Due to extremely high call volume, Louisiana has received approval to extend DSNAP. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters said they understand the frustration among callers, and they are pleased they’ve received federal approval to extend call-in days.
“Once a phased is finished it’s finished, and so we can’t go back and pick up all of those callers until that fourth week,” said Walters.
Phase three will end October 9th and then those with the last names beginning with A-L can call in on October 11th. Surnames M-Z on October 12th and all names on October 13th.
Of the 110-thousand calls so far seeking DSNAP assistance, almost 81-thousand have been approved.
Walters said DSNAP eligibility is a combination of one’s income and disaster-related expenses. She said the anxiety related to a mindset of “I lost all my food, I should be able to get DSNAP,” has frustrated many callers.
“The truth is DSNAP is an eligibility determined program, not every person that lost all their food is eligible, it’s just simply not,” said Walters.
Before when DSNAP applicants would visit an office in person Walters said candidates came in on assigned days, but since they moved to a virtual process they’ve been inundated with calls.
Walters said for the extended days they will receive assistance from DSNAP operators in Texas and Oklahoma to assist with call volume. Walters said their ultimate goal is to assist those who are eligible and to keep people from going hungry.
For more info www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/DSNAP
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