Online Helpdesk | Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (2024)

Louisiana.gov DCFS About Us

Sending Documents
  • Where do I send my documentation?
    • For Economic Stability programs (SNAP, KCSP, FITAP), fax documents to 225-663-3164, or mail them to:

      DPC
      P.O. Box 260031
      Baton Rouge, LA 70826.

    • For Child Support Enforcement, fax documents to 225-663-3165, or mail them to:

      DPC
      P.O. Box 260032
      Baton Rouge, LA 70826.

CAFÉ Account
  • How do I create a CAFÉ account?
    • Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to create a CAFÉ account.
  • How can I reset my password?
    • Please go to www.dcfs.la.gov/cafe and click on “Forgot Password?” or “Forgot User ID?”
    • NOTE: Your password is case sensitive, must include one capital and one special character (usually a number) and must contain at least 8 characters.
  • What is my PIN number?
    • It’s the 6-digit number you had to create when you created your CAFÉ account. It is located under the “Manage My Account” tab in your CAFÉ account.
  • What do I do if I'm locked out of my CAFÉ account?
    • If you are locked out, this means you had too many attempted logins that were incorrect. Please wait, and the system will unlock you. If you are not able to log in after 24 hours, please email LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov for assistance.
  • Why does it say I'm already logged in? Does someone have my login information?
    • This likely means that you logged out incorrectly. You must select the logout button. Or you may have hit the back arrow or the "X" in the upper corner. Please wait, and the system will reset you to be able to log back in. If you still cannot log in after 24 hours, please email LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov for assistance.
  • Why can’t I link to my case?
    • If your case is closed, you will not be able to link to it to view until it is opened. If you know your case is open and it still won’t link, it could be due to the information you’re putting in. One common reason is that you must be sure to put in the FIRST five letters of your LAST name.
Child Support
  • How can I contact my Child Support caseworker?
    • Follow these steps to send a message to your caseworker:
      • Sign into CAFÉ.
      • Click on the "Check My Cases" link on your "My Account" page.
      • Click on "Child Support Enforcement Details" located under "Case Summary."
      • Click on the "Child Support Enforcement Message Center" link.
      • Click on "Submit a Question," and send your question or information.
  • Where can I get information on my Child Support case for the Housing Authority?
    • Log into your CAFÉ account and print out information on your case from there. You will need to click on "Case Information" and print this screen.
      • If you have a case, you also will need to click on "View More Details" where you can print the last 12 months of payments, if needed.
      • If you have never had a Child Support case, please have your Housing Authority fax a release form to 888-836-2623 or send the release form by mail to:

        DCFS Correspondence
        P.O. Box 459
        Ocala, FL 34478-0459

        Housing Authority will validate only if you have NO RECORD of a DCFS case.

SNAP/EBT
  • How can I apply for benefits online?
    • You must first create an online CAFÉ account.
    • After you successfully create your account:
      • Go to the My Applications Page of the CAFÉ Customer Portal.
      • Complete an electronic application for benefits.
      A DCFS staff member will contact you for an interview, if applicable. You can monitor the status of your application through the Application Status Page of the CAFÉ Customer Portal.
  • How do I get a budget sheet printout?
    • Log into your CAFÉ account and select "Check My Cases."
    • If you have not linked your SNAP or FITAP case, please select "Add a SNAP case to your account" or "Add a FITAP case to your account."
    • If you have linked your case, select "SNAP Details."
    • Print this first page that has "Case Details," which includes the following information about your case:
      • Case Category (SNAP, FITAP)
      • Case Status
      • Benefit Amount
      • Application Date
      • Certification Start Date
      • Certification End Date
      • Last Benefit was issued on Date
    • Under "Household Information," find the head of household and select "View Details," which is located under the "Budget Information" column. This will bring up a separate internet page.
    • Print your "Budget Information" page, which will give you all of your household budget data.
    • Close this window when you are finished.
  • What do I do if my EBT card is lost or stolen?
    • If you have lost or need to reset your SNAP EBT card, please call 1-888-997-1117.
  • For more information, visit our SNAP FAQS webpage here.
Emailing Us
  • I need to email LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov for assistance. What information do I include in my email?
    • Please be sure to include the following information in your email:
      • Your name
      • Your case number, if known;
      • Detailed information on what you are requesting assistance with.
    • PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR FULL SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
Child Care
  • I'm trying to apply for Child Care Assistance and cannot find the option on the application. What do I do?
    • Child Care Assistance is now handled by the Louisiana Department of Education. Please visit their website at www.louisianabelieves.com/resources/ask-ldoe. If you have questions about your application for child care assistance, you may email LDECCAP@la.gov. If you need to fax in documents for your child care case: 225-376-6060.
Text Messages
  • I received a text message claiming to be from DCFS. Is the text legit?
    • From time to time, DCFS sends text messages to SNAP recipients and/or applicants with helpful information regarding benefits or other updates, as appropriate. To confirm the legitimacy of a message, you can contact LAHELP-U at 1-888-524-3578.
  • How can I stop receiving text messages from DCFS?
    • You can opt-out by replying with 'StopTEXT' or 'STOP'.
  • Why do my texts look different from my friend’s?
    • DCFS is actively trying different messaging to gather information to determine which experiences work best for clients.
  • Will these text messages cost me anything?
    • It depends on your phone plan. If you have a plan that charges for text messages, it will charge you the same as it would for any text message. Most phone plans, including those provided by the government, don’t charge for individual text messages.

    Additional Information and FAQs:

          • Abuse/neglect and how to report it
          • Finding a Safe Haven site
          • How to become a foster/adoptive parent
          • Resources for foster parents
          • How to apply for assistance (SNAP, KCSP, FITAP)
          • How to report benefits fraud
          • Child Support services available
          • Establishing paternity
          • Child Support payment methods
          • Disability Determination Services
          • Preparing for a disaster

    211

    Dial 211 for Food Assistance
    Online Helpdesk | Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (1)

    211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community.

    It's single access point for details about food pantries and other food assistance sources near you.

    Learn more about the 211 Louisiana Statewide Network

    Online Helpdesk | Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (2024)

    FAQs

    How do I speak to someone at Louisiana DCFs? ›

    COVID-19 - How to Contact DCFS
    1. www.dcfs.la.gov/cafe (Existing Benefit Recipients)
    2. 1-888-LA-Help-U (1-888-524-3578)
    3. LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov.
    4. Main Office: (225) 342-7475.
    5. U.S. Mail:

    How do I talk to someone at EBT customer service in Louisiana? ›

    General Questions About P-EBT: If you have a general question about P-EBT that is not answered in our FAQs, call the DCFS Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578.

    How do I get in touch with a food stamp case worker in Louisiana? ›

    To access SNAP, FITAP, KCSP or Child Support, apply online via the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal (dcfs.la.gov/cafe) or get information about the services online at www.dcfs.la.gov/page/family-support or by calling the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578).

    How to activate Louisiana EBT card? ›

    To activate your DSNAP EBT card, call the EBT customer service line at 1-888-997-1117, enter your 16-digit card number, and then listen for the option to select or reset your PIN.

    How long does DCFS have to close a case in Louisiana? ›

    They can retain jurisdiction until a child reaches age 18. For the m most part a DCFS case is supposed to not last longer than one year. However, sometimes they will file for an exception (for example a parent is in jail for part of that year and can't work a case plan until they are released).

    Who is the head of DCFS in Louisiana? ›

    Matlock. David N. Matlock was appointed Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services on January 8, 2024.

    What is the phone number for the SNAP interview in Louisiana? ›

    A scheduled interview appointment or face-to-face interview is available upon request by calling 1-888-LAHELPU(1-888-524-3578). You will receive a list of verification that is required. Your eligibility will be determined within 30 days from the date of application.

    How much food stamps for a family of 2 in Louisiana? ›

    SNAP - Allotment Amounts
    Household sizeMax Gross Monthly Eligibility Standard 130% PovertyMaximum SNAP Allotment
    1*$1,580$291
    2$2,137$535
    3$2,694$766
    4$3,250$973
    5 more rows

    How long does it take to get approved for food stamps in Louisiana? ›

    After I apply, how and when will I find out if I'm approved? You will be notified by mail once an eligibility decision is made on your application. DCFS has 30 days to process your application. However, if you are determined eligible for SNAP benefits, you will be eligible from the date of application.

    How do I contact child support in Louisiana? ›

    Most child support payments are made by income assignment order. To begin income assignment on a full-service case, please call our Customer Service Center at 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578) to provide the name and contact information for your employer.

    What bills count for food stamps in Louisiana? ›

    Eligible bills
    • Rent or mortgage payments. This is one of the basic bills that is considered for SNAP eligibility. ...
    • Utility Bills. Utility bills like water, electricity, and gas are important bills that are considered for SNAP eligibility. ...
    • Medical payments. ...
    • Childcare Expenses. ...
    • Non-Essential Utilities. ...
    • Cable and Internet Bills.
    Jan 18, 2024

    What is fitap in Louisiana? ›

    What is FITAP? The Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) is a public assistance program that provides financial aid for children in their own homes who are in need because they do not have sufficient financial support from parents.

    Can you order groceries online with EBT in Louisiana? ›

    Consumers can use their EBT cards to shop and pay for qualified foods online. Delivery and other associated costs are not covered by SNAP benefits. Before providing online purchase services, all EBT retailers must be certified by the USDA FNS and fulfill federal online purchasing criteria.

    Can I use my Louisiana EBT card in another state? ›

    Yes. You have a right to use your SNAP in all 50 states. SNAP is a federal program that is “interoperable” between states.

    What is the number on the back of the food stamp card in Louisiana? ›

    Louisiana's EBT customer service number is 1-888-997-1117.

    How do I contact CPS in Louisiana? ›

    Call the DCFS Child Protection hotline at 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) toll-free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. More information on the signs and symptoms of child abuse/neglect. Who are mandated reporters?

    What is the phone number for a food stamp interview in Louisiana? ›

    A scheduled interview appointment or face-to-face interview is available upon request by calling 1-888-LAHELPU(1-888-524-3578). You will receive a list of verification that is required. Your eligibility will be determined within 30 days from the date of application.

    How do I file a complaint against DCFS in Louisiana? ›

    Ombudsman Reporting
    1. Ombudsman Hotline. Call us at. 1-833-KIDS4LA. (1-833-543-7452)
    2. Fax. Fax your report to. (225) 388-4008.
    3. Mail. Print and mail the report form to. State Child Ombudsman. PO Box 94397. Baton Rouge, LA 70804.

    Can you anonymously report someone to CPS Louisiana? ›

    Any suspected child abuse or neglect is a serious issue, and it's important to report it to Child Protective Services (CPS) as soon as possible. In the United States, CPS is managed on a state level, so it's essential to contact your state's CPS branch online or over the phone to make an anonymous report.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Ouida Strosin DO

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6537

    Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

    Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Ouida Strosin DO

    Birthday: 1995-04-27

    Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

    Phone: +8561498978366

    Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

    Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

    Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.