Qualifying Bills and Deductions for Louisiana SNAP
For low-income residents in Louisiana, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, provides critical financial support for purchasing food. To determine your eligibility and the amount of benefits you receive, the state calculates your net income by subtracting certain eligible deductions from your gross household income. This process ensures that applicants' true financial need is accurately assessed, helping to provide adequate assistance. Higher eligible deductions can lead to a lower net income, potentially increasing your monthly SNAP benefits.
Housing Costs: A Major Deduction
Housing is often the largest expense for most households and a significant factor in SNAP calculations. Louisiana SNAP allows for an excess shelter deduction for households whose housing costs are more than half of their income after other deductions have been applied. This deduction is a major component for many families in need. Countable housing costs include:
- Rent or Mortgage Payments: The cost of your primary residence, whether you rent or own, is a key consideration.
- Property Taxes and Insurance: If you own your home, the costs for property taxes and home insurance are also included.
- Utility and Fuel Costs: Expenses for utilities such as heating fuel, gas, electricity, and water are counted.
- Garbage and Sewage Fees: Any fees for waste disposal or sewer services can also be included in your shelter costs.
- Phone Costs: In Louisiana, the cost for one basic phone line per residence is considered a qualifying utility expense.
Standard vs. Actual Utility Allowances
Louisiana offers households a choice between claiming an actual utility allowance or using a Standard Utility Allowance (SUA). Choosing the SUA can be beneficial for households with high utility bills, as it allows them to claim a fixed, higher deduction without needing to verify monthly expenses. The state offers different SUA amounts based on whether the household has heating or cooling costs. You should compare your actual utility costs with the SUA to see which option provides the greater deduction.
Dependent Care Expenses
Families who pay for care for a dependent while working, looking for work, or attending school may be able to deduct these expenses. This includes the cost of daycare or a babysitter for children, as well as the cost of personal care for an elderly or disabled household member. It is necessary to provide documentation of these expenses to claim the deduction.
Medical Expenses for Certain Individuals
Households with an elderly member (age 60 or older) or a member who has a disability can deduct significant out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed $35 per month. This deduction can include a wide range of costs:
- Health insurance co-pays and premiums
- Hospital bills and other healthcare services
- The cost of prescription medications
- The cost of over-the-counter medications if prescribed by a doctor
- Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
- The cost of a personal care attendant for an elderly or disabled person
Other Deductions and What Doesn't Count
In addition to the expenses listed above, all SNAP households can claim a standard deduction. Households with earned income also receive a 20% earned income deduction to account for work-related expenses. On the other hand, certain expenses are not considered for SNAP deductions, including cable TV bills, internet bills (unless part of a specific utility package), and certain entertainment costs. The recent transition of SNAP oversight to the Louisiana Department of Health also signals a focus on healthier living, which may have implications for eligible purchases in the future.
Comparison Table: Louisiana SNAP Deductions
| Expense Category | Examples Included | Requirements & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Rent, mortgage, property tax, insurance, utility bills (electricity, water, gas), garbage, sewage | Subject to the excess shelter deduction cap ($586 in FY2021) unless a household member is elderly or disabled. Can use Standard Utility Allowance. |
| Dependent Care | Daycare, babysitting, attendant care for elderly/disabled members while working/training | Must be necessary for employment, training, or education. Requires documentation. |
| Medical | Health insurance, co-pays, prescriptions, mileage to appointments, attendant care | For households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member. Monthly expenses must exceed $35. |
| Earned Income | 20% of gross earned income | A standard deduction for all work-related costs and taxes, serving as a work incentive. |
| Standard | Based on household size | A flat deduction given to all SNAP households to account for basic costs. |
| Non-Essential | Cable TV, internet services, entertainment | Not eligible for deduction. This is a common point of confusion for applicants. |
How Your Deductions Impact Your SNAP Benefits
Your net income, calculated after all applicable deductions are subtracted from your gross income, is the primary factor in determining your benefit amount. Essentially, higher countable deductions lower your net income, which can increase your SNAP allotment. This is particularly important for households with high housing or medical costs. It is essential to provide comprehensive documentation of all eligible expenses during the application process or recertification to ensure you receive the maximum benefit for which you are eligible. For example, if a household's shelter costs increase, they should report this change to the Louisiana Department of Health, as it could increase their benefits.
How to Report Your Bills in Louisiana
Applicants can report their expenses when they first apply for SNAP through the LA CAFÉ online portal or at a local LDH office. For existing recipients, it is important to report any significant changes to your household's expenses, especially if they are likely to increase your deductions. Keeping accurate records of all bills, including rent receipts, utility statements, and medical invoices, is paramount. If any information is questioned, you will need to provide verification. The recent administrative transition to the Louisiana Department of Health was intended to streamline the benefits process, but maintaining organized records is still the applicant's responsibility. For up-to-date information, it is always recommended to check the Louisiana Department of Health website or contact a local office.
Conclusion
Understanding what bills count for food stamps in Louisiana is essential for any resident applying for or receiving SNAP benefits. By documenting and reporting all eligible expenses—including housing costs, utilities, dependent care, and medical expenses for qualifying individuals—households can ensure their net income is accurately calculated. This can lead to a higher benefit amount, providing more crucial support for food security. As Louisiana continues to refine its SNAP program under the Department of Health, staying informed about eligible deductions and the application process is the best way to receive the help you deserve. For official forms and the latest information, visit the Louisiana Department of Health website.
