Applying for welfare in Louisiana really means applying to one of three state programs designed to meet the needs of low-income residents. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps, provides families with help to purchase food. The Child Care Assistance Program provides help with paying for child care to parents who are working or attending school. The Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program helps needy families with cash assistance and job training. The programs are administered in Louisiana through the Economic Stability office.

Instructions

1. Download and print a welfare application from the State of Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services website. The same application can be used to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program and the Child Care Assistance Program.
2. Complete the application with required information about each member of your household, including Social Security numbers and dates of birth. In addition to this information, you will need to provide information about each person who receives any income during the month. Income can include Social Security benefits, child support and money earned from a job. You also need to provide information about your resources. Resources include any possession that can generate income such as bonds and stocks.
3. Mail the application to the nearest Economic Stability parish office. Locate the office in your parish using the "Office Directories" list provided by DCFS (see Resources). The nearest office can also be located by checking for the listing in a Louisiana phone book under the "Government Offices-County" section.
4. Participate in a phone interview. After your application is received, a caseworker will contact you for a telephone interview. During the interview, you will be asked to verify the information on the application. The caseworker may ask you to submit documentation supporting the information.
5. Wait for a determination letter. If you are approved for welfare, the caseworker will mail you a letter providing additional information about the programs for which you qualify. You will also be provided with the date your benefits will be active