Anti-Hunger CoalitionYour Louisiana SNAP guide
Keep food on your table.
Protect your SNAP.
SNAP rules have changed in Louisiana. Learn who may be affected and get help understanding your next steps.
Get Help with SNAPSee what’s changing ↓
The Rules
Have Changed For:
Can you receive your SNAP notices?
Keep your address and phone number current with LDH. Read each notice and check its deadline.
What changed for you?
Choose your situation.
Select a card to read more. LDH decides which requirements and exceptions apply to your case.
55–64Adults ages 55–64
See what changed
The age range expanded.
Adults ages 55–64 can now be subject to the SNAP time limit. At 65, the ABAWD time limit no longer applies. Ask whether another exception applies before assuming you need to meet this requirement.
Ask: “Does the time limit apply to me?”
Get help with SNAP →14–17Parents of teenagers
See what changed
The household child-age exception changed.
Previously, a child under 18 in the household provided an exception. The threshold is now under 14. If the youngest child is 14–17, an adult may be subject to the time limit unless another exception applies.
Ask: “Does my household qualify for another exception?”
Get help with SNAP →VETERANSMilitary veterans
See what changed
Veteran status alone no longer provides an exception.
You may still qualify for another exception. Tell LDH about any physical or mental health condition affecting your ability to work, and ask what documentation is needed.
Ask: “What information should I provide?”
Get help with SNAP →HOUSINGPeople without stable housing
See what changed
Lack of stable housing alone no longer provides an exception.
Ask LDH whether another exception applies. Plan how to receive notices and respond to requests when your mailing address or phone access changes.
Ask: “How can I keep receiving my notices?”
Get help with SNAP →18–24Young adults who aged out of foster care
See what changed
The former foster-care exception ended.
Being under 25 and having aged out of foster care no longer provides its own exception. Ask whether you qualify for a different exception.
Ask: “Which rules apply to my situation?”
Get help with SNAP →
A rule change is a reason to ask questions—not to give up on getting help.
Understand the
work requirements.
If the SNAP time limit applies to you, you generally need 80 hours a month of qualifying work or activities—or a qualifying combination—to receive benefits beyond three months in a 36-month period.
Work
Ask what work records you should provide and how your hours will be counted.
Volunteer
Before you begin, confirm with LDH that your volunteer activity qualifies and how to document it.
Job training
Ask about approved programs and the records you need to show participation.
Louisiana’s current time-limit period is April 2026–March 2029. Other SNAP work rules also exist. This guide focuses on the ABAWD time limit; ask LDH which rules apply to you.
Get Help with SNAP →Read official Louisiana work rules ↗A notice about SNAP?
Start with these steps.
Read it.
Find the deadline and what information is requested.
Ask questions.
Keep the notice handy when you contact LDH or request assistance.
Keep records.
Save copies of what you submit and proof of submission.
Local help.
A clearer next step.
Food support helps neighbors keep nourishing meals on the table.
Start with Feeding Louisiana.
Visit the assistance page and complete the contact form to connect with a local SNAP advisor. Application help through the food bank and nonprofit partner network is free.
Get Free Application Assistance →Feeding Louisiana SNAP assistance ↗Connect with a local advisor.LDH work requirements ↗Official Louisiana time-limit guidance.LDH SNAP program ↗Official program information and application resources.A few common questions
Do I need a job before I apply?
No. You can apply without a job. Some adults must meet work requirements to continue receiving benefits beyond a limited time.
Does Feeding Louisiana’s assistance cost anything?
No. Application assistance through its food bank and nonprofit network is free.
What if a health condition makes working difficult?
Tell LDH and ask whether an exception applies and what documentation is needed. Do not assume you must receive disability benefits before asking.
Does requesting help submit my SNAP application?
No. Feeding Louisiana’s contact form connects you with assistance. LDH processes SNAP applications and makes eligibility decisions.