Welcome to BenefitKarma, Louisianans!

If you’re new here, we want to connect you with information that will empower you and your loved ones on the benefits journey. We know government benefits, insurance, and healthcare can feel overwhelming — with legal jargon, paperwork, and deadlines — but BenefitKarma simplifies it all in easy-to-understand language.  

Our platform offers helpful tools, calculators, and educational resources so you can take control of your benefits journey at your own pace. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for BenefitKarma — it’s free, and you’ll get exclusive content and benefits updates straight to your inbox.  

[Explore Your Benefits – Coming Soon]  
We’re building a new way to help you discover benefits and resources personalized for you. Stay tuned!  

Wondering what’s available to you in Louisiana? Here’s a list that’ll give you a head start. 

Health & Disability

1. Bayou Health (Medicaid)
   Louisiana’s Bayou Health program offers no- or low-cost health coverage for qualifying individuals and families. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health care, and preventive services. Coverage extends to adults, children, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities. Many services come with little to no co-pays. Read more on how Medicaid works.

2. Louisiana Medicaid Waivers
   Through Medicaid waivers like the Adult Day Health Care waiver and the Community Choices waiver, Louisiana helps people with disabilities and seniors live independently by providing support for therapies, personal care, and assistive technology. These programs often allow participants to maintain Medicaid coverage while working.

3. Temporary Disability Insurance
   Louisiana does not have a state-run Temporary Disability Insurance program. However, some workers may be eligible for federal Social Security Disability benefits or private plans if unable to work due to illness or injury. Eligibility depends on medical and earnings history. Check your eligibility for temporary disability insurance. 

4. Louisiana Family and Medical Leave
   Eligible workers may take unpaid, job-protected leave under federal FMLA guidelines to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member. Some employers may offer paid leave options. Read more on the Family and Medical Leave Act today.

Nutritional & Food Assistance

1. Louisiana SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
   SNAP provides monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to help low-income residents buy groceries. Benefit amounts vary based on household size and income. Learn more on how SNAP works. 

2. WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
   WIC supports pregnant and postpartum individuals and children under 5 with nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and nutrition counseling. Monthly food packages include milk, cereal, formula, and fresh produce. Do you qualify for WIC? Find out now. 

3. School Meal Programs
   Eligible Louisiana students can get free or reduced-price meals at school to ensure proper nutrition for learning and growth. Families can apply anytime during the school year. Explore all the government food programs you and your family may be eligible for. 

4. Emergency Food Assistance
   Programs like TEFAP provide free groceries through food banks and community organizations to families facing food insecurity. Discover how this essential government program can support your family with free food assistance.

Income & Employment

1. Louisiana TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
   TANF provides cash assistance to low-income families with children. Benefits vary by household size and income. TANF also connects families to job training, childcare support, and housing resources. Read more on TANF: How to Get and Use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

2. Unemployment Insurance
   If you lose your job through no fault of your own, Louisiana offers unemployment benefits ranging approximately from $120 to $247 per week for up to 26 weeks. Claimants must be actively seeking work. Looking for more information? Read our guide on how unemployment works.  

3. SSI & SSDI
   Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to low-income elderly or disabled residents. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) supports those with qualifying work history who become disabled. After two years on SSDI, Medicare eligibility may begin. SSDI applicants may also qualify for back pay retroactive to disability onset.

Family & Education

1. Early Childhood Programs
   Louisiana offers various state-funded Pre-K and early learning programs in many communities, preparing children ages 3 and 4 for kindergarten. Learn more about how Head Start Preschool programs work and how they support early childhood education in Louisiana.

2. Child Care Assistance Program
   Low-income families can get help covering child care costs while working or attending school, including payments for licensed providers and approved relatives. The Child Care Subsidy program helps cover a significant portion of these expenses, making childcare more affordable for families.

3. Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)
   TOPS provides scholarships and grants to eligible Louisiana students attending in-state colleges. Awards depend on academic achievement and financial need. For more ways to find and apply for local scholarships that can help cover education costs, check out our guide on local scholarship opportunities.

4. Educational Support for Disadvantaged Students
   Louisiana offers tutoring, mentoring, and financial assistance to help low-income and disadvantaged students succeed in college. Foster youth and caregivers also have access to additional support.

Housing & Essentials

1. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
   Section 8 helps low-income families and individuals afford safe rental housing by paying a portion of rent based on income and local market rates. Participants choose their own housing and pay the rest of the rent directly.

2. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
   LIHEAP helps Louisiana families with heating and cooling costs by providing seasonal financial assistance. Payments vary based on income, fuel type, and household size. Emergency crisis assistance may also be available.

3. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
   WAP offers free home energy efficiency improvements, like insulation and heating repairs, to reduce utility bills for eligible households. Certified contractors perform all work. Discover how the weatherization programs works and find utility assistance options.

4. Homelessness Prevention
   Louisiana provides short-term rental and utility assistance to prevent eviction or homelessness. Support can cover back rent or other urgent costs to help stabilize housing while more permanent solutions are arranged. One of those long-term solutions is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which helps finance the development of affordable rental housing for low-income residents across the state. Learn more in our article: Building Better Community: The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

Military & Veterans

1. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
   This office helps veterans access VA healthcare, pensions, disability compensation, and housing programs. Staff assist with claims, appeals, and connecting veterans to local resources. If you’re exploring pension options, especially for low-income or disabled veterans, read our article: VA Pension: A Financial Safety Net for Veterans and Their Families.

2. Veterans Education Benefits
   Eligible Louisiana veterans attending approved colleges may receive state tuition waivers or credits to supplement federal GI Bill benefits, helping reduce education costs. However, not all veterans are receiving the full education benefits they’ve earned—due to delays, miscommunication, or eligibility issues. Learn more about what’s happening and how to navigate GI Bill challenges.

3. Veterans Property Tax Exemptions
   Louisiana offers property tax exemptions or reductions for qualifying veterans, helping to ease housing costs for military families and retirees. You can also explore additional veteran housing assistance programs to support a stable transition after service.