Louisiana leads nation with veterans in poverty, analysis finds

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledged the findings but also noted the census data used in the study is a multi-year snapshot from a period that included significant economic disruption from the coronavirus pandemic.

“A rate built on that period will run higher than a current snapshot would show,” department spokesperson Daniele Palen said in an email, noting the period included widespread business closures, shutdowns and layoffs in 2020 and 2021.

Although COVID-19 could have inflated overall rates of veteran poverty, the analysis compared data from all 50 states, and nothing suggests the pandemic skewed Louisiana’s rate more than the rest of the country. 

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“The numbers are likely skewed across the board for that reporting period, not just for Louisiana,” Palen added. “It was a rough time all around.”

Some of Louisiana’s neighboring states had similarly high rates of veterans in poverty. 

Arkansas ranked second-worst with 7.9% of its veterans living in poverty, and Mississippi ranked seventh at 7.14%.

The state Department of Veterans Affairs said it’s “not satisfied” with any amount of veteran poverty and has made reducing it a priority.

“LDVA’s goal, plainly stated, is zero veterans living in poverty in Louisiana, and every program we run is working toward that,” the agency stated in an email. 

Part of the problem is a general lack of awareness among veterans about the various assistance that’s available to former service members, Palen said. Some low-income veterans might qualify for VA disability compensation, pensions or other benefits they have not claimed, and outreach and assistance with benefit applications remain among the department’s priorities, she added.

Louisiana has made recent gains in connecting veterans with benefits since the study period. The state published data earlier this year showing the number of Louisiana veterans receiving VA benefits has increased about 6% annually since 2023, roughly three times better than the national trend.

The state Department of Veterans Affairs has also expanded partnerships with workforce training programs and leads initiatives intended to connect veterans with jobs, education, healthcare and other assistance. For example, a Military Family Assistance Fund can help members of the National Guard and military reserves during times of financial hardship. 

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