit is calculated based on a "flat grant amount" that varies by family size. For a family of three, this amount is approximately $484 per month. Your final monthly benefit is determined by subtracting your countable income from this grant amount.
• Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, you must be a Louisiana resident, a U.S. citizen or qualified alien, and be financially needy. The program is for families with children under the age of 18 (or 18 if enrolled full-time in school).
• Income Calculation: DCFS allows for several important earned income deductions when determining your financial need. These include a standard $120 deduction for each employed person, potential deductions for dependent care, and a time-limited $900 deduction for six months for each employed member.
• Time Limits and Work Requirements: FITAP has a 60-month lifetime limit for assistance if the household includes a parent. A family is also ineligible if a parent has already received benefits for 24 of the preceding 60 months. Work-eligible parents must participate in the Strategies to Empower People (STEP) Program, which provides job training and employment support.
• How to Apply: Applications for FITAP are submitted through the LA CAFÉ portal.

Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP)

This program is for relatives caring for a child who is not their own, such as a grandchild or nephew. KCSP provides a cash subsidy for each eligible child when the relative has or is obtaining legal custody. To be eligible, the child's parent cannot live in the home, and the child's income must be below a set threshold. Applications are processed through the LA CAFÉ portal.

Louisiana Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Louisiana EITC is a refundable tax credit for working families with low-to-moderate incomes. While not a monthly payment, it can provide a substantial lump-sum refund after you file your state taxes, offering a significant financial boost.

Food and Nutrition Security for Your Family

Ensuring your children have consistent access to healthy food is a top priority. Louisiana administers two key programs that work together to provide comprehensive nutritional support.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is the state's largest food assistance program. It provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, known as the Louisiana Purchase Card, which can be used to purchase groceries.

SNAP Eligibility Details

Eligibility for SNAP depends on your household's income and resources.

• Resources: Most households may have up to $2,750 in countable resources (like cash or bank accounts), or $4,250 if a member is elderly or disabled. Households receiving FITAP, KCSP, or SSI are exempt from this resource limit.
• Income and Deductions: Most applicants must meet both a gross and net income test. Allowable deductions are crucial for determining eligibility and include a 20% earned income deduction, a standard deduction, dependent care costs, child support payments, and high shelter costs.

SNAP Benefit Amounts and Application

The amount of SNAP benefits you receive depends on your household size and net income. An eligible family of three may receive up to $768 per month. You can view the maximum allotment amounts on the DCFS website.

The application process involves three main steps:

1. Submit an application through the LA CAFÉ portal.
2. Provide required documents, such as proof of identity, residency, income, and expenses.
3. Complete a phone interview with a DCFS caseworker.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a vital program focused on the health of pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five. WIC and SNAP are designed to work together, with WIC providing a specific package of nutrient-dense foods.

Who is Eligible for WIC?

• Pregnant women
• Mothers up to six months postpartum (or one year if breastfeeding)
• Infants
• Children up to their fifth birthday

Three Core WIC Benefits

WIC provides more than just food. The program offers:

1. Healthy Foods: A prescribed monthly package of foods like milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula.
2. Nutrition Education: Counseling on healthy eating for you and your children.
3. Health and Social Service Referrals: Connections to services like immunizations and breastfeeding support.

WIC Income Rules and Application

To qualify, a household's income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. If you are already enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or FITAP, you are automatically considered income-eligible for WIC, which simplifies the application process.

The WIC application is separate from LA CAFÉ. You must contact your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment. To find your nearest clinic, call the statewide hotline at 1-800-251-BABY (1-800-251-2229).

Securing Healthcare Coverage for You and Your Children

Access to no-cost health insurance is fundamental for your family's well-being. Louisiana offers several Medicaid programs to ensure single mothers and their children can get the care they need.

Available Health Coverage Programs

• Louisiana Medicaid: This is the state's primary health insurance program for low-income residents. Single mothers may qualify as low-income parents of children under 19. If you receive FITAP or SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid.
• La MOMS: This program provides no-cost, full health coverage for pregnant women, including doctor visits, prescriptions, delivery, and hospital care. Coverage continues for up to 12 months after your pregnancy ends.
• La CHIP (Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program): This program provides no-cost health coverage for uninsured children up to age 19, covering doctor visits, dental care, prescriptions, and more.
• La CHIP Affordable Plan: For families with income slightly too high for regular La CHIP, this program offers the same coverage for a low monthly premium of $50 per household.

Louisiana Health Coverage Monthly Income Limits

Note: For La MOMS eligibility, a single pregnant woman is considered a household of two. Income limits are subject to change.

How to Apply for Health Coverage

You can apply for any of these health insurance programs through a single application. The easiest ways to apply are:

• Online at MyPlan.Healthy.la.gov
• By phone by calling 1-855-229-6848
• In person at a local Medicaid application center

Assistance with Housing and Utility Costs

Stable housing is the cornerstone of a stable family. Several programs exist to help low-income families afford a safe place to live, though demand is often high.

Rental Assistance Programs

Housing assistance is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), not a single statewide office. This means the application process is localized and often involves long waiting lists.

• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): This federal program helps very low-income families afford housing in the private market. A subsidy is paid directly to the landlord by the PHA.
• Public Housing: This program provides rental housing for eligible low-income families in properties owned and managed by a local PHA.

To apply, you must contact your local PHA. You can also speak with a free HUD-Approved Housing Counselor for advice by calling (800) 569-4287.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP provides federal funding to help eligible low-income households with their energy costs. This can include assistance with heating and cooling bills, crisis intervention, and weatherization. To apply, contact your local LIHEAP agency.

Other Housing Resources

For those in rural areas, the USDA Rural Development office offers programs like the Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants for very-low-income homeowners. The Louisiana Housing Corporation also oversees various housing initiatives.

Making Child Care Affordable

For a working single mother, affordable, high-quality child care is a necessity. The Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is designed to help with this expense.

About CCAP

CCAP provides financial assistance to low-income families to help pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in a training program.

Eligibility and Application

To qualify, you must be responsible for a child under 13 (or under 18 with a disability), and the adults in the household must be engaged in work or school for at least 20 hours per week. Your household's gross monthly income must also fall below the established limits.

Due to high demand, a statewide waitlist was established in October 2022. It is important to apply to get on this list. CCAP is administered by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), and you must apply through the LDOE's specific online portal.

CCAP Monthly Gross Income Limits

Pathways to Better Employment and Education

Louisiana also offers resources aimed at fostering long-term financial independence through education and improved employment opportunities.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

WIOA is a federally funded program designed to connect job seekers with employment, education, and training services. Services are provided through local American Job Centers and partners like Geaux Jobs.

WIOA can provide:

• Occupational skills training and educational scholarships.
• On-the-job training (OJT) and internships.
• Career counseling and job search assistance.
• Supportive services to help overcome barriers to employment.

These services can help a mother on FITAP meet her STEP program obligations and transition to a stable, well-paying job.

Louisiana GO Grant

For single mothers interested in pursuing higher education, the Louisiana GO Grant is a need-based grant that helps Pell-eligible students afford the cost of attending college. This can be a valuable resource for gaining credentials for career advancement.

Your Next Steps to a More Secure Future

Navigating government assistance can feel overwhelming, but taking the first step is the most important part of the process. These programs are designed to be a stepping stone, providing the support you need to build a more secure future for you and your children.

Here is an actionable checklist of your immediate next steps:

1. Start with LA CAFÉ: Create an account on the LA CAFÉ portal at dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/cafe to apply for SNAP and FITAP.
2. Schedule a WIC Appointment: Call 1-800-251-BABY to find your local WIC clinic and schedule an appointment.
3. Apply for Health Coverage: Visit MyPlan.Healthy.la.gov or call 1-855-229-6848 to apply for Medicaid, La MOMS, and La CHIP.
4. Get on the Child Care Waitlist: Go to the Louisiana Department of Education's website to apply for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
5. Seek Immediate Help if Needed: If you are facing a crisis, dial 211 to be connected with local emergency resources like food banks and shelters.

 Frequently Asked Questions