Louisiana assistance programs

Louisiana splits these programs in ways that surprise people coming from other states: the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) runs both homebuyer help and LIHEAP energy aid, the Department of Education (LDOE) runs child care subsidies, and since Oct. 1, 2025 the Department of Health (LDH), not DCFS, has run FITAP cash assistance, with the STEP work program moved to Louisiana Works.

Few applications go straight to a state office. HomeStart down payment loans come only through LHC participating lenders, and LIHEAP is taken by 39 community action agencies and parish governments covering all 64 parishes, with LHC paying the utility directly. College grant money is sent by LOSFA to each campus, and the college picks its GO Grant recipients. The Louisiana energy guide lists how to find your parish agency.

There are two LA CAFÉ portals. The DCFS address (www.dcfs.la.gov/CAFE) now redirects to LDH's portal, where one application covers FITAP, the Kinship Care Subsidy and SNAP. Child care assistance has its own LDOE customer portal, and most families who qualify for CCAP join a statewide waitlist; see the Louisiana child care guide.

For business owners, Louisiana Economic Development says plainly that it has no grants to start or run a small business. What it offers is SSBCI loan guarantees, collateral support and micro loans through participating lenders, plus a Louisiana Works training reimbursement of up to $3,000 per worker. The Louisiana small business guide covers each one. Dialing 2-1-1 reaches the Louisiana 211 Statewide Network for local referrals.