The Louisiana Department of Health has announced a new EBT policy for SNAP recipients.
Starting May 26, Louisiana SNAP recipients will only be able to use their EBT cards for purchases made within the state and in ZIP codes adjacent to Louisiana’s border in neighboring states.
The LDH says the change is to protect benefits from fraud and out-of-state use, strengthen program integrity, and ensure SNAP dollars support Louisiana grocers, farmers, businesses, and local communities.
Cardholders who shop at Louisiana stores and through approved online retailers will not be affected by this policy change.
The LDH says Louisianans who regularly shop across the state line in Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas will experience little to no disruption, as many of those ZIP codes are included under the policy’s in-state designation.
Out-of-state purchases occurring outside of the approved areas will be blocked.
SNAP recipients who are traveling and need temporary access to make purchases outside of Louisiana can request a short-term exemption at lifeincheckebt.com, by calling 888-LAHelp-U (888-524-3578), or by visiting a local LDH SNAP office.
Any temporary out-of-state access will automatically expire at the beginning of the following month, returning the card to the default in-state-only setting.
For more information, including a full list of approved border-area ZIP codes, visitldh.la.gov/page/electronic-benefits-transfer-ebt or call 888-LAHelp-U (888-524-3578).
READ MORE:SNAP recipients will only be able to use EBT cards for in-state, border-area purchases
