Associated Press - June 2, 2009 5:54 AM ET
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state Department of Social Services says Louisiana residents can pre-apply online or by telephone for disaster food stamps as a way to prepare for the 2009 hurricane season.
DSS Secretary Kristy Nichols says although pre-applying doesn't guarantee benefits, collecting the required information for the application is easier to do before a hurricane strikes rather than after an evacuation.
Louisiana residents who already get regular food stamps do not need to pre-apply for the benefits which help low- to moderate income residents buy groceries after a loss of income or damages following a disaster. If they're eligible for additional benefits, officials say they will be added automatically.
To pre-apply residents can visit http://www.dss.louisiana.gov or phone 1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578).
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