In a Nutshell

While the Pelican State is celebrated for its vibrant culture and culinary delights, many residents struggle with financial challenges. In 2022, a concerning 19% of Louisiana households earned below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), highlighting the region’s ongoing struggles.

With the average cost of living at record highs and inflation continuing to push everyday expenses higher, numerous citizens in the Bayou State need support to make ends meet.

Louisiana’s government and nonprofit organizations offer several assistance programs to alleviate these financial hardships. From cash assistance and food support to state-funded healthcare services, these initiatives provide essential resources to help Louisiana families navigate difficult times.

Learn more about Louisiana’s financial assistance programs and how to access these crucial resources to cultivate a sustainable and independent financial future.

Government Assistance Programs in Louisiana

Government assistance programs in Louisiana play a vital role in supporting residents during challenging times. These programs provide essential resources and services to address Louisianans’ basic needs, such as direct cash assistance, food security, housing stability, and healthcare access.

Cash Assistance Programs

Louisiana cash assistance programs can help individuals and families navigate financial challenges. Through the Louisiana Purchase Card, the state’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, residents can conveniently access and use benefits at participating retailers.

  • Funded by the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant 
  • Cash aid for children in homes lacking sufficient financial support from parents  
  • Promotes job preparation and work opportunities, helping families achieve independence
  • Monthly cash assistance for eligible children living with a qualified relative other than a parent  
  • Supports family caregivers in providing a stable and nurturing environment for children in need
  • Provides monthly cash benefits to eligible low-income households, helping them purchase nutritious food
  • Participants can use the Louisiana Purchase Card at participating grocery stores
  • As of 2024, there are no new stimulus updates for Louisiana residents beyond the payments that have already been distributed in 2020 and 2021.
  • Residents can still utilize state tax credits to potentially increase their refunds and/or reduce tax liabilities.
  • Louisiana offers the Child and Dependent Tax Credit (CDCTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which may be accessible to those who qualify for these corresponding state tax credits.

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

Louisiana provides a variety of programs to assist pregnant and single mothers, focusing on the health and well-being of both mothers and their children.

  • No-cost healthcare program for pregnant women (with potential coverage for up to 12 months after the pregnancy ends)
  • Coverage includes doctor visits, lab work, prescriptions, labor and delivery, and hospital care
  • Pregnancy and parenting support for the health of new moms and their babies
  • No-cost, voluntary home visitation services for personalized education, coaching, and service referrals
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program that provides healthy food and nutrition education for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children up to age five
  • Connects families to additional health and social services

Child Care Services

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps low-income families afford quality childcare while parents work or attend school. To qualify for CCAP, families must meet specific requirements, such as:

  • The child must be a U.S. citizen or eligible alien residing in Louisiana
  • Parents or guardians must work at least 20 hours a week, attend school or training full-time, actively seek work, or participate in a transitional living program
  • Experiencing homelessness
  • Household income must be below the designated limit based on the number of family members in the home

Medical Assistance

Medical Assistance Programs in Louisiana offer vital support to individuals and families, ensuring they can access the healthcare services needed for their well-being.

  • Medical care and health services for residents who meet specific income and resource criteria  
  • Coverage includes hospital and emergency room services, immunizations, laboratory tests, radiology services, and long-term personal care services (LT-PCS)
  • No-cost health coverage for uninsured children up to age 19
  • Includes hospital care, doctor visits, prescription medications, vaccinations, and additional health needs
  • Provides no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and patient navigation services
  • Eligible women needing treatment receive Breast and Cervical Cancer (BCC) Medicaid for essential care

Food Assistance

Food assistance programs aim to ensure that individuals and families meet their nutritional needs while promoting better overall health across communities throughout the Pelican State.

  • A one-time payment to help families purchase groceries during summer school breaks  
  • Households can use an EBT card to buy food items at participating grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers financial assistance through federal Child Nutrition Programs to help lower the cost of healthy meals to children and some adults in various settings. Key programs include:

Assistance for Veterans

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) provides essential support and resources to veterans and their families. Programs and services include:

  • Family benefits
  • Loans and financial assistance
  • Pension & disability support
  • Employment & vocational training
  • Healthcare Services
  • Tax exemptions

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

Assistance programs for elderly and disabled adults provide a range of services to enhance the quality of life for seniors and adults with disabilities. These initiatives ensure they receive the care they need while remaining active members of their communities.

  • Provides comprehensive services for families with disabled children and adults
  • Services include developmental disability support, behavioral health services, and aging and adult care assistance
  • Helps elderly individuals and adults with physical disabilities transition from nursing facilities back to their own home and community-based living settings of their choice 
  • Offers personalized transition planning, housing assistance, and connections to community resources
  • Focuses on individuals aged 55 and older who reside in the PACE provider service area and qualify for nursing facility-level care
  • Helps participants stay in the community and improve their quality of life through personalized care plans

Utility Bill Assistance

Utility bill assistance programs help low-income households save money on their energy bills, especially during Louisiana’s long, hot summers and chilly winters.

  • A federally funded initiative that directly aids households in managing their home energy costs
  • Helps with heating and cooling bill payments, crisis-related bill payment support, and repair or replacement of heating and cooling equipment
  • Provides energy-efficient upgrades to Louisiana homes, helping to reduce energy waste, lower utility bills, and improve overall comfort and sustainability
  • A discount on phone services to eligible low-income consumers, ensuring access to essential communication for jobs, family, and emergency services

Transportation Assistance

  • The medical transportation services provided under the Louisiana Dept of Health offer qualifying recipients rides to and from Medicaid-covered doctor appointments and healthcare service providers, including carved-out services and Value-Added Benefits (VAB).
  • For more information on available transportation options, residents can refer to the Louisiana Transit Providers Guide, which offers a comprehensive resource for locating transit services by parish.

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

  • The Louisiana State Bar Association offers resources for individuals seeking legal assistance, including a directory of licensed attorneys and referral programs in the state.
  • LouisianaLawHelp.org is an online guide to free legal services for low-income individuals and seniors that provides information on available legal aid programs across the state.

Assistance for Unemployment

Unemployment assistance provides support to Louisiana residents who find themselves temporarily out of work.

  • Temporary financial assistance for workers laid off or furloughed due to circumstances beyond their control
  • Offers benefit claims, career advice, and training programs
  • Offers job training, employment, and supportive services to work-eligible families of the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), helping them achieve self-sufficiency 
  • Participants may benefit from hard and soft skills training and job readiness support

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) administers the funds to develop housing policies in the state and offer comprehensive solutions for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

  • Grants rental assistance to low-income families, older adults, and disabled people, allowing them to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market
  • Participants can choose their own housing (single-family homes, apartments, etc.)
  • Provides payments to owners of USDA-financed Rural Rental Housing or Farm Labor Housing projects on behalf of low-income tenants unable to pay full rent in these locations
  • Offers assistance for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including access to housing and supportive services
  • Resources are available statewide through Coordinated Entry Access Points

Connecting to Additional Financial Support: Louisiana’s 211

Brad Reichert, founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC, highlights the ease of accessing financial assistance resources in Louisiana:

“To find immediate access to financial assistance resources in the state of Louisiana, residents can pick up their nearest telephone and dial 2-1-1”. He explains that this service, funded by the nonprofit organization Louisiana211.org, is an easy-to-remember number connecting callers to critical health and human services available in their community.

Reichert states that this service can be used to obtain information on basic necessities like local clothing and food banks, available shelters, and employment resources. He adds, “Your confidential call to 211 from anywhere in Louisiana is answered 24/7 by a live call specialist equipped to listen to your needs and locate available help and information near you.”

For those who prefer texting, he also points out, “If you have a cell phone, you can also text your ZIP Code to the number ‘898-211’ to get more information by text reply.”

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Louisiana

Privately-funded nonprofit assistance programs offer resources like housing, food, healthcare, and education to support Louisiana residents facing financial challenges.

  • National human services organization that supports thousands of professionals dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives and reach their full potential
  • Provides housing, behavioral and mental health, community outreach services, and more
  • Supports the state’s five regional food banks in Alexandria, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Monroe, and Shreveport
  • Serves all 64 parishes, partnering with over 900 communities and organizations to distribute millions of pounds of food each year
  • Comprehensive list of grants for disaster relief, financial assistance, housing, and other basic needs
  • Helps individuals and organizations find funding opportunities across various fields, including education, research, arts, healthcare, and business development
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How Do You Get Financial Help in Louisiana?

While Louisiana offers several financial assistance programs, they may not always be sufficient to address significant financial challenges like high-interest credit card debts, payday loans, or medical expenses. If you find yourself in such a situation, turning to a trusted debt relief company like TurboDebt might be the solution you need.

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