Understanding what bills count for food stamps in Louisiana

It’s super important to know how your household bills can affect your food stamp benefits, also known as SNAP, in Louisiana. When you apply for food stamps, the state looks at your income and also certain expenses you have. These expenses can actually help you get more benefits because they show you have less money available for food. So, understanding what bills count for food stamps in Louisiana can make a big difference for your family.

The Basic Idea: Deductions Matter

When Louisiana calculates your food stamp amount, they don’t just look at how much money you make. They also look at certain bills you pay regularly. These bills are called “deductions,” and they can lower your household’s “net income,” which is the amount they use to figure out your benefits. The lower your net income, the more food stamps you might qualify for, or you might qualify when you thought you wouldn’t. It’s like telling them, “Hey, I earn this much, but I also have to pay this much for important things, so I have less left for food.”

Common Household Bills That Can Count

Many regular household expenses can be counted as deductions. These help show the state how much money you really have after your basic needs are met.

Things like your rent or mortgage, utility bills (like electricity or gas), and even medical costs for older or disabled family members can be considered. The goal is to get a clear picture of your actual financial situation.

When you apply or recertify for food stamps, you’ll need to provide proof of these expenses. This could be copies of your bills, receipts, or statements.

It’s always a good idea to keep good records of all your expenses, just in case you need them. Even small amounts can add up and help your case.

Here are some examples of what counts:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Property taxes and home insurance
• Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, trash, phone)
• Medical expenses (for certain household members)

Shelter Costs: Keeping a Roof Over Your Head

Shelter costs are a big one when it comes to food stamp deductions. These are the bills that make sure you have a safe place to live. Louisiana knows that keeping a roof over your head is a major expense for most families.

This includes your monthly rent payment if you’re renting, or your mortgage payment if you own your home. It also includes other things related to your home.

Remember, the state wants to see that you’re actually paying these bills. So, having statements or receipts is key to proving these expenses.

These shelter costs can be a very large deduction, especially for families living in areas with higher housing costs. This deduction helps balance out your income when figuring out benefits.

Utility Expenses: Keeping the Lights On

Utility bills are another important group of expenses that can count toward your food stamp benefits in Louisiana. These are the services that keep your home comfortable and running.

Think about things like keeping your house warm in winter and cool in summer, having running water, and being able to cook. These are all essential, and the costs add up.

The types of utility bills that usually count include:

• Electricity bills
• Natural gas or propane bills
• Water and sewer bills
• Trash collection fees
• Basic phone service (landline or cell phone, sometimes)
• Heating and cooling costs (if separate from other utilities)

Sometimes, if you don’t have separate utility bills but pay a set amount for utilities as part of your rent, you might still get a “standard utility allowance” deduction. This is a fixed amount that Louisiana offers to make it easier, especially if proving exact utility costs is hard.

Medical Expenses for Seniors and People with Disabilities

If someone in your household is 60 years or older, or has a disability, their out-of-pocket medical expenses can often be deducted. This is a really important deduction because medical costs can be very high and unpredictable.

It’s about making sure that folks who need extra medical care aren’t penalized when it comes to getting enough food.

What kind of medical costs count? Lots of things! Here’s a list:

1. Doctor visit co-pays and fees
2. Prescription medication costs
3. Over-the-counter medicines (prescribed by a doctor)
4. Dental care and vision care costs
5. Hospital stays and emergency room visits
6. Transportation costs to medical appointments
7. Health insurance premiums (amounts you pay each month)

Keep track of all these expenses. Even if you have insurance, the parts you pay yourself can quickly add up and become a significant deduction for food stamps.

Remember, these medical deductions only apply if the expenses are more than a certain small amount each month, usually about $35, for the elderly or disabled household member.

Child Care and Dependent Care Costs

If you pay for someone to watch your children or another dependent while you work, look for work, or attend school/training, those costs can often be deducted. This helps families where parents or guardians are trying to improve their situation.

Louisiana understands that child care, especially, can be a huge expense. Without safe and reliable care, it’s tough for adults in the household to work or get education.

The care must be necessary for the adult household member to:

• Work (either full-time or part-time)
• Look for a job
• Go to school
• Attend training programs

This deduction helps lower your countable income, which means you might qualify for more food stamps. It’s designed to support families in their efforts to become more self-sufficient.

Make sure to keep receipts or statements from your childcare provider or other dependent care services. You’ll need proof of these payments when you apply or renew your benefits.

Court-Ordered Child Support Payments

If you are a non-custodial parent and are paying court-ordered child support for a child who is not living in your household, those payments can also be deducted from your income. This is a very important deduction for some families.

This deduction is a bit different from other expenses because it reduces your gross income directly. This means it’s subtracted before almost anything else.

The reason this counts is that the money you pay for child support is money you don’t have available to spend on food for your current household. It’s a legal obligation you have.

To prove these payments, you’ll need official documents. This could be:

Always keep good records of your child support payments. This deduction can significantly lower your countable income and help you qualify for more food stamps.

Educational and Training Expenses (Sometimes)

While not always a common deduction for everyone, certain educational and training expenses can sometimes count for food stamps in Louisiana. This usually applies when the education or training is required for employment or an approved work program.

It’s about helping people gain skills and education that will lead to better jobs and independence. Louisiana wants to support efforts to improve your family’s future.

Examples of these expenses might include:

1. Tuition fees (if not covered by financial aid)
2. Required textbooks and supplies
3. Transportation costs to and from approved training or classes
4. Fees for certifications or licenses directly related to employment

These deductions aren’t as common as shelter or utility costs, but they can be very helpful for individuals participating in specific programs.

Always check with your local DCFS office to see if your specific educational or training costs qualify. You’ll need to show proof that the program is approved and that you’re actually paying for these expenses.

The Bottom Line on Deductions

Knowing what bills count for food stamps in Louisiana is really important because these deductions can lower your household’s countable income. This can mean more food stamp benefits for your family each month. Always keep good records of all your expenses, especially your rent, utilities, medical bills (if applicable), childcare costs, and child support payments. When you apply or renew your benefits, be ready to provide proof of these bills. Don’t be shy about asking your local Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) office if you have questions; they are there to help you understand what qualifies!