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Grants for Single Mothers in Louisiana

Louisiana Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Emergency Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at LA CAFÉ – you can get benefits within 7 days if you qualify for expedited service
  3. Contact Feeding Louisiana at (504) 734-1322 for emergency food assistance through local food banks

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

Louisiana offers assistance for single mothers through 20+ programs. Emergency help available within 1-7 days. Key programs include food assistance for families earning under $2,798/month, cash assistance up to $347/month, and healthcare coverage.

Top Programs by Urgency:

  • Emergency Food: SNAP benefits up to $768/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Cash: FITAP up to $347/month
  • Emergency Healthcare: Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana) covers families earning up to $44,346/year
  • Emergency Housing: Contact 2-1-1 for local rental assistance programs
  • Child Support: Free services to establish and collect support

Main Points

Being a single mom in Louisiana comes with unique challenges. According to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, over 400,000 Louisiana households receive SNAP benefits, with many being single-parent families.

What you need to know:

  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and apply for multiple programs at once
  • Healthcare coverage is accessible – Louisiana expanded Medicaid, covering families earning up to 138% of poverty level
  • Cash assistance has strict time limits – FITAP has a 24-month limit in a 60-month period with lifetime cap of 60 months
  • Child support services are free – Louisiana helps locate absent parents and collect support payments
  • The system is complex – But this guide breaks it down step by step

Reality Check: According to the Louisiana Department of Health, over 700,000 adults are covered under Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid expansion), showing that many working families still qualify for assistance.

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

When you need help paying bills or buying food, these programs can provide immediate relief.

Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)

According to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, FITAP provides cash assistance to families when financial resources can’t meet basic needs.

Current benefit amounts (2025):

  • Maximum $347/month for family of 3 with shelter costs (rent/mortgage)
  • Maximum $278/month for family of 3 without shelter costs
  • Lower amounts based on family income and size

Income limits for FITAP:

Family Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $536 $6,432
2 people $723 $8,676
3 people $910 $10,920
4 people $1,097 $13,164

Important Time Limit Warning: Louisiana has strict limits – you cannot get more than 24 months of FITAP in a 60-month period, with a lifetime limit of 60 months total.

Requirements:

  • Must be U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
  • Must live in Louisiana
  • Must have children under 19 (or under 20 if in school)
  • Must participate in STEP (work training) program unless exempt
  • Must have assets under $2,000 (excluding home and one vehicle)

How to apply:

  1. Apply online at LA CAFÉ
  2. Call LAHelpU Customer Service at (888) 524-3578
  3. Visit local Economic Stability Parish office

Processing time: Up to 45 days from application date

Reality Check: Louisiana’s benefit levels are among the lowest in the country, providing only basic assistance for emergencies.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

According to Louisiana DCFS, SNAP provides monthly food benefits to eligible low-income families.

Maximum benefit amounts (2025):

  • 1 person: $292/month
  • 2 people: $536/month
  • 3 people: $768/month
  • 4 people: $975/month

Income limits (as of October 2024):

Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit Annual Gross Income Limit
1 person $1,632 $19,584
2 people $2,215 $26,580
3 people $2,798 $33,576
4 people $3,381 $40,572

How to apply:

  • Online: LA CAFÉ Portal
  • Phone: (888) 524-3578
  • In person: Local Economic Stability Parish office

Emergency SNAP: If you qualify for expedited service, you can get benefits within 7 days if you have less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts.

Reality Check: Most families receive less than the maximum amount based on their income and expenses.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

According to Louisiana LIHEAP, this program helps with electric and gas bills.

Benefits available:

  • Up to $800 per year in regular LIHEAP benefits
  • Up to $1,000 for families in crisis situations
  • Priority for households with elderly, disabled, or children under 6

Who qualifies:

  • Income at or below 60% of state median income
  • Must be Louisiana resident

Income Guidelines (60% State Median Income):

Household Size Monthly Income Limit
1 person $3,370
2 people $4,407
3 people $5,444
4 people $6,481

How to apply:

  • Contact local Community Action Program office
  • Call statewide hotline: (888) 454-2001
  • Apply through local service providers

Reality Check: Funding is limited and available first-come, first-served. Apply early in the program year (typically starts November 1st).

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, which means more single mothers can get comprehensive health coverage.

Healthy Louisiana (Louisiana Medicaid)

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana’s Medicaid program provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families.

Income limits (138% of Federal Poverty Level):

Household Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,801 $21,612
2 people $2,433 $29,196
3 people $3,064 $36,768
4 people $3,696 $44,352

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications (most covered)
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Hospital and emergency room care
  • Preventive care including mammograms and cancer screenings
  • Postpartum coverage extended to full year

For children: Children 18 and under can get coverage if family income is up to 255% of Federal Poverty Level:

  • 3-person family: $6,555/month ($78,660/year)
  • 4-person family: $7,920/month ($95,040/year)

How to apply:

  • Online: LA CAFÉ
  • Phone: (888) 524-3578
  • In person: Local Economic Stability Parish office

Processing time: Usually 30 days or less

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

According to Louisiana WIC, the program provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women and children under 5.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women (up to 6 months)
  • Children under age 5
  • Income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level ($4,108/month for family of 3)
  • Must be at “nutritional risk” (determined by health screening)

Automatic qualification if you receive:

  • Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana)
  • TANF (FITAP)
  • SNAP (Food Assistance)

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with items like milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services

How to apply:

  • Use the WIC Clinic Locator to find local office
  • Call (504) 568-8720 for information
  • Apply in person (phone applications not available)

Reality Check: WIC provides specific healthy foods, not cash. Foods are designed to supplement your diet, not provide all nutrition needs.

Child Support Enforcement

Don’t overlook this important source of financial support. Louisiana’s Division of Child Support Services helps single mothers get support from the other parent.

Louisiana Child Support Services

What they provide:

  • Locate absent parents using state and federal databases
  • Establish paternity through genetic testing
  • Establish and modify support orders through court system
  • Collect and distribute support payments automatically
  • Enforce support orders through wage garnishment and asset seizure

Who qualifies:

  • Any parent or caregiver who has custody of a child
  • No income requirements or restrictions
  • Available regardless of marital status

How to apply:

Costs:

  • $25 application fee for families not receiving FITAP
  • Fee waived for FITAP recipients
  • No other costs – services are free

What to expect:

  • Case opening: 1-2 weeks
  • Locating absent parent: 30-90 days
  • Establishing paternity: 60-120 days
  • Setting support order: 90-180 days

Reality Check: Even if the other parent doesn’t have a job now, establishing support orders helps when their situation changes.

Housing Help That Works

Finding safe, affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for single mothers.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Several programs can help if you’re behind on rent or facing eviction.

Statewide Resources:

  • Call 2-1-1 for local emergency rental programs
  • Contact local Community Action Programs for assistance
  • Many nonprofits provide one-time emergency assistance
  • Faith-based organizations often have emergency funds

New Orleans area:

Baton Rouge area:

  • Capital Area United Way: (225) 382-3502
  • Community Action Agency: (225) 389-8540

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

According to HUD, the Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families afford decent, safe housing.

Two types available:

  1. Housing Choice Vouchers: You find your own rental, voucher pays portion of rent
  2. Project-based Section 8: Specific apartment complexes with reduced rent

Income limits (30% of Area Median Income):

Household Size Maximum Annual Income (New Orleans Metro)
1 person $22,100
2 people $25,250
3 people $28,400
4 people $31,550

How to apply:

  • New Orleans: Housing Authority of New Orleans at (504) 670-3300
  • Baton Rouge: East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority at (225) 336-4780
  • Find other authorities at HUD’s PHA directory

Reality Check: Most housing authorities have waiting lists of 1-3 years. Apply as soon as possible and to multiple authorities if eligible.

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

According to the Louisiana Department of Education, CCAP helps eligible families pay for childcare.

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents (minimum 20 hours/week)
  • Parents in approved education/training programs
  • Parents actively seeking work
  • Income up to 165% of Federal Poverty Level

Income limits:

Family Size Monthly Income Limit
1 parent, 1 child $2,518
1 parent, 2 children $3,400
1 parent, 3 children $4,282
1 parent, 4 children $5,164

How much you pay:

  • Co-payments range from $15-$200+ per month based on income
  • Lower income families pay less
  • Payments made directly to childcare provider

How to apply:

  • Call the CCA Household Eligibility Office at (877) 453-2721
  • Contact local Community Action Program office
  • Apply through Louisiana Believes website

Processing time: 30-45 days if all documents provided

Reality Check: Waiting lists are common, especially in urban areas. Apply as early as possible.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Free comprehensive early childhood programs for low-income families.

Head Start (Ages 3-5):

  • Free preschool education
  • Full-day or part-day options
  • Meals and snacks included
  • Health and dental screenings
  • Family support services

Early Head Start (Birth to 3):

  • Childcare for infants and toddlers
  • Home visiting programs
  • Pregnant women services
  • Parenting education

Income requirements:

  • Family income at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic qualification for families receiving FITAP, SNAP, or SSI

How to apply:

Reality Check: High-quality programs with waiting lists. Applications typically open in spring for fall enrollment.

Food Help Beyond SNAP

Feeding Louisiana Food Banks

According to Feeding Louisiana, the organization supports five regional food banks throughout the state.

Regional Food Banks:

  • Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank: (225) 359-9940
  • Second Harvest Food Bank (New Orleans): (504) 734-1322
  • Food Bank of Central Louisiana (Alexandria): (318) 445-2773
  • Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana (Monroe): (318) 322-3567
  • Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana (Shreveport): (318) 865-4595

Services available:

  • Emergency food boxes (3-5 day supply)
  • Fresh produce distributions
  • Mobile food pantries in rural areas
  • Kids Cafe (after-school meals)
  • Backpack program (weekend food for kids)

What to bring:

  • Valid Louisiana photo ID
  • Proof of address (utility bill, lease, mail)
  • Information about household size

Contact information:

Reality Check: You must show ID and provide household information. Lines can be long – call ahead for best times.

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most programs allow working families to qualify:

  • SNAP: Up to 185% of poverty level ($2,798/month for family of 3)
  • Healthy Louisiana: Up to 138% of poverty level ($3,064/month for family of 3)
  • Childcare assistance: Up to 165% of poverty level
  • LIHEAP: Up to 60% of state median income

Q: How long do applications take to process? A: Processing times vary by program:

  • SNAP: 7-30 days (7 days if emergency)
  • FITAP: Up to 45 days
  • Healthy Louisiana: Usually 30 days or less
  • Housing vouchers: Months to years due to waiting lists
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! LA CAFÉ allows you to apply for SNAP, FITAP, and Healthy Louisiana with one application. You can also apply for other programs separately at the same time.

Q: What if I get denied? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Common reasons for denial include missing documents or income calculation errors. Contact LAHelpU at (888) 524-3578 for help with appeals.

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, Healthy Louisiana, WIC, LIHEAP
  • Overpayments: If you receive too much due to unreported income changes, you may need to repay the difference

Q: What if my English is limited? A: Language assistance is available:

  • All state programs provide free interpreters
  • LA CAFÉ website available in Spanish
  • Call (888) 524-3578 for Spanish assistance
  • 2-1-1 has bilingual operators

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Scams to Avoid

Grant scams:

  • Red flag: Requests upfront fees for “guaranteed grants”
  • Reality: Legitimate government programs never charge application fees (except $25 for child support)
  • Action: Hang up and report to Louisiana Attorney General: (800) 351-4889

Benefits card scams:

  • Red flag: Calls asking for your EBT card number or PIN
  • Reality: DCFS will never call asking for your card information
  • Action: Never give card information over phone; call DCFS directly if questionable

Program Warnings

FITAP time limits:

  • Louisiana has strict 24-month limit in 60-month period
  • Lifetime limit of 60 months total
  • Very limited extensions available
  • Plan for transition off benefits

Income limits are strict:

  • Small increases in income can eliminate eligibility
  • Report income changes immediately to avoid overpayments
  • Understand how income affects each program differently

Emergency Resources and Crisis Numbers

Immediate Crisis Help

Food emergency:

  • Feeding Louisiana: (504) 734-1322
  • 2-1-1: Find local food pantries and soup kitchens
  • Emergency SNAP: Apply at LA CAFÉ or call (888) 524-3578

Housing emergency (eviction/homelessness):

  • 2-1-1: Emergency shelter and rental assistance
  • Louisiana Housing Corporation: (225) 763-8700
  • Covenant House New Orleans: (504) 584-1111 (for youth)

Utilities shut-off:

  • LIHEAP Emergency: Call (888) 454-2001
  • Utility company hardship programs: Call your utility provider directly
  • Salvation Army: May provide emergency utility assistance

Crisis and Mental Health Support

Crisis intervention:

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Louisiana Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255

Domestic violence:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (225) 752-1296
  • Local shelters: Call 2-1-1 for immediate shelter options

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Resources

Primary contact numbers:

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7) – Your first call for any crisis
  • Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services: (225) 342-0286
  • LA CAFÉ (benefits applications): (888) 524-3578
  • Healthy Louisiana Customer Service: (888) 524-3578

Application and benefits:

  • SNAP/FITAP/Medicaid applications: LA CAFÉ Portal
  • Child support services: (888) 524-3578
  • WIC program: Contact local clinic
  • Head Start locator: 1-866-763-6481

Emergency Numbers

Immediate crisis:

  • Emergency services: 911
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Legal and Advocacy Help

Free legal assistance:

  • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services: (504) 529-1000
  • Acadiana Legal Service Corporation: (337) 237-4320
  • Northwest Louisiana Legal Services: (318) 222-7186

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official Louisiana government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Louisiana guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, USDA, HHS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Louisiana Department of Health, USDA, and HHS sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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