CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our economy in so many ways. If your job has been impacted by COVID-19, there are resources available offering assistance.  We have complied a list of some resources that are available for Louisiana students and families:

  • Unemployment– If your workplace has temporarily closed or you have been told to take unpaid time off, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the Louisiana Workforce Commission. To file a claim, go to https://www.louisianaworks.net/hire or call 866-783-5567.
  • Medicaid Resources- If you have lost your job or if you have reduced hours you may be eligible for Medicaid. To apply go to  la.gov, call 1-888-342-6207, or mail information to: Louisiana Medicaid , P.O. Box 91283, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
  • Legal Assistance – Southeast Louisiana Legal Services is now hosting a COVID-19 Legal Aid Hotline. If you have been denied benefits, are at risk of being evicted, have had your utilities cut off, or are unsure of your rights throughout the COVID outbreak, you may be eligible for free legal assistance. Learn more here or call the SLLS COVID Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm CT.  Online applications are also available at slls.org.
  • Supplemental Nutrtion Assistance Progam (SNAP)- Formally know as food stamps, is designed to act quickly to help individuals and families facing food budget shortfalls. For information about SNAP or an application, Louisiana residents can text GETSNAP(no spaces) to 898211, email DCFS@la.govor call 1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578).
  • Free meals for Children-The Louisiana Department of Education has made a map available of participating meal siteswhere students can access food during the school closure.
  • Food Bank- Feeding Louisiana has information and locations for various food banks across the state. They are working to meet the new demands along with their traditional partners in that work- including food pantries, shelters, and other meal programs. To find your local food bank go to https://www.feedinglouisiana.org/ or dail 211 to locate emergency food assistance.
  • Federal Student Loan Borrowers– For those that have federal student loans that are in repayment, the U.S. Department of Education has allowed provisions to assist those borrowers thru the CARES ACT. For more information go to https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
  • Stressed about COVID-19 and Need someone to talk to?– If you are feeling overwhelmed with stress, fear and anxiety about the uncertainty surrounding this public health emergency, there is a special Keeping Calm through COVIDHotline you can call. This connects you to trained, compassionate counselors who can offer support and who can direct you to mental health and substance abuse counseling services 24/7.  All calls are confidential. Call 1-866-310-7977 24/7