Benefits and Resources for Disabled Seniors in Louisiana
Benefits and Resources for Disabled Seniors in Louisiana (2025 Authority Guide)
Last updated: August 2025
This practical guide pulls together Louisiana-specific benefits, contacts, and how-to steps for older adults with disabilities and their families. It starts with emergency help, then walks through healthcare, long-term care, money, food, housing, utilities, transportation, legal help, and local contacts. Links go straight to official sources.
Quick Help Box (keep this handy)
| Need | Who to contact | How to reach |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | 911 | Call 911 |
| Crisis counseling or suicide prevention | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or text 988; chat via the 988 website |
| Find local help fast (food, shelter, utilities, transportation) | Louisiana 211 | Dial 211 or visit the Louisiana 211 website: https://www.louisiana211.org |
| Elder abuse or neglect (connect to state APS/EPS) | Eldercare Locator | Call 1-800-677-1116 or visit https://eldercare.acl.gov to be routed to Louisiana protective services |
| Medicare questions and plan help (free, unbiased) | Louisiana SHIIP (State Health Insurance Assistance) via LA Dept. of Insurance | Visit https://ldi.la.gov/consumers/medicare or call 1-800-259-5300 |
| Medicaid in Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana) | Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) | Start at https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid |
| SNAP/food stamps in Louisiana | Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) | Info: https://dcfs.la.gov/page/snap; Apply: https://cafe-cp.dcfs.la.gov |
| Long-term care complaints | LA Long-Term Care Ombudsman (via GOEA) | Start at Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs: https://goea.louisiana.gov (see Ombudsman) |
| Veterans benefits in Louisiana | Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs | https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov; VA national: 1-800-827-1000 |
| Disaster and evacuations | Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) | https://gohsep.la.gov; Special Needs Registry: see below |
Tip: During hurricanes or other disasters, call 211 for sheltering updates and assistance, and check state alerts at GOHSEP: https://gohsep.la.gov.
Emergency help in Louisiana: what to do now
- Safety first: Call 911 for any immediate danger, medical emergency, or suspected abuse in progress.
- Crisis support: Dial 988 for confidential emotional support 24/7.
- Elder or adult abuse/neglect: If you’re unsure which state office handles your situation, the Eldercare Locator will connect you to the correct Louisiana unit: https://eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116. You can also dial 211 to be routed locally.
- Evacuation assistance for people with medical or functional needs: Louisiana has a Special Needs Registry supported by LDH and GOHSEP so parishes can plan evacuations. You can sign up by dialing 211 (recommended if you prefer the phone) or start from GOHSEP’s site (https://gohsep.la.gov) and ask your parish emergency office about the “special needs registry.”
- Medicaid transportation to medical appointments (non-emergency): Call your Healthy Louisiana health plan’s member services (on your plan card) to request non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). If you don’t know your plan, start at LDH Medicaid: https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid.
Reality check: During big storms, phone lines can be overwhelmed. Save these numbers, keep a battery pack for your phone, and identify at least one neighbor or family contact out of your parish who can relay messages.
How to use this guide
- Start with the “At a glance” table below to see what programs fit your situation.
- Then jump to the sections you need: healthcare, long-term care, food, housing, utilities, transportation, legal help, and local contacts.
- Look for the “Reality check” and “Tips” boxes for practical advice and common snags.
- Always use the official links to apply or verify details.
At a glance: major Louisiana benefits for older adults with disabilities
| Program | Who it helps | What it covers | Where to apply/learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare | Age 65+ and some under 65 with disability | Hospital, medical; plans may include drugs and extras | https://www.medicare.gov |
| Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana) | Low-income adults; SSI recipients usually qualify automatically in LA | Doctor visits, hospital, prescriptions; also long-term services & supports if eligible | https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid |
| Long-Term Personal Care Services (LT-PCS) | Medicaid members needing help with daily tasks | In-home personal care hours | LDH Medicaid LTSS via OAAS: start at https://ldh.la.gov and search “LT-PCS” |
| Community Choices Waiver (CCW) | 65+ or adults with adult-onset disability who meet nursing facility level of care | In-home and community supports to avoid nursing home | LDH Office of Aging & Adult Services (OAAS) via LDH: https://ldh.la.gov |
| Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Waiver | Adults needing supervised day services | Nursing services and personal care in a day center | LDH/OAAS: https://ldh.la.gov |
| PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) | 55+ needing nursing home level of care, living in service area | All Medicare/Medicaid services incl. LTSS; stay in community | https://www.medicare.gov/pace |
| SNAP (food stamps) | Low-income households | Monthly food benefits on EBT card | Info: https://dcfs.la.gov/page/snap; Apply: https://cafe-cp.dcfs.la.gov |
| LIHEAP (energy bill help) | Low-income households | Utility bill assistance and crisis help | Louisiana Housing Corporation: https://www.lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance |
| Weatherization Assistance | Low-income households | Home energy-saving repairs | https://www.lhc.la.gov/weatherization |
| Councils on Aging/AAAs | Older adults by parish | Meals, rides, caregiver support, info & referral | Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs: https://goea.louisiana.gov |
Sources:
- Louisiana Department of Health: https://ldh.la.gov
- DCFS SNAP: https://dcfs.la.gov/page/snap
- Louisiana Housing Corporation (LIHEAP/Weatherization): https://www.lhc.la.gov
- Medicare PACE: https://www.medicare.gov/pace
- Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs (GOEA): https://goea.louisiana.gov
Healthcare and coverage in Louisiana
Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage
- Most people qualify at age 65. People under 65 may qualify earlier based on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Learn more: https://www.medicare.gov.
- Free counseling: Louisiana’s SHIIP program offers one-on-one help comparing plans and avoiding scams via the Louisiana Department of Insurance: https://ldi.la.gov/consumers/medicare.
Tip: Bring your drug list and doctors’ names to SHIIP. They can check which plans cover your meds and providers.
Medicaid and dual eligibility (Medicare + Medicaid)
- Medicaid in Louisiana is administered by LDH under “Healthy Louisiana.” Start here: https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid.
- If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are generally eligible for Medicaid automatically in Louisiana. Confirm your status with Medicaid or SSA: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi and https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid.
- Medicaid can help with premiums and cost sharing through Medicare Savings Programs. Ask SHIIP or LDH.
Reality check: Income and asset limits apply, and documentation is required. If your application is denied, look carefully at the reason and deadlines to appeal. SHIIP or legal aid can help with Medicare-related appeals; see legal resources below.
Dental, vision, hearing
- Medicare covers only limited medically necessary services, not routine dental/vision/hearing. Some Medicare Advantage plans add extras. Compare plans carefully at https://www.medicare.gov or with SHIIP: https://ldi.la.gov/consumers/medicare.
- Medicaid coverage for dental/vision varies by eligibility group and policy; check LDH: https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid.
Long-term services and supports (LTSS) in Louisiana
Louisiana offers several ways to get help at home, in adult day settings, or in nursing facilities. Most are administered by the LDH Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS).
Key options compared
| Option | Basic idea | Who qualifies (high level) | How to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT-PCS (Long-Term Personal Care Services) | In-home help with bathing, dressing, meals, etc. | Medicaid member with functional need for assistance | Contact LDH and your local Aging & Disability Resource Center via GOEA: https://goea.louisiana.gov; LDH: https://ldh.la.gov |
| Community Choices Waiver (CCW) | Broad in-home/community supports to avoid nursing home | Age 65+ or adult with adult-onset disability who meets nursing facility level of care; Medicaid financial rules apply | Request screening via OAAS/ADRC; start at LDH: https://ldh.la.gov |
| Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Waiver | Daytime health and personal care in a center | Adults meeting medical/functional need; Medicaid financial rules apply | Ask OAAS/ADRC; LDH: https://ldh.la.gov |
| PACE | All-in-one Medicare/Medicaid care for nursing-home-eligible seniors living in the community within a PACE service area | 55+, live in service area, nursing facility level of care | Find providers: https://www.medicare.gov/pace |
| Nursing Facility Medicaid | Long-term care in a nursing home | Meet level of care and financial eligibility for Medicaid | LDH Medicaid long-term care: https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid |
Reality check: Waivers like CCW and ADHC often have waitlists. Put your name on the list as soon as possible, keep your contact info updated, and answer calls/letters quickly. Ask what to do if you move parishes while waiting.
Money Follows the Person (transitioning out of a nursing home)
If you live in a nursing home but want to return to the community, Louisiana participates in the federal Money Follows the Person initiative (often branded “My Place”). Contact OAAS through LDH (https://ldh.la.gov) or your facility’s social worker to ask about transition services and supports.
How to get evaluated and apply
- Start with your local Council on Aging/Area Agency on Aging or the ADRC network via GOEA: https://goea.louisiana.gov. They can take a referral and help with screenings.
- If you already have Medicaid, also call your health plan’s member services.
- Keep records: ID, Social Security card, proof of income, bank statements, medical records, and contact information for your doctors.
Income, disability benefits, and work supports
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Apply or manage benefits at the Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov; disability info: https://www.ssa.gov/disability; SSI: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi; national phone: 1-800-772-1213.
- Ticket to Work (for those who want to try working while on disability benefits): https://choosework.ssa.gov.
- Veterans disability compensation and pensions: Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (state help connecting to VA benefits): https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov. VA national: https://www.va.gov.
Reality check: Benefits decisions can take time and may require appeals. Keep copies of all letters and deadlines. Legal aid organizations in Louisiana can help with appeals (see Legal Help below).
Food and nutrition
- SNAP (food stamps): DCFS administers SNAP. Program info: https://dcfs.la.gov/page/snap. Apply online via the Louisiana CAFÉ portal: https://cafe-cp.dcfs.la.gov. SNAP has rules about income, household, and expenses. Medical expenses for elderly/disabled members can sometimes increase your benefit—ask DCFS about “excess medical expense deductions.”
- Senior meals and home-delivered meals: Contact your parish Council on Aging via GOEA (https://goea.louisiana.gov) for congregate meals or Meals on Wheels availability and waitlists.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors: USDA partners with states to provide monthly food packages to older adults. To find the Louisiana state contact and local providers, use USDA’s CSFP directory: https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/contacts.
- Farmers’ market programs: Louisiana typically participates in USDA’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Check with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry for current details: https://www.ldaf.la.gov.
Tip: Dial 211 if you need immediate local food pantry information: https://www.louisiana211.org.
Housing, repairs, and home safety
- Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers: Contact your local housing authority. HUD’s Louisiana page lists housing authorities and rental help: https://www.hud.gov/states/louisiana/renting.
- Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC): Statewide housing and energy programs, including LIHEAP and Weatherization. Start here: https://www.lhc.la.gov.
- Weatherization Assistance Program: Energy-saving home improvements at no cost to eligible households: https://www.lhc.la.gov/weatherization.
- Home energy bills: LIHEAP bill assistance (regular and crisis) is available through LHC’s providers: https://www.lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance.
- Rural home repair grants/loans (very-low income): USDA Section 504 Home Repair in Louisiana: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/la.
Reality check: Waitlists are common for vouchers and repairs. Get on lists early, keep your contact info updated, and answer calls quickly. Never pay anyone a fee to apply for a government program.
Utilities and energy
- LIHEAP: Apply via your local provider listed by the Louisiana Housing Corporation: https://www.lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance.
- Weatherization: Reduces energy use and can help with health/safety issues: https://www.lhc.la.gov/weatherization.
- Water bill assistance: Federal pandemic-era water assistance (LIHWAP) ended in many places; check LHC’s site for any current Louisiana water/utility programs: https://www.lhc.la.gov.
- Lifeline phone/Internet discount: Low-income households can apply for the FCC’s Lifeline program for discounted phone/Internet: https://www.lifelinesupport.org. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended due to lack of funding; see status updates at the FCC: https://www.fcc.gov/acp.
Tip: Ask your utility about medical hardship or critical care customer programs that can delay disconnections with a doctor’s note. Policies vary by utility—call your provider directly and ask for “medical certification” or “medical essential” programs.
Transportation
- Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for Medicaid members: Request rides to covered medical appointments through your Healthy Louisiana plan’s member services (number on your card). Start at LDH: https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid for plan contact info.
- ADA paratransit: City transit agencies provide door-to-door trips for riders who cannot use fixed routes.
- New Orleans: RTA paratransit (paratransit and reduced fares): https://www.norta.com
- Baton Rouge: CATS OnDemand paratransit: https://www.brcats.com
- Shreveport-Bossier: SporTran LiftLine: https://www.sportran.org
- Lafayette: Lafayette Transit paratransit: https://www.ridelts.com
- Lake Charles: Transit info: https://www.cityoflakecharles.com (search Transit)
- Councils on Aging often run or coordinate senior rides to meals and medical appointments. Find your parish office via GOEA: https://goea.louisiana.gov.
Table: choose the right ride
| Situation | Likely best option | How to arrange |
|---|---|---|
| You have Medicaid and need a ride to a covered medical visit | Medicaid NEMT through your Healthy Louisiana plan | Call the member services number on your plan card; schedule in advance |
| You can’t use city buses due to a disability | ADA paratransit | Apply with your local transit agency (see links above) |
| You live in a rural parish with no transit | Council on Aging or faith/community ride programs | Call your parish Council on Aging via GOEA directory |
| You use a wheelchair and need a ramp van | NEMT with wheelchair-accessible vehicle or ADA paratransit | Specify your mobility device when booking; confirm ramp/lift availability |
Reality check: Book rides early, build in extra time, and confirm pickup windows. Keep a backup plan for medical visits when possible.
Assistive technology, equipment, and home modifications
- LATAN (Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network): Try-before-you-buy device lending, device demos, reuse/exchange, and help finding funding: https://www.latan.org.
- Medicaid and Medicare coverage: Some durable medical equipment (DME) may be covered when medically necessary and prescribed. Check Medicare coverage rules: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage and LDH Medicaid: https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid.
- Weatherization and LHC programs: May fix health/safety hazards that affect accessibility: https://www.lhc.la.gov/weatherization.
Tip: LATAN can help locate low-cost or donated equipment and explain what documentation you need for insurance.
Protective services, ombudsman, and legal help
- Elderly/Adult Protective Services: If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to be connected to the Louisiana unit serving your parish: https://eldercare.acl.gov. You can also dial 211 for local guidance.
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Independent help for residents of nursing homes and assisted living with concerns about care or rights. Start at the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs to reach the Ombudsman program: https://goea.louisiana.gov.
- Consumer protection and scams: Louisiana Attorney General—file complaints and learn about scams: https://www.ag.state.la.us. Medicare fraud help: Senior Medicare Patrol network: https://www.smpresource.org.
- Legal aid in Louisiana:
- LouisianaLawHelp.org (statewide legal information and provider directory): https://www.louisianalawhelp.org
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS): https://www.slls.org
- Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC): https://www.la-law.org
Reality check: Bring documents, dates, and names when you talk to an ombudsman or legal aid. Written notes make your case clearer.
Taxes and property relief (Louisiana)
- Homestead Exemption and Special Assessment Level (assessment “freeze”): Louisiana homeowners 65+ or with certain disabilities may qualify for a special assessment level that freezes the assessed value (subject to income limits and other rules). Contact your parish assessor and see the Louisiana Tax Commission for statewide guidance: https://www.latax.gov.
- Disabled veterans: Louisiana law provides enhanced property tax relief for some disabled veterans. Details can vary by parish and recent legislation; contact your parish assessor and consult the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov.
Tip: Bring proof of age/disability and income when applying with your assessor.
Inclusive resources: LGBTQ+, veterans, tribal elders, and rural seniors
LGBTQ+ older adults
- NOAGE: New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders offers social support, education, and referrals in Southeast Louisiana: https://www.noagenola.org.
- Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP do not discriminate. If you face discrimination, contact SHIIP (Medicare, https://ldi.la.gov/consumers/medicare), LDH (Medicaid, https://ldh.la.gov), or legal aid (https://www.louisianalawhelp.org).
Tip: If you rely on a non-married partner or chosen family, make sure your advance directives and powers of attorney are up to date (see Legal Help).
Veteran seniors
- State help: Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs can connect you to VA health care, disability compensation, pensions (Aid & Attendance), state veterans homes, and burial benefits: https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov.
- VA health care and benefits: Find VA clinics and offices: https://www.va.gov/find-locations. Benefits info: https://www.va.gov.
Reality check: VA claims can take time. Consider working with an accredited veterans service officer (VSO) through LDVA.
Tribal elders and American Indians/Alaska Natives in Louisiana
- Title VI Native American Aging Programs provide congregate meals, home-delivered meals, and supportive services. Find tribal elder services through the Administration for Community Living: https://olderindians.acl.gov.
- Indian Health Service (IHS) eligibility and information: https://www.ihs.gov.
- Tribes with presence in Louisiana (examples include Chitimacha, Coushatta, Tunica-Biloxi, Jena Band of Choctaw, and others). Contact your tribe’s elder program or clinic for specific services and Title VI meal programs.
Tip: If you are AI/AN and eligible for IHS/tribal health, tell your Medicaid/Medicare providers. Some cost-sharing and coordination rules can differ.
Rural seniors and families
- Transportation: If your parish has no transit, call your Council on Aging (via GOEA: https://goea.louisiana.gov) and ask about volunteer driver programs, van services, or mileage reimbursement.
- Telehealth: Many Medicaid and Medicare plans cover telehealth. Ask your doctor or plan about phone-based visits if broadband is limited.
- Phone/Internet: Apply for the FCC’s Lifeline discount: https://www.lifelinesupport.org. ACP is not currently funded; see updates: https://www.fcc.gov/acp.
- Home repairs and weatherization: USDA rural repair grants/loans: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/la and LHC Weatherization: https://www.lhc.la.gov/weatherization.
How to apply: documents and timing
Table: Documents you’ll likely need
| Program type | Common documents |
|---|---|
| Medicaid, LTSS waivers | ID, Social Security number, proof of Louisiana residency, proof of income (award letters, pay stubs), bank statements, medical records |
| Medicare plan counseling | Medicare card, list of prescriptions and doses, preferred pharmacies, list of doctors |
| SNAP | ID, proof of residency, proof of income and expenses (rent, utilities, medical bills) |
| LIHEAP | ID, recent utility bills, proof of income, household members and ages |
Reality check: Keep a file folder (paper or digital) with copies of everything you submit. Write down the date, the person you spoke to, and what they said.
Common challenges and how to handle them
- Waiver waitlists: Get on the list early. Ask for written confirmation of your request date and how to update your information. Check in periodically.
- Denials and appeals: Read the denial letter, note deadlines, and request an appeal in writing. Use legal aid (https://www.louisianalawhelp.org) for help.
- Misinformation: Rely on official links in this guide. If a person or website asks you to pay to apply, that’s a red flag.
- Hurricanes and outages: Register for parish alerts, sign up for the Special Needs Registry via 211, and keep a written list of your medicines, dosages, and providers in a go-bag.
Resources by region (selected starting points)
Note: Each parish has a Council on Aging and other local resources. Use GOEA to find your parish office: https://goea.louisiana.gov, and dial 211 for immediate local referrals: https://www.louisiana211.org.
- New Orleans metro
- RTA paratransit and reduced fares: https://www.norta.com
- NOAGE (LGBTQ+ elders): https://www.noagenola.org
- PACE information (for all regions): https://www.medicare.gov/pace
- Baton Rouge metro
- CATS OnDemand paratransit: https://www.brcats.com
- Area Agency on Aging/Council on Aging: see GOEA directory: https://goea.louisiana.gov
- Shreveport–Bossier
- SporTran LiftLine paratransit: https://www.sportran.org
- Area Agency on Aging/Council on Aging: see GOEA directory
- Acadiana/Lafayette
- Lafayette Transit paratransit: https://www.ridelts.com
- Area Agency on Aging/Council on Aging: see GOEA directory
- Lake Charles/Southwest
- City transit info: https://www.cityoflakecharles.com (search “Transit”)
- Area Agency on Aging/Council on Aging: see GOEA directory
- Northshore/Florida Parishes, Central LA, Northeast LA
- Use GOEA directory to find Councils on Aging and programs: https://goea.louisiana.gov
- For rural parishes, call 211 for transportation and utility help options: https://www.louisiana211.org
FAQ: Louisiana-specific questions
Q: Do SSI recipients automatically get Medicaid in Louisiana?
A: In Louisiana, people who receive SSI are generally eligible for Medicaid automatically. If you receive SSI and haven’t gotten a Medicaid card, contact LDH Medicaid to check your status: https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid and SSA for SSI questions: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.
Q: How do I get on the Community Choices Waiver list?
A: Contact the Office of Aging and Adult Services through LDH (https://ldh.la.gov) or your local Council on Aging/ADRC (https://goea.louisiana.gov) and ask to be screened for CCW. There may be a waitlist.
Q: Is there help for energy bills during heat waves?
A: Yes. LIHEAP provides regular and crisis energy assistance through the Louisiana Housing Corporation: https://www.lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance. Call 211 for local intake sites and cooling center info during extreme heat.
Q: Where can I get free help choosing a Medicare plan?
A: Louisiana’s SHIIP program offers free, unbiased counseling via the Department of Insurance: https://ldi.la.gov/consumers/medicare or 1-800-259-5300.
Q: Who do I call about problems in a nursing home?
A: The Louisiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman helps residents with complaints and rights. Start at the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs to reach the Ombudsman: https://goea.louisiana.gov.
Q: Is there property tax help for seniors or disabled veterans?
A: Louisiana has a homestead exemption and a Special Assessment Level (assessment freeze) for some seniors and people with disabilities, subject to income and other rules. Some disabled veterans receive enhanced exemptions. Contact your parish assessor and see statewide guidance at the Louisiana Tax Commission: https://www.latax.gov. Veterans can also contact LDVA: https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov.
Q: How do I report elder abuse?
A: If someone is in danger, call 911. Otherwise, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or go to https://eldercare.acl.gov to be connected with Louisiana’s protective services. You can also dial 211 for local reporting help.
Q: I live in a rural parish. Are there rides for medical visits?
A: If you have Medicaid, call your plan for NEMT rides. If not, ask your parish Council on Aging (find via GOEA: https://goea.louisiana.gov) about senior transportation options. Some churches and nonprofits provide rides; dial 211 to locate them.
Q: Where can I get affordable medical equipment?
A: LATAN provides device loans, reuse, and funding guidance: https://www.latan.org. Medicaid/Medicare may cover some items when ordered by your doctor.
Where to apply and who to call (one-page directory)
| Topic | Agency | Link | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid and LTSS | Louisiana Department of Health | https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid | See your plan card; LDH main line available via website |
| Medicare plan counseling | LA Dept. of Insurance (SHIIP) | https://ldi.la.gov/consumers/medicare | 1-800-259-5300 |
| SNAP (food stamps) | DCFS | https://dcfs.la.gov/page/snap and https://cafe-cp.dcfs.la.gov | DCFS info via website |
| Energy assistance | Louisiana Housing Corporation | https://www.lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance | See local provider list |
| Weatherization | Louisiana Housing Corporation | https://www.lhc.la.gov/weatherization | See local provider list |
| Elder services by parish | Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs | https://goea.louisiana.gov | Directory on website |
| Veterans benefits (state) | Louisiana Dept. of Veterans Affairs | https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov | See office locator |
| Social Security | SSA | https://www.ssa.gov | 1-800-772-1213 |
| Medicare | Medicare | https://www.medicare.gov | 1-800-633-4227 |
| 24/7 help line | Louisiana 211 | https://www.louisiana211.org | 211 |
Note: Some agencies list multiple regional numbers online; use the website’s “Contact” or “Find office” tool for the right line.
Reality checks, warnings, and tips
- Watch for scammers offering to “get you more benefits” if you pay them. Applying for government programs is free. Report scams to the Louisiana Attorney General: https://www.ag.state.la.us and the FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Keep your address and phone number updated with every program you’re on. Missed mail can mean missed deadlines or loss of benefits.
- For hurricane season, register for parish emergency alerts, keep a paper copy of medicines and dosages, and consider a backup power plan for oxygen or powered wheelchairs.
Resources (official and trusted)
- Louisiana Department of Health (Medicaid, LTSS, OAAS): https://ldh.la.gov
- Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid managed care hub): Start via LDH: https://ldh.la.gov/medicaid
- DCFS SNAP: https://dcfs.la.gov/page/snap; Apply: https://cafe-cp.dcfs.la.gov
- Louisiana Housing Corporation (LIHEAP, Weatherization): https://www.lhc.la.gov
- Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs (Councils on Aging, Ombudsman): https://goea.louisiana.gov
- Louisiana 211: https://www.louisiana211.org
- Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.vetaffairs.la.gov
- Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov
- Louisiana SHIIP (Dept. of Insurance): https://ldi.la.gov/consumers/medicare
- Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov
- USDA CSFP contacts: https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/contacts
- HUD Louisiana renter resources: https://www.hud.gov/states/louisiana/renting
- LATAN (Assistive Technology): https://www.latan.org
- Senior Medicare Patrol: https://www.smpresource.org
- Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov
- GOHSEP (disaster info): https://gohsep.la.gov
- Louisiana Tax Commission (property tax info): https://www.latax.gov
- FCC Lifeline: https://www.lifelinesupport.org; ACP status: https://www.fcc.gov/acp
- NOAGE (LGBTQ+ elders): https://www.noagenola.org
- LouisianaLawHelp (legal aid portal): https://www.louisianalawhelp.org
Disclaimer
Program rules, benefits, eligibility limits, provider networks, and phone numbers change over time, especially during emergencies or legislative sessions. Always verify details with the agency or program using the official links provided. This guide does not provide legal, financial, or medical advice.
About This Guide
by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team
The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.
Our Commitment to You:
- Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
- Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
- Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.
While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.
- Last Updated: August 2025
- Sources Verified: August 2025
- Next Review: February 2026
If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.