Texas EBT Lone Star Card: Your Benefits for SNAP and TANF

The Texas Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system is the state's official method for delivering crucial food and cash assistance to millions of residents. This system uses the Texas Lone Star Card to provide access to two primary programs: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food purchases and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for cash help.

For Texans navigating financial hardship, understanding how to qualify for, apply for, and manage these benefits is a critical first step toward stability. This resource provides a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the entire Texas EBT process. It covers everything from checking eligibility to using and renewing your benefits, ensuring you have the information needed to access available support.

How Texas EBT Works: SNAP and TANF Benefits Explained

The Texas EBT system is a modern, electronic method for distributing public assistance, replacing the paper food stamp coupons of the past. The entire system is designed to be efficient and secure, providing households with easy access to the benefits they need. At the center of this system is the Lone Star Card, which functions as the key to accessing two separate and distinct types of aid.

The Lone Star Card: The Key to Your Benefits

The Lone Star Card is a plastic, PIN-protected card that works just like a debit card at authorized stores. Once you are approved for benefits, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will issue you a Lone Star Card. Your monthly benefit amount will be automatically deposited into the card's account.

It is important to recognize that the Lone Star Card manages two different types of benefits, which are kept in separate "accounts." The first is for SNAP food benefits, and the second is for TANF cash benefits. This dual-account structure means that even if you receive both types of aid, the funds are not interchangeable. The Texas EBT program processes approximately $6 billion in benefits each year and serves Texans at over 20,700 participating retail locations.

SNAP Food Benefits: What the Program Offers Texans

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), still commonly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program administered by HHSC in Texas. Its primary purpose is to help low-income individuals and families buy the nutritious food they need for good health.

SNAP is designed to supplement a household's grocery budget. This helps free up limited cash resources for other critical expenses such as rent, utilities, or medical bills. Benefits are loaded onto the Lone Star Card each month and can be used to purchase a wide variety of grocery items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. The program also allows for the purchase of seeds and plants that can be used to grow food for the household.

TANF Cash Assistance: Financial Support for Texas Families

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a program that provides direct financial payments to help families with children aged 18 and younger cover essential living costs. Unlike SNAP, which is restricted to food purchases, TANF cash benefits offer greater flexibility. These funds can be used for a broad range of basic needs.

Approved uses for TANF cash assistance include:

• Food and clothing
• Housing costs, such as rent or mortgage payments
• Utilities, including electricity and water
• Furniture and other essential household supplies
• Transportation and phone service
• Medical supplies that are not covered by Medicaid

Texas offers two main forms of TANF assistance. The first is ongoing monthly cash help for families who meet strict income limits. The second is a one-time payment of $1,000 for families experiencing a short-term crisis or for certain relatives caring for children.

Are You Eligible for Texas EBT Benefits?

Eligibility for SNAP and TANF is determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The decision is based on factors like household size, income, and assets. The requirements for each program are different, with TANF having more restrictive rules than SNAP.

SNAP Eligibility Requirements in Texas

To qualify for SNAP in Texas, households must meet specific criteria related to residency, citizenship, income, and work.

• Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must live in Texas and be either a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
• Income Limits: A household's gross monthly income must generally be at or below 165% of the federal poverty level. For a one-person household, the maximum monthly income is typically $1,775, and for a household of three, it is $3,020.
• Work Rules: Most adults between 16 and 59 must look for a job or participate in a work program. Individuals cannot voluntarily quit a job without a good reason. Some people, such as those with a disability or who are pregnant, may be exempt.
• Time Limits for Certain Adults: Adults aged 18 to 54 without children at home and without a disability can typically only receive SNAP for three months in a three-year period. This limit can be extended if the person works at least 20 hours per week or is in a job training program.
• College Students: College students enrolled at least half-time face special eligibility rules and must meet a specific exemption to qualify.

TANF Eligibility Rules for Texas Families

The eligibility criteria for TANF are much stricter than for SNAP. This reflects its role as a temporary cash assistance program for families in significant need.

• Household Composition: TANF is for families with children aged 18 or younger. This can include single-parent homes, two-parent homes, or cases where relatives are caring for related children.
• Financial Need: The program is for families with very little money. HHSC evaluates a family's money, assets, and expenses like child care.
• Income Limits: The income limits for TANF are extremely low. For a one-parent household with three people, the maximum monthly income to qualify is just $188.
• Mandatory Program Rules: To receive TANF, adults must agree to rules designed to promote self-sufficiency. These include training for or looking for work, cooperating with child support, and ensuring children attend school.

Special Programs: The Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP)

To reduce barriers for certain populations, Texas offers the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP). This program streamlines the SNAP application process for households where every member is either age 60 or older, or receives disability payments.

The key advantages of TSAP are significant:

• The application is shorter and simpler.
• The certification period is for three years, not six months.
• No interview is required for renewal.

To be eligible for TSAP, the household must have no earned income and must not be receiving benefits through another special program. If you are already receiving regular SNAP and become eligible for TSAP, HHSC will automatically screen you for the program at renewal.

Applying for Your Texas Lone Star Card

The State of Texas provides several ways to apply for benefits, with a strong emphasis on its secure online portal. For those who need assistance, the state has also established an official network of community partners to provide free, expert help.

Step-by-Step Application Process

You can apply for SNAP and TANF benefits through one of three primary channels:

• Online (Preferred Method): The quickest way to apply is through the official state portal, YourTexasBenefits.com.
• By Phone: You can start the application process by calling 2-1-1 and selecting Option 2.
• In-Person: You can visit a local Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) office to submit a paper application.

Required Documents for Your Application

When you apply, HHSC will need to verify your information. It is helpful to gather your documents ahead of time. You will likely need to provide copies of the following:

• Proof of Identity: Driver's license, state ID, or passport.
• Proof of Residency: A utility bill or lease agreement.
• Citizenship or Immigration Status: A birth certificate or immigration documents.
• Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer.
• Bank Statements: Your most recent statements.
• Proof of Expenses: Documents showing your housing, utility, medical, and child care costs.

Getting Help with Your Application

The State of Texas officially partners with community organizations to provide free application assistance. The primary partner for this service is Feeding Texas and its network of 20 food banks, which are contracted by HHSC to offer help in all 254 counties.

These organizations have trained staff who can guide you through the application. You can find help by contacting your local food bank, such as:

• Central Texas Food Bank (Austin area): (512) 684-2550 or (855) 684-2550.
• North Texas Food Bank (Dallas area): (214) 269-0907.
• Houston Food Bank: (832) 369-9390.
• San Antonio Food Bank: (210) 431-8326.

Managing and Using Your Lone Star Card

Once your application is approved and you receive your Lone Star Card, you will need to activate it and learn how to manage your benefits. The state provides several tools, including a mobile app, to help you check your balance and keep your account secure.

Activating Your Card and Setting a PIN

Before you can use your Lone Star Card, you must activate it. The process is simple and can be done over the phone.

1. Call the Activation Number: Dial the Lone Star Card Help Desk at 800-777-7328.
2. Follow the Prompts: The automated system will guide you through the process.
3. Create a PIN: You will be asked to select a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). Choose numbers that are easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
4. Sign Your Card: For the card to be valid, you must sign the signature strip on the back.

How to Check Your EBT Balance

Knowing your available balance before you shop is important. There are several ways to check your Lone Star Card balance:

• Your Texas Benefits App and Website: The most secure method is to use the official Your Texas Benefits mobile app or log in at YourTexasBenefits.com. HHSC strongly recommends using these official platforms to avoid security risks.
• By Phone: You can call the Lone Star Card Help Desk at 800-777-7328 to hear your current balance.
• At the Store: Your remaining balance will be printed on your grocery receipt. Many stores also allow a "balance inquiry" at the checkout terminal.

When Are Benefits Deposited? The Texas EBT Schedule

Benefits are deposited on a staggered schedule based on the last digits of your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number, which is on your approval letter.

• SNAP Deposit Schedule: SNAP benefits are deposited between the 1st and the 28th day of each month, based on the last two digits of your EDG number.
• TANF Deposit Schedule: TANF benefits are deposited over the first three days of the month, based on the last single digit of your TANF EDG number.

Using Your Lone Star Card in Other States

Because SNAP is a federal program, you can use your Texas Lone Star Card in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. When traveling, look for stores that display the SNAP or Quest logo. If you have issues, call the Help Desk number on the back of your card.

Reporting a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card

If your Lone Star Card is lost or stolen, act immediately to protect your benefits.

• Report the Issue: Call the Lone Star Card Help Desk at 800-777-7328 right away. The contractor will immediately place a hold on your card.
• Request a Replacement: You can request a new card through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app or by calling the Help Desk.
• Benefit Theft: If your benefits were stolen electronically, you may be eligible to have them replaced. You must report the theft within 30 days and submit a claim form.

What You Can Buy with Texas EBT

The rules for what you can purchase depend on which benefit you are using. SNAP benefits are strictly limited to food items, while TANF cash benefits can be used for a wider array of necessities. A significant change is coming in 2026 that will further refine what foods can be purchased with SNAP.

Approved Items for SNAP Food Benefits

SNAP benefits are intended for groceries that you prepare and eat at home. According to federal guidelines, you can use your SNAP benefits to buy the following types of items:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, and canned varieties.
• Meat, Poultry, and Fish: Fresh, frozen, and deli-sliced meats.
• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and infant formula.
• Breads and Cereals: Bread, pasta, tortillas, and breakfast cereals.
• Other Foods: Snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and condiments.
• Seeds and Plants: Seeds and plants that produce food for your household.

Using TANF Cash Benefits

The rules for TANF cash benefits are much more flexible. You can use these funds to cover essential non-food expenses like rent, utilities, clothing, and transportation. You can use the cash portion of your Lone Star Card at any store that accepts EBT cash or withdraw funds from an ATM.

Items You Cannot Purchase with EBT

Several categories of items are strictly prohibited from being purchased with SNAP food benefits. These ineligible items include:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and liquor.
• Tobacco Products: Cigarettes and other tobacco products.
• Vitamins and Supplements: Any item with a "Supplement Facts" label is not eligible.
• Hot, Prepared Foods: Foods sold hot and ready for immediate consumption are not eligible.
• Non-Food Items: Pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, and hygiene items.

Important Update: New Food Restrictions Starting in 2026

A major policy change will take effect in Texas that will impact what can be purchased with SNAP benefits. After receiving a waiver from the federal government, Texas will implement new restrictions aimed at promoting healthier food choices.

Starting April 1, 2026, Texas SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their benefits to purchase the following items:

• Sweetened Drinks: This includes sodas, energy drinks, and other beverages containing five grams or more of added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
• Candy: This includes items like candy bars, gum, and other confections.

This change brings Texas SNAP more in line with the program's original intent to provide access to nutritious food. Many beverages will remain eligible, including milk, milk substitutes, fruit and vegetable juices without added sugar, and infant formula.

Renewing Your Benefits and Reporting Changes

Receiving EBT benefits requires you to keep your information up to date with HHSC. You must complete a renewal process and report any significant changes to your household to avoid an interruption in your benefits.

The Texas EBT Recertification Process

Benefits are approved for a specific "certification period." For most Texas households, this period is six months, while for those in the TSAP program, it is three years. Before your certification period ends, you must recertify your eligibility.

The recertification process is as follows:

1. Receive a Renewal Packet: HHSC will mail you a renewal packet, including Form H1010-R, before your benefits are scheduled to end.
2. Submit the Form on Time: You must submit the renewal form by the 15th day of the last month of your certification period to ensure there is no gap in benefits.
3. Complete an Interview: After submitting your form, you will need to complete an interview, usually over the phone, to confirm your household's current situation.
4. Provide Verification: You may be asked to provide documents to verify your income, expenses, or other information.

How to Report Changes to Your Household or Income

You are required to report certain changes in your household's circumstances to HHSC, typically within 10 days.

Changes that must be reported include:

• Changes to your address and phone number.
• Changes in your job or income.
• Changes in your housing costs.
• Changes in the people living in your household.

The easiest way to report changes is through YourTexasBenefits.com or the Your Texas Benefits mobile app. You can also fill out Form H1019, "Report of Change," and mail or deliver it to a local HHSC office.

Local Texas EBT Resources and Offices

Navigating the benefits system can be easier when you know where to find help. Texas provides a powerful mobile app for self-service, and HHSC operates local offices and community partners to assist residents across the state.

Your Texas Benefits App: Managing Benefits on Your Phone

The official "Your Texas Benefits" mobile app is the most effective tool for managing your benefits from your smartphone. The app, available for both Android and Apple devices, is a secure and convenient way to handle nearly every aspect of your case.

Key features of the Your Texas Benefits app include:

• Case Management: Check your application status, view benefit amounts, and see important dates.
• Lone Star Card Management: Check your balance, view transaction history, change your PIN, and request a replacement card.
• Document Submission: Securely upload photos of required documents directly from your phone.
• Report Changes: Submit updates to your address, income, or household information.
• Find an Office: Use the app's locator to find nearby HHSC offices and community partners.

Finding an HHSC Office in Dallas

Dallas is located in HHSC Region 3, the Metroplex.

• HHS Regional Office: 1301 Young Street, Suite 1138, Dallas, TX 75202. Phone: 214-767-2995.
• Dallas County Health and Human Services: 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207. Phone: 214-819-2000. This office provides welfare program assistance.
• Application Assistance Partner: The North Texas Food Bank offers free help with SNAP applications. Call their Social Service Assistance staff at 214-269-0907. Dallas College also partners with the food bank to provide assistance.

Houston HHSC and Partner Locations

Houston and the surrounding area are part of HHSC Region 6, the Gulf Coast.

• HHSC Regional Office: 5425 Polk St., Suite 490, Houston, TX 77023. Phone: 713-767-2155.
• Houston Health Department: The city's health department is a central hub for public health services. Their main call center is 832-393-4220.
• Application Assistance Partner: The Houston Food Bank provides application assistance for SNAP. Call their Community Assistance Program at 832-369-9390 or visit their main location at 535 Portwall Street, Houston, TX 77029.

San Antonio Benefits Offices

San Antonio is in HHSC Region 8. The city has several dedicated HHSC offices.

• HHSC Food Benefit Locations:
  • 905 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio, TX 78214. Phone: (210) 977-9720.
  • 1011 Ada, San Antonio, TX 78223. Phone: (210) 531-1800.
  • 2534 Castroville Rd., San Antonio, TX 78237. Phone: (210) 436-4392.
  • 3411 Horal, San Antonio, TX 78227. Phone: (210) 212-6986.
  • 3300 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, TX 78217. Phone: (210) 599-3217.
• Application Assistance Partner: The San Antonio Food Bank offers free, in-person assistance with applications. Visit them at 5200 Historic Old Hwy 90, San Antonio, TX 78227, or call their benefits assistance team at (210) 431-8326.

Austin EBT and SNAP Assistance Resources

Austin is the headquarters for HHSC and is located in Region 7, Central Texas.

• HHSC Headquarters: North Austin Complex, 4601 W. Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78751. Main number: 512-424-6500.
• Austin Public Health: The city's public health department administrative offices are at 6800 Burleson Rd., Building 310, Suite 295, Austin, TX 78744. Phone: 512-972-5000.
• Application Assistance Partner: The Central Texas Food Bank is the primary local resource for free SNAP application assistance. Call their Help Line at 1-855-366-3401 to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions