Emergency Assistance for Seniors in Louisiana

Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in Louisiana (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

Quick help box

If you are in danger or out of essentials, use these numbers first.

Need right now Who to contact How they help
Life-threatening emergency 911 Police, fire, ambulance.
Emotional distress or suicide crisis 988 (press 1 for Veterans) 24/7 free support; can send help if needed.
Poisoning or medication overdose 800-222-1222 (Poison Control) Immediate guidance from specialists.
Shelter, food, utility help, local disaster info Call 211 or visit the Louisiana 211 website Statewide connection to nearby services and parish resources. Visit Louisiana 211
Disaster updates, evacuations, sheltering Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) State emergency info, hurricane planning, local contacts. See GOHSEP resources and Get a Game Plan
Disaster assistance after a federal declaration FEMA Apply for housing, repairs, and other aid. Apply with FEMA or call 800-621-3362
SNAP/food stamps, DSNAP, benefits replacement Louisiana DCFS Apply, report loss after storms, ask questions. DCFS SNAP • DCFS DSNAP • Call 1-888-LAHelpU (1-888-524-3578)
Medicaid/Healthy Louisiana help Healthy Louisiana Coverage, plan help, transportation. Call 1-888-342-6207 • Louisiana Medicaid
Elder abuse, neglect, exploitation Eldercare Locator Routing to Adult/Elderly Protective Services. Call 800-677-1116 • Find local help
Legal help (civil) Legal aid (income-based) Advice on housing, benefits, elder issues. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services • Acadiana Legal Service Corporation
Veterans benefits & emergencies LA Dept. of Veterans Affairs Claims help, VA care, crisis routing. Find LDVA offices

Reality check: Lines can be busy during hurricanes and heat waves. If you can’t get through, try calling early morning, leave a voicemail if allowed, or ask a family member/friend to call on your behalf. Keep a written list of your medications and doctors in case you must speak to multiple agencies.

What to do today if you’re facing an emergency

  1. If you’re in danger, call 911.
  2. For shelter/food or a safe place to cool down, dial 211. Ask for open shelters, cooling centers, and meal sites in your parish. Louisiana 211
  3. If your home is damaged, take photos, keep receipts, and check GOHSEP updates. If a federal disaster is declared, apply to FEMA quickly.
  4. If power is out and your food spoiled, ask DCFS about replacing SNAP benefits. Replace SNAP after disaster
  5. If you need to keep medical equipment powered (oxygen, CPAP), call your utility to ask about medical critical care customer status and contact 211 for generator-friendly shelters. Also contact your doctor and care team.
  6. If someone is exploiting or neglecting you, call 800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to be routed to protective services or contact your local sheriff if immediate danger.

How this guide helps

This guide focuses on Louisiana-specific programs for urgent needs: food, cash, housing, utilities, health care, transportation, and legal help. It links to official agencies and established nonprofits so you can apply or call directly. Programs change, especially after hurricanes and floods. Always check the linked agency for current details.

Emergency and disaster help in Louisiana

Tips:

  • Keep ID, proof of residence (utility bill), and insurance papers in a waterproof bag.
  • If you evacuate, save receipts; FEMA may reimburse some costs. See FEMA rules at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • After any DSNAP announcement, expect long lines or online/phone verification windows. Check DCFS DSNAP updates for the latest process.

Money, food, and bills: fast programs at a glance

Program Who it serves What it provides How to apply
SNAP (Food Stamps) Low-income households (seniors can qualify) Monthly benefits to buy food; expedited in some emergencies Apply for SNAP – DCFS • 1-888-524-3578
DSNAP (after disasters) Disaster-affected households Short-term food help; separate from regular SNAP DSNAP info – DCFS
LIHEAP (energy bill help) Low-income households One-time payment toward electric/gas; crisis help when funds allow Louisiana Housing Corporation – LIHEAP
Weatherization Assistance (WAP) Income-eligible households Home energy repairs to lower bills (insulation, sealing) LHC – Weatherization
Social Security/SSI Retired/disabled; very low-income SSI Monthly income; replacement cards; overpayment/appeals SSA.gov • 800-772-1213
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Workers/self-employed affected by disaster Temporary income when regular UI doesn’t apply Louisiana Workforce Commission – DUA
Utility company hardship funds Utility customers One-time help, payment plans, fee waivers Entergy bill help • Cleco assistance • SWEPCO Neighbor-to-Neighbor

Reality check: LIHEAP funds are limited and often run out mid-year. Apply early. Keep a copy of your application and ask the agency when to check back.

Sources: DCFS SNAP/DSNAP, LHC LIHEAP, LHC Weatherization, FEMA, Laworks (LWC).

Food and nutrition for seniors

  • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Monthly benefits to buy groceries. Seniors with high medical costs may qualify with higher deductions. Apply or manage SNAP
  • SNAP replacement after a storm: If you lost food from a power outage, you may request replacement benefits within DCFS deadlines. Benefit replacement info
  • Congregate meals and home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels): Provided by local Councils on Aging/Area Agencies on Aging. Find your Area Agency on Aging via GOEA
  • Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Monthly senior food boxes; distributed through food banks and partners. Check your region’s food bank below or USDA contacts. USDA CSFP state contacts
  • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): Produce vouchers for eligible seniors. Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture & Forestry – SFMNP
  • Local food banks: See “Resources by Region” below for direct links.

Tip: If you get home-delivered oxygen or dialysis, ask your AAA or 211 for “emergency meal” or shelf-stable box options before a storm.

Health care, Medicare/Medicaid, and prescriptions

Need Program What it covers Where to start
Medicaid for seniors (ABD) Louisiana Medicaid Doctor visits, hospital, prescriptions; long-term supports Medicaid info – LDH • 1-888-342-6207
Medicare premium help Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI) Pays Medicare Part B premiums (and more under QMB) if income-eligible Medicare Savings Programs • Apply via LA Medicaid
Medicare counseling SHIIP (via LA Dept. of Insurance) Free unbiased help choosing/using Medicare SHIIP – LDI • 1-800-259-5300 (LDI consumer line)
Prescription help SenioRx (through AAAs) Helps enroll in drug manufacturer assistance programs Ask your local AAA via GOEA
Long-term services at home OAAS Waivers (e.g., Community Choices Waiver) In-home help, adult day services, respite (waiting lists apply) LDH Office of Aging & Adult Services
All-in-one care model PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) Wraparound care for eligible seniors to stay at home What is PACE – Medicaid.gov

Reality check:

  • Waiver programs have waitlists. If you need help with bathing, meals, or supervision, get on the list early via OAAS or your AAA.
  • If you can’t afford Part B premiums, ask about QMB/SLMB/QI. Even small income changes can affect eligibility.
  • For rides to medical visits, Medicaid members can ask their health plan or call Healthy Louisiana (1-888-342-6207) for non-emergency medical transportation.

Sources: LDH – Medicaid, Medicare.gov, LDI – SHIIP, Medicaid.gov – PACE.

Housing, utilities, safety, and legal protections

Topic Program/Office What it does Learn more
Rent, homelessness prevention Emergency Solutions Grant (via local providers) Help with shelter, prevention, rapid rehousing (availability varies) Ask 211 for Coordinated Entry in your parish: Louisiana 211
Home repair after disasters FEMA Individuals & Households Program (IHP) Limited repairs and rental help after federal disasters DisasterAssistance.gov
Rural home repair (62+) USDA Rural Development Section 504 Grants up to $10,000 for repairs/removal of health hazards (income limits) USDA RD Home Repair in Louisiana
Energy bills LIHEAP Payment assistance; crisis help if funds available LHC LIHEAP
Energy-saving home fixes Weatherization (WAP) Insulation, sealing, safety checks LHC Weatherization
Utility company programs Entergy, Cleco, SWEPCO Payment plans, deposit waivers, hardship funds Entergy help • Cleco assistance • SWEPCO Neighbor-to-Neighbor
Property tax relief (65+) Homestead Exemption; Special Assessment Level freeze Extra protections/assessment freeze if income-eligible (parish assessor) Louisiana Tax Commission • Check with your Parish Assessor
Elder/long-term care complaints Long-Term Care Ombudsman (GOEA) Resolves issues in nursing homes and assisted living GOEA Ombudsman
Elder abuse, neglect, exploitation Protective services routing Investigates abuse/neglect of older adults Call 800-677-1116 or contact GOEA via goea.louisiana.gov
Civil legal help SLLS; ALSC Evictions, benefits, consumer, elder law SLLS • Acadiana Legal Service Corporation

Reality check:

Transportation

  • Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation: If you have Medicaid, call your plan or Healthy Louisiana (1-888-342-6207) several days before your visit.
  • Paratransit and senior rides: Many Councils on Aging and city transit systems have reduced-fare or door-to-door options. Check your local AAA via GOEA and your city/parish transit website.
  • VA transportation: Veterans can ask the VA medical center or local VA clinic about rides and travel pay. VA Health Care

Inclusive resources

LGBTQ+ seniors

Veteran seniors

Tribal members and American Indian/Alaska Native seniors

Louisiana has federally recognized tribes including the Chitimacha Tribe, Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, and Jena Band of Choctaw Indians (plus state-recognized tribes such as the United Houma Nation). Elders should check with their tribe for senior services, transportation, and cultural programs:

Rural seniors (limited internet/transportation)

  • Phone-first options: Apply for SNAP/Medicaid by phone through DCFS (1-888-524-3578) and Healthy Louisiana (1-888-342-6207).
  • Community health centers: Many offer sliding-fee care. Find a Health Center – HRSA
  • Connectivity: The Lifeline program offers phone/internet discounts for eligible households. Lifeline Support
  • Louisiana broadband office updates and public Wi‑Fi projects: ConnectLA
  • Ask your local library or Council on Aging for help submitting online forms.

How to apply and what to expect

  • Have ID, proof of address, proof of income, benefits letters, and medical expense receipts ready.
  • Keep copies of everything you submit.
  • For emergencies (disaster, shutoff notices), tell the agency right away—some programs have faster “expedited” processes.
  • If denied, you usually have appeal rights. Legal aid can help. SLLS • ALSC

Resources by region (Louisiana)

This section lists well-established, Louisiana-based resources. For more, dial 211.

If any local link is unfamiliar, dial 211 to confirm the correct agency and hours. Parish providers sometimes change after disasters or funding shifts.

Step-by-step: key Louisiana programs (details)

SNAP and DSNAP

  • SNAP gives monthly grocery help. Seniors with high out-of-pocket medical costs should report them; it can increase your benefit under federal rules. Apply for SNAP – DCFS
  • DSNAP is only activated after a disaster. DCFS announces DSNAP dates/locations or phone-based processes. Bring ID and proof you lived in the affected area. DCFS DSNAP

LIHEAP and Weatherization

  • LIHEAP helps pay part of your energy bill; you apply through local agencies listed by the Louisiana Housing Corporation. Some parishes have “crisis” appointments for shutoff notices. LHC Energy Assistance
  • Weatherization makes your home safer and more efficient (insulation, air sealing, tune-ups). Health and safety fixes may be included. LHC Weatherization

Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and PACE

  • If your income/assets are limited, check Medicaid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled. If you have Medicare, ask about the Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI) to help with premiums. LDH Medicaid
  • PACE is a team-based care model that can keep eligible seniors living at home instead of a nursing home. It includes medical care, day center services, medications, and transportation. About PACE

Long-Term Care Ombudsman and Protective Services

  • If you or a loved one in a nursing home or assisted-living facility has a problem (care, billing, rights), call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman through the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs. GOEA Ombudsman
  • For suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult, call 800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to reach state protective services or contact local law enforcement if urgent. Eldercare Locator

Legal aid and consumer warnings

Taxes and property

  • Louisiana’s homestead exemption and a “Special Assessment Level” freeze can protect seniors’ property taxes. Income eligibility and rules apply; ask your Parish Assessor. Louisiana Tax Commission

Frequently asked questions (Louisiana seniors)

Q1: I lost food when the power was out. Can SNAP replace it?
A: You may qualify for replacement SNAP if you report the loss to DCFS within required timeframes after the outage or disaster. Proof may be needed. Start here: SNAP Replacement Benefits – DCFS.

Q2: How do I know if DSNAP is open for my parish?
A: DSNAP opens only if USDA approves it after a disaster. DCFS announces parish-by-parish schedules. Check updates at DCFS DSNAP or call 1-888-524-3578.

Q3: I use oxygen at home. What should I do if a hurricane is coming?
A: Call your utility to ask about medical critical care status, confirm backup plans with your oxygen supplier, and ask 211 for medical needs shelters. Follow Get a Game Plan guidance and keep equipment prescriptions handy.

Q4: I can’t get to the doctor. Does Medicaid cover rides?
A: Medicaid provides non-emergency medical transportation. Call your health plan or Healthy Louisiana at 1-888-342-6207 a few days before your appointment.

Q5: Are there programs to help pay my Medicare premiums?
A: Yes. The Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI) can pay Part B and sometimes other Medicare costs if your income is within limits. Apply through Louisiana Medicaid. Medicare Savings Programs

Q6: How can I get Meals on Wheels or a hot lunch near me?
A: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Council on Aging to ask about home-delivered meals and congregate dining. Find yours via GOEA or call 211.

Q7: I think a caregiver is stealing from me. Who do I call?
A: If it’s urgent, call 911. You can also contact Adult/Elderly Protective Services through 800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to be connected to Louisiana’s protective services, and ask legal aid about next steps. SLLS

Q8: Can seniors get help fixing a leaky roof or unsafe wiring?
A: If a federal disaster is declared, FEMA may help with essential repairs. Rural homeowners 62+ may be eligible for USDA Section 504 home repair grants if income-eligible. FEMA Help • USDA RD Louisiana

Q9: My power company sent a shutoff notice. What now?
A: Call the utility immediately to request a payment plan or medical hardship review, then apply for LIHEAP if eligible. Bring the shutoff notice to your LIHEAP appointment. LHC LIHEAP • Entergy Bill Help • SWEPCO Assistance • Cleco Assistance

Q10: How do I get free or low-cost legal help?
A: Call Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (south/east parishes) or Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (Acadiana, Central, North). They screen by income and case type. SLLS • ALSC

Q11: Does Louisiana freeze property taxes for seniors?
A: Louisiana offers a Special Assessment Level freeze for homeowners 65+ who meet income limits. Rules can change; apply with your Parish Assessor. Louisiana Tax Commission

Q12: Is there help with funeral costs after a hurricane?
A: FEMA may offer funeral assistance if the death was caused by a federally declared disaster. Save documentation and apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Q13: Where can I get unbiased Medicare advice?
A: The Louisiana Department of Insurance’s SHIIP program provides free counseling. LDI – SHIIP • 1-800-259-5300.

Q14: I don’t use the internet. How do I apply?
A: Call DCFS (1-888-524-3578) for SNAP/DSNAP and Healthy Louisiana (1-888-342-6207) for Medicaid. Your local AAA or library can also help with forms. GOEA

Statewide directories and tools

Print-and-keep quick reference

Category Contact
Emergency 911
24/7 mental health 988 (press 1 for Veterans)
Poison Control 800-222-1222
Louisiana 211 211 or visit louisiana211.org
FEMA 800-621-3362 • disasterassistance.gov
DCFS (SNAP/DSNAP) 1-888-524-3578 • dcfs.louisiana.gov
Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid) 1-888-342-6207 • ldh.la.gov/medicaid
SHIIP (Medicare help) 1-800-259-5300 • ldi.la.gov
Legal Aid slls.org • la-law.org
Elder services goea.louisiana.gov

Reality checks, tips, and warnings

  • Timing matters. LIHEAP funds and DSNAP windows are limited. Mark deadlines and follow instructions exactly.
  • Keep records. Save copies of every form, receipt, and name of anyone you spoke to.
  • Watch for fees. Government programs do not charge application fees. If someone asks for money to “guarantee” approval, it’s a red flag. Report scams to the Louisiana Attorney General.
  • It’s okay to ask for help. Local Councils on Aging, libraries, and churches often assist with online applications and document scanning.

Sources

Note: Local AAA/COA and food bank links above are included for convenience; verify current hours and services.

Disclaimer

Programs, eligibility, dollar amounts, application methods, phone numbers, and office hours can change, especially after disasters. Always confirm details with the official agency linked in this guide. This guide is for general information and is not legal, medical, or financial 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.

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