Locals urged to pre-apply for aid

With hurricane season just beginning to heat up, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is encouraging people to pre-apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly known as Disaster Food Stamps.

“Hurricane season is well underway, and this year the potential for disaster is compounded by the oil spill affecting our coast,” said DCFS Secretary Ruth Johnson. “I strongly urge all residents, especially those living in our coastal parishes to take advantage of our online application for DSNAP.”

Johnson said pre-applying does not guarantee a person benefits, but it does save time if a disaster strikes an area.

To pre-apply, residents can visit: www.dcfs.louisiana.gov or www.getagameplan.org.

Those interested will have to provide their name, social security number and date of birth, as well as address and monthy income.

People without internet access may call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578).