$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Louisiana Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Louisiana
SSDI in Louisiana - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Louisiana - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA, 2026
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Louisiana?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. In Louisiana you may also qualify for Medicaid, since the state expanded coverage to adults up to 138% of the poverty level.
How long does SSDI take in Louisiana?
Louisiana processes initial claims through its Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity, which is $1,690 in 2026. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Louisiana - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Louisiana - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Louisiana, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Louisiana does not add a general cash state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in Louisiana?
Yes. SSI approval automatically qualifies you for Louisiana Medicaid. No separate application is needed.
Does Louisiana add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. Louisiana does not pay a general cash state supplement, so most recipients get only the federal amount. A separate Optional State Supplement exists only for people living in certain licensed long-term-care facilities.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Louisiana
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Louisiana
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS, 2026
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Louisiana offer any extra property-tax breaks for disabled veterans?
Yes. On top of the standard homestead exemption, Louisiana adds a property-tax exemption that grows with your rating: more assessed value is exempt at 50 to 69 percent and 70 to 99 percent, and a veteran rated 100 percent or totally disabled pays no property tax on their home. You claim it through your parish assessor with a current form from a Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs office.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Louisiana
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Louisiana
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout, 2026
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout, 2026
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout, 2026
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Louisiana?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare counseling in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), run by the state Department of Insurance, offers free, unbiased Medicare help at 1-800-259-5300. Turnout advocacy goes further with ongoing one-on-one support.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Louisiana
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Louisiana
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed, 2026
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education, 2024
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Louisiana public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Louisiana?
Louisiana schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 business days of getting your written consent, then hold the meeting to develop the IEP within 30 calendar days of deciding the child is eligible. Services must begin no later than 10 school days after the IEP is written.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Louisiana residents.
Medicaid in Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Louisiana residents.
Louisiana Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. Most enrollees get their care through a managed-care plan under the "Healthy Louisiana" brand. Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, so adults under 65 can qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, even without children.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
1.4M+
Louisianans enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP as of late 2025 (approximate)
Medicaid.gov / healthinsurance.org, 2025 (approx.)
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults 19 to 64 qualify up to 138% of the poverty level, about $1,836/mo for one person
LDH Medicaid Z-200 Chart, 2026
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
LDH, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, even with no children
- Children up to 217% of the poverty level through LaCHIP, and up to 255% through the LaCHIP Affordable Plan
- Pregnant women through LaMOMS, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability, and SSI recipients automatically
How to apply
Apply online at MyMedicaid.la.gov, or call Louisiana Medicaid at 1-888-342-6207. Have proof of income, identity, and Louisiana residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed. Once approved, you choose a Healthy Louisiana health plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Louisiana?
The coverage is Medicaid, but the managed-care system most people use is branded Healthy Louisiana. It's the same federal program, run by the Louisiana Department of Health.
Can adults without kids get Medicaid in Louisiana?
Yes. Because Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, adults 19 to 64 can qualify with income up to 138% of the poverty level, with or without children. This is different from non-expansion states nearby.
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Louisiana
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Louisiana
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP helps qualifying Louisiana households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto an EBT card, which Louisiana calls the Louisiana Purchase Card, and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, and many farmers markets. As of October 2025, the program is run by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), which took SNAP over from DCFS.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~818,000
Louisianans received SNAP benefits on average in FY2025, about 1 in 6 residents
USDA / USAFacts, FY2025
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
INCOME LIMIT (GROSS)
200% FPL
Louisiana raised its gross income limit to 200% of the poverty level, higher than the federal 130%
LDH, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, higher than the federal standard
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Louisiana
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through the Louisiana CAFE self-service portal, or call the LAHelpU Service Center at 1-888-524-3578. A phone interview is required, but it can be done from home. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana raised its gross income limit to 200% of the poverty level, so many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, and childcare are applied. Income alone doesn't tell the full story.
What is the Louisiana Purchase Card?
It is the name of the EBT card Louisiana uses for SNAP benefits. Your monthly benefit is loaded onto it, and you use it like a debit card at most grocery stores and many farmers markets.
How long does SNAP approval take in Louisiana?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. A phone interview is required but can be done from home.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Louisiana
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Louisiana
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or FITAP usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or FITAP automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA, 2026
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or FITAP are automatically income-eligible
- Louisiana residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call 1-800-251-2229 (1-800-251-BABY) or your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Louisiana residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or FITAP enrollment. If approved, you receive your Louisiana eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Louisiana's WIC food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
How do Louisiana WIC benefits work now?
Louisiana WIC moved to an eWIC card, so your food benefits load onto a card you swipe at the store instead of paper vouchers. Apps like WICShopper help you check your balance and see approved foods.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Louisiana
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Louisiana
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
Louisiana's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating and cooling bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. The program is federally funded and administered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) through local Community Action Agencies. Cooling assistance matters in Louisiana, where summer heat and humidity drive up bills.
INCOME LIMIT
60% SMI
Households at or below 60% of the state median income can qualify for heating, cooling, and crisis help
LIHEAP Clearinghouse (ACF), FY2026
CRISIS HELP
Up to $1,000
Maximum crisis benefit for households facing a shutoff or energy emergency
LIHEAP Clearinghouse (ACF), FY2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
Louisiana Housing Corporation, 2026
Who qualifies
- Louisiana households with income at or below 60% of the state median income
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on SNAP, FITAP, or SSI are generally income-eligible
How to apply
Apply through the Louisiana Housing Corporation online energy assistance portal or your local Community Action Agency. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID for household members, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. Regular help can be applied for online, but crisis applications must be made in person through a local agency. Funds are limited, so apply early.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIHEAP?
Louisiana uses a 60% of state median income limit for heating, cooling, and crisis help. If you receive SNAP, FITAP, or SSI, you generally meet the income test already.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can I apply for crisis help online?
No. In Louisiana, crisis applications are taken in person through your local Community Action Agency, not online. Regular energy assistance can be started through the LHC online portal.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Louisiana
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Louisianans.
ACA Subsidies in Louisiana
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Louisianans.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Louisiana uses the federal marketplace rather than running its own. Because Louisiana expanded Medicaid, many lower-income adults are covered by Medicaid, while the marketplace serves those above the Medicaid limit.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~296,000
Louisianans who selected a marketplace plan for 2026 coverage
CMS / healthinsurance.org, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SUBSIDIES
9 in 10
About 91% of Louisiana marketplace enrollees qualify for premium tax credits
CMS / healthinsurance.org, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Louisianans without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 138% of the federal poverty level (below that, Medicaid usually applies)
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Louisiana
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. HealthCare.gov screens for Louisiana Medicaid, and because Louisiana expanded Medicaid, adults up to 138% of the poverty level are usually covered by Medicaid instead of the marketplace.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. About 9 in 10 Louisiana enrollees receive subsidies, applied automatically when you enroll through HealthCare.gov.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Louisiana (FITAP)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Louisiana (FITAP)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
FITAP, the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program, is Louisiana's version of TANF. It provides short-term cash to families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto an EBT card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, and transportation. As of 2025, the program is run by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and comes with a work requirement through the STEP program.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$484/mo
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no countable income, one of the lowest in the country
LDH FITAP policy, LAC 67:III.1229, 2026
TIME LIMIT
24 of 60 months
Adults are limited to 24 months of FITAP in any 60-month period, with a 60-month lifetime cap
LDH FITAP, 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
Below the grant
To qualify, a family's countable income after disregards must fall below the flat grant for its size
LDH FITAP policy, LAC 67:III.1229, 2026
Who qualifies
- Louisiana residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income, below the flat grant amount for their family size
- Adults must participate in the STEP work program unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through the Louisiana CAFE self-service portal, or in person at a local LDH community partner. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through CAFE also lets you apply for SNAP at the same time. If approved, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive FITAP in Louisiana?
Adults are limited to 24 months of FITAP within any 60-month period, and there is a 60-month lifetime cap for units that include a parent or caretaker relative. Some child-only cases are treated differently.
What's the difference between FITAP and TANF?
They are the same thing. FITAP is simply Louisiana's name for the federal TANF cash assistance program, now run by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
Is there help for grandparents or relatives raising a child?
Yes. Louisiana runs a separate Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) that pays up to $450 per month per eligible child to relatives raising a child, for families at or below 150% of the poverty level.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Louisiana (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Louisiana (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. The amount depends on your income and family size, and you have to file a tax return to claim it. Louisiana also has its own state EITC on top of the federal one.
FEDERAL, WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
LOUISIANA ADDS
5% of federal
Louisiana pays a refundable state EITC worth 5% of your federal credit
Louisiana R.S. 47:297.8, 2026
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
Both the federal and Louisiana credits are refundable, so you receive them even if you owe nothing
IRS / La. Dept. of Revenue, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- Louisiana residents who claim the federal EITC also get the 5% state credit
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. Louisiana's 5% state EITC is claimed on your state return, and if you qualify federally you qualify for the state credit too. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Does Louisiana have its own state EITC?
Yes. Louisiana offers a refundable state earned income tax credit worth 5% of your federal EITC, so a $1,000 federal credit adds about $50 from the state. You claim it on your Louisiana return.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Louisiana
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Louisiana
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Louisiana families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Louisiana does not have a separate state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS, 2026
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does Louisiana have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Louisiana does not have a state-level Child Tax Credit. The federal credit is fully available to Louisiana residents, but there is no additional state credit on top of it.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Louisiana
Subsidized child care for working Louisiana families.
Child Care Assistance in Louisiana
Subsidized child care for working Louisiana families.
Louisiana's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). The program pays providers directly, with families paying a sliding-scale share based on income.
INCOME LIMIT
65% SMI to enter
Families enter the program at or below 65% of the state median income, roughly 200% of the poverty level for a family of three
Louisiana Dept. of Education, 2024
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a co-pay based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
Louisiana Dept. of Education, 2026
WAITLIST
May apply
Louisiana has used a CCAP waitlist since October 2022; check current status when you apply
Louisiana Dept. of Education, 2026
Who qualifies
- Louisiana residents with a child under 13, or under 18 with a disability or under court supervision
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- Households at or below 65% of the state median income to enter the program
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through the Louisiana CAFE system, or call the LDOE child care assistance line at 1-877-453-2721. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work, school, or training schedule. Louisiana has used a waitlist since October 2022, so apply as soon as you know you need care and check the current status.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider registered with CCAP, including licensed centers and approved family child care providers. Providers use the KinderConnect system to check children in and out.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale co-pay applies based on your income and family size. Lower-income families may pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay more.
What happens if there's a waitlist?
Louisiana has used a CCAP waitlist since October 2022. If a waitlist is active when you apply, your application stays in line and you have a set window to enroll once a slot opens. Priority groups such as families receiving other assistance may be served first.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
