Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by Lori Pace
You’ve probably heard the adage, ‘Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.’
Louisiana’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program embodies this idea, providing monthly cash benefits to low-income families in need while promoting job preparation and work to decrease long-term dependency.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of Louisiana’s TANF program, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and benefits available to low-income families.
Understanding Louisiana FITAP Benefits
Louisiana’s TANF program, also known as the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), is designed to help families become self-supportive by providing financial assistance and employment services. To be eligible for FITAP, families must meet categorical, financial, and work requirements, with payments based on family size.
FITAP eligibility is based on factors such as household size, income, and residency. The program temporarily assists families with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Eligible families may receive up to $484 per month in cash benefits.
Additionally, FITAP offers subsidized childcare assistance to help parents participate in work activities through the STEP program.
Eligibility Requirements for Louisiana TANF
To qualify for the cash assistance and supportive benefits of TANF in Lousiana, the family must be able to comply with the following requirements below:
- Must be a resident of the state of Louisiana
- Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien
- Provide or apply for a Social Security Number
- Children under the age of 18
- Must be a qualified relative
- Age 18 and is currently enrolled full-time in either secondary school, vocational, technical training, or equivalent
- Monthly countable income must not exceed the flat grant amount
- Drug screening
- Immunization for recipients under the age of 18
Strategies to Empower People Program (STEP)
Aside from cash assistance, the TANF also provides various services to help work-eligible adults to become job-ready. By participating in the Strategies to Empower People Program (STEP), you can gain valuable vocational training and preparation for obtaining your GED, which can help you become independent enough to support your family.
TANF Lousiana Application Process
You can easily apply for cash assistance through the Louisiana TANF program online or by mail with the necessary documentation.
To apply for TANF assistance online, you must create an LA CAFE account and submit your application at https://cafe-cp.dcfs.la.gov/selfservice/.
If you wish to do it by mail, you can download a copy of the TANF Indiana application form and send it along with the necessary supporting documents to the Document Processing Center at the following mailing address:
DCFS Economic Stability
P.O. Box 260031
Baton Rouge, LA 70826
Once your application is received, an assigned eligibility worker will schedule you for either an in-person or phone interview for eligibility verification.
If approved, you will receive monthly cash assistance, with payments varying depending on family size and income guidelines.
Lousiana TANF Payment By Family Size
If approved, you will receive cash assistance issued monthly, with payments varying depending on family size and income guidelines:
| NUMBER OF PERSONS | FITAP FLAT GRANT AMOUNTS |
| 1 | $122 |
| 2 | $188 |
| 3 | $240 |
| 4 | $284 |
| 5 | $327 |
| 6 | $366 |
| 7 | $402 |
| 8 | $441 |
| 9 | $477 |
| 10 | $512 |
The average grant in Louisiana is $200 monthly for a family of three.
TANF Louisiana Payment Issuance Process
After meeting all eligibility requirements, recipients of the monthly cash benefit from the Louisiana TANF Program will receive their payments on a set date each month, usually between the 1st to 5th day of every month. The cash benefits can be accessed through their Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT) at ATMs and POS machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any restrictions on how Louisiana TANF benefits can be spent?
Yes, Louisiana TANF benefits can only be used for basic needs such as food, housing, and clothing. Recipients must provide receipts for non-basic purchases and may face penalties for misuse.
Can Louisiana TANF recipients use their EBT cards to make online purchases?
No, Louisiana TANF recipients cannot use their EBT cards to purchase online. EBT cards can only be used at authorized retailers and ATMs.
Is Louisiana TANF benefit a taxable income?
You may be disappointed to hear that Louisiana TANF benefits are not taxable income. While it may seem unfair, it’s important to remember that these benefits are meant to help families in need, not to be a source of income.
How often do TANF recipients in Louisiana need to report changes in their situation?
You need to report any changes in your situation promptly if you receive Louisiana TANF benefits. This includes changes in income, household composition, and address. Failure to report changes may result in overpayment and repayment.
What is the process for appealing a denied Louisiana TANF application?
To appeal a denied Louisiana TANF application, you must file a written request for a hearing within 90 days of the denial notice. The hearing will be held by an impartial hearing officer, and you have the right to representation and to present evidence.
Conclusion
Louisiana’s TANF program helps single mothers as well as families become self-supportive and decrease long-term dependency by providing monthly cash benefits. Remember, the Strategies to Empower People Program (STEP) is available to help participants gain job skills and become more employable.
Overall, this federal program is designed to assist those in need and promote self-sufficiency. So, if you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to apply for Louisiana TANF benefits.
