Louisiana SNAP Recipients Could Lose Benefits Next Month

(KMDL-FM) There have been many changes as of late in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that many families in Louisiana rely on. One of the major changes as of late has been the reclassification of items that can be purchased using the benefits. Another major change, which will go into effect this summer, could see some Louisiana families actually losing a portion of their benefits.

READ MORE: Many Louisiana Residents Required to Reapply for SNAP Benefits

The key date Louisiana SNAP users will want to have marked on their calendar is June 27, 2026. That is when the latest change just announced by the Louisiana Department of Health will go into effect.

New SNAP Rules Go Into Effect in June - How Many In Louisiana Are Affected?

It is estimated that the change announced by the Louisiana Department of Health will affect over 790,000 individuals in Louisiana. Current statistics suggest that almost 400,000 households in the state utilize the benefits.

Of those households, almost 70% of them include children, so the potential loss of benefits could have a major effect on parents who are providing for young children at home.

Based on information provided by the Louisiana Department of Health on June 27th, unused SNAP benefits that have not been used for nine months after issuance will be removed from the beneficiary's account. Those funds will not be replaced.

READ MORE: Which Louisiana Parishes Rely on SNAP Benefits the Most? 

In simpler terms, use it or lose it. Basically, if you have benefits on your EBT or SNAP card and they have been there for nine months and you haven't used them, they will be recalled from the card. So, make sure you are using all of the benefits that are allocated to your account.

How Does the New SNAP Policy Differ From the Previous SNAP Policy?

This is a change of policy. Previous policy suggested that if an EBT account was active and the account holder had used a portion of the benefit, the remaining portion would remain on the card. Under the new policy, any unused benefits that are nine months or older will be removed from the card.

The policy is not a "Louisiana only" policy. According to the State Department of Health, the expungement method is in accordance with USDA Food and Nutrition Service policy. Again, the change in how the SNAP benefits will be administered takes place on June 27, 2026.