How to Apply for KCSP in Louisiana Step by Step

Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Basic Requirements

Before starting the application, verify these five eligibility conditions:

1. You are related to the child within the fifth degree of kinship — grandparent, aunt, uncle, great-grandparent, sibling, first cousin, or the spouse of any of these, even if the marriage has ended
2. Your household income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level for your family size (for example, $2,705 per month for a two-person household as of the March 2026 poverty guidelines)
3. The child's countable income is below $450 per month
4. The biological or adoptive parent does not live in your home — if a parent moves in, KCSP eligibility ends immediately
5. The child is not receiving SSI or foster care board payments — either disqualifies the child from KCSP

If you are not sure about the income calculation, apply anyway. The caseworker will determine eligibility based on your documentation.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You need four categories of paperwork:

• Child's identity: birth certificate and Social Security card
• Your identity and relationship: government photo ID, proof of Louisiana residency, and documents showing your family connection (birth certificates establishing the chain of relationship)
• Legal custody proof: a court order, voluntary transfer decree, or notarized Provisional Custody by Mandate (La. R.S. 9:951). If you do not have custody yet, you can apply — KCSP grants a 12-month provisional window to obtain it
• Income verification: pay stubs, Social Security award letter, pension statements, or SSI notice for you; child income documentation (survivor benefits, child support) for the child

Step 3: Submit Through the CAFÉ Portal

Go to cafe.dcfs.la.gov, create an account if you do not have one, and select "Apply for Benefits." Choose KCSP along with any other programs you need (SNAP, Medicaid, FITAP).

Fill out the household composition section carefully — every person in the home must be listed, and you must indicate that no biological parent resides there. Upload your documents in the correct verification categories. Complete every required field, enter your electronic signature, and confirm submission. You must receive a confirmation number for the application to count.

If you cannot use the portal, call 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578) to request a paper application, or visit your parish DCFS office.

Step 4: Wait for Processing (Up to 30 Days)

Standard KCSP processing takes 30 calendar days. During this time, a caseworker reviews your documentation and may contact you for additional verification. Respond quickly to any requests — a missed verification deadline can result in denial.

If the caseworker asks for a document you already submitted, politely reference your upload date and confirmation number. Documents occasionally get lost in the system.

Step 5: Approval or Denial

If approved: KCSP payments of $450 per child per month begin, typically deposited onto your existing EBT card or via direct deposit. You will receive annual recertification notices — respond to these promptly to avoid interruption.

If denied: you have 30 days from the notice date to file a written Fair Hearing request. If you file within 10 days, benefits (if any were in place) continue at their previous level while the appeal is pending. Free legal help with appeals is available through Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (800-349-0886) or Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (1-866-275-2572).

The 12-Month Custody Clock

If you applied with a Provisional Custody by Mandate or without formal custody, KCSP starts a 12-month clock from your certification date. By the annual recertification, you must present court custody documentation or a renewed mandate. If you do not, payments stop.

Start the court process early. A voluntary transfer petition takes time — court scheduling, required affidavits, and the hearing itself. Legal aid organizations can help with the petition at no cost if you meet their income guidelines.

The Louisiana Kinship Financial Help guide covers the full KCSP process alongside a printable document checklist and a comparison with every other benefit program available to Louisiana kinship caregivers.

See more Louisiana guides →