Assistance for Single Moms in Louisiana

Single moms can receive aid and assistance in all cities and counties across the state of Louisiana. Assistance programs help with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, free health care, and more.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Low-income households and single moms can buy the food they need for good health with the monthly benefits that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides. Through the issuance of benefits to all eligible households, the goal of the program is to promote the general welfare and to safeguard the health and well being of the population. Families must also use their own funds to buy food sufficient to last throughout the month due to the fact that for most households, SNAP benefits account for only a portion of their food budgets. 888-524-3578 for more information on eligibility and benefits.

School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Public and non-public school students can receive meal reimbursement on an income-based sliding scale from the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Residential childcare facilities and schools approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education may apply for participation in the School Lunch and Breakfast Program. You must be a primary caregiver responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under) and a resident of the state in order to qualify for this benefit program. For more information call 877-453-2721.

Louisiana Special Milk Program
Children who are enrolled in an eligible facility which does not participate in any other meal service program are encouraged the consumption of fluid milk by the Special Milk Program (SMP) for children. Upon request, any school or non-profit child care institution, settlement house, summer camp or any similar non-profit institution devoted to the care and training of children can participate in the program. For more information on the program call the Department of Education at 225-922-1319.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Low-income pregnant, breastfeeding postpartum women and single moms, infants and children up to the age of 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk can receive supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) . Applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be a nutritional risk in order to be fully eligible for the program. For more questions about the WIC program, call the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospital at 225-342-9500.

Louisiana Summer Food Service
Providing children of needy families with nutritious meals during the summer months when school is out is why the Louisiana Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was created. Persons over 18 years of age who are determined by the state or local educational authority to be mentally or physically disabled and who participate in public or nonpublic private school program established for the mentally or physically disabled as well as children under 18 years of age can receive free meals from the SFSP. 877-453-2721 to contact the Louisiana Department of Education for more information on the program.

Louisiana Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)
When the financial resources of the family are insufficient to meet subsistence needs, single moms will be able to receive cash assistance from the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP). By promoting job preparation and work the goal of the program is to decrease the long-term dependency on welfare assistance. After a financial crisis, public assistance is an opportunity to become independent. For more information on the program call 888-584-3578.

Louisiana Head Start
Head Start is a Federal program that aims to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age five from low income families making sure they are school ready. Language, literacy, and social and emotional development are some area where the program can support a child’s growth. The role of parents is emphasized by the program as their child’s first and most important teacher. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 866-763-6481.

Rental Assistance Vouchers
The HUD funds most of the main programs. Very low income single moms as well as income qualified disabled residents and the elderly can receive help. Section 8 and other Housing and Urban Development resources can help pay for a portion of an applicant’s rent. 800-955-2232 for more information on how to apply for these benefits.

Credit Services
Credit counselors in Louisiana offer budgeting skills, mediation services, repayment plans with your creditors, and low cost debt management plans to help single moms get out of debt. To contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling call 800-388-2227.

Social Services and Emergency Assistance
The Several Salvation Army Family centers that operate across the State of Louisiana can provide low income single mothers with help, including assistance with paying food, rent, utility bills, medications, housing and other emergency aid.

Louisiana Medicaid
Based on income and resource limits set by Congress, the Louisiana Medicaid Program is a federally funded program, which provides health coverage, within certain groups, to Louisiana residents. For those who qualify, the program will provide a complete package of medical coverage. In general eligible recipients of benefits include low income single moms with children, persons with disabilities, and the low income elderly. Inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, long-term care facilities (nursing homes) , family planning, services for early periodic screening, and diagnosis and treatment (EPSDT) of those under age 21 represent mandatory medical services included under Medicaid. For further questions call the Medicaid Hotline at 888-342-6207.

LaCHIP Program
Uninsured children and youth up to the age of 19 can receive quality health care from the LaCHIP health insurance program. Children can qualify for coverage under LaCHIP using higher income standards. The program provides preventive and emergency care, prescription medications, immunizations, hospitalization, home health care, and most importantly, it provided Medicaid coverage for doctor visits for primary care and many other health services. The children of Louisiana’s working families with moderate and low income can greatly benefit from the health care coverage provided by LaCHIP. After each 12-month period a renewal of coverage will be done. For more inquiries about the program, please call 877-252-2447.

Legal Assistance
Low to moderate income single mothers, the elderly and the disabled can receive free legal assistance from the numerous non-profit law firms that operate across the state of Louisiana. 800-624-4771 to contact the Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and 800-826-9265 to contact the Legal Services of North Louisiana.

Unemployment Insurance
If eligibility requirements are met, financial assistance is provided through unemployment insurance benefits to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. You must have worked in Tennessee during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least a minimum amount of wages, in order to qualify for this benefit program. 225-925-4311 to contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission for more information on the program.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Often impacting the basic subsistence requirements of a household, energy costs significantly influence the affordability of housing for everyone. With the aim to help eligible households in meeting their monthly utility bills, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will provide assistance. Those who may be elderly, disabled, have families with children, and/or have the highest energy consumption will be prioritized. 888-454-2001 for more information on eligibility and how to apply.