Texas SNAP Food Benefits: Your Application and Eligibility Resource

The Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the state's main resource for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), this federally funded program provides essential support to help low-income Texans purchase nutritious food.

The Role of SNAP in Texas

Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP benefits are a vital lifeline that helps households extend their budgets, allowing limited funds to be used for other necessities like housing, utilities, and healthcare. The program also serves as a key economic driver. Studies indicate that for every dollar in SNAP benefits, more than $1.80 is generated in local economic activity.

How SNAP Benefits Work

Benefits are distributed each month on a Lone Star Card, which operates like a standard debit card. This card can be used at participating grocery stores, farmers markets, and even some online retailers. This resource offers a clear pathway for Texans to understand eligibility, gather documents, and apply for these crucial food benefits.

Determining Your Eligibility for SNAP in Texas

SNAP eligibility in Texas is determined by criteria from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the state. These guidelines primarily focus on a household's income, resources, and specific needs. A clear understanding of these rules is the first step to a successful application.

Texas SNAP Income Limits

To qualify for SNAP, most households must meet specific gross monthly income limits, which is the total income before any taxes or deductions. The Texas HHSC provides official income guidelines that should be used for the most accurate assessment.

The gross monthly income limits are as follows:

• Household of 1: $2,071
• Household of 2: $2,811
• Household of 3: $3,551
• Household of 4: $4,290
• Household of 5: $5,030
• For each additional person, add: $740

Households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability may only need to meet a net income limit, which is income after approved deductions are applied.

Household Asset and Resource Guidelines

In addition to income, households must meet resource limits. For most Texas households, the asset limit is $5,000 in "countable resources," which includes cash and money in bank accounts.

However, several key assets are not counted toward this limit:

• The home you live in and its lot.
• Most retirement accounts, pension plans, and 401(k)s.
• Resources of household members receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Vehicles are subject to specific rules. Typically, one vehicle valued up to $15,000 and a second vehicle valued up to $4,650 are excluded from the asset calculation.

Understanding Work Requirements

Most individuals between the ages of 16 and 59 must comply with work rules to receive SNAP benefits. This usually involves actively seeking a job or participating in an approved work or training program. Voluntarily quitting a job or reducing work hours without a valid reason can lead to disqualification.

Stricter Rules for ABAWDs

A specific group, known as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), faces stricter rules. These are individuals aged 18 to 54 without children at home. ABAWDs are generally limited to three months of SNAP benefits in a three-year period unless they work or train for at least 20 hours per week.

Exemptions from Work Rules

Several groups are exempt from these general work requirements, including:

• Pregnant individuals.
• People with a physical or mental disability that prevents work.
• Children and seniors.
• Veterans.
• Individuals experiencing homelessness.

Rules for Specific Applicants

Seniors and People with Disabilities

Individuals aged 60 or older and those with disabilities often have more flexible eligibility rules. They may only need to meet the net income limit and can have a higher resource limit. They are also permitted to deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35 per month, which can help them qualify for more benefits.

Eligible Non-Citizens

While undocumented individuals are not eligible for SNAP, many lawfully-present non-citizens can qualify. This group typically includes those who have been in the U.S. for at least five years, receive disability-related assistance, or are children under 18. Applying for SNAP for an eligible child who is a U.S. citizen will not negatively impact a parent's immigration status or green card application.

College Students

Students aged 18 to 49 enrolled at least half-time in higher education are generally not eligible for SNAP. However, they can qualify if they meet an exemption, such as working 20 hours per week, participating in a federal work-study program, caring for a young child, or receiving TANF benefits.  

The Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP)

Texas offers a specialized program called the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP) to simplify the process for certain households. TSAP is available to households where every member is either age 60 or older or has a disability.

This program provides a shorter application and a three-year certification period, a significant extension from the standard six-month period for most households. This longer certification means recipients do not need to re-apply as frequently, offering greater stability.

A Step-by-Step Process for Your Texas SNAP Application

The application process can be straightforward if broken down into clear steps. Preparing your documents ahead of time and selecting the best application method for your situation are key to a smooth experience.

Essential Documents to Prepare

Gathering your paperwork beforehand will help you complete the application more efficiently. While not all documents apply to every household, this list covers the most common requirements:

• Proof of Identity: A current Texas driver's license or state ID.
• Social Security Numbers: For every household member applying.
• Proof of Texas Residency: A utility bill, rent receipt, or lease.
• Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs, an employer letter, or benefit award letters.
• Proof of Immigration Status (if applicable): A permanent resident card or other USCIS documents.
• Proof of Expenses: Records of your expenses can help you qualify for more benefits. This includes:
  • Housing costs (rent or mortgage).
  • Utility bills (electricity, gas, water).
  • Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members.
  • Childcare or dependent care costs.

How to Submit Your Application

Texas provides three convenient ways to apply for SNAP.

• Online: The fastest and most recommended method is through the official state portal at YourTexasBenefits.com. You can create an account, save your progress, and upload documents directly.
• In-Person: You can visit a local HHSC benefits office to apply in person. Staff can provide a paper application and answer questions. Community partners, like food banks, also offer in-person assistance.
• By Mail: A paper application can be downloaded from the HHSC website or requested by calling 2-1-1. Mail the completed application and document copies to the central processing center: HHSC P.O. Box 149027 Austin, TX 78714-9027

The Eligibility Interview

After submitting your application, an eligibility interview with an HHSC caseworker is required for most households as of June 1, 2024.

The interview is usually conducted by phone to confirm the information on your application. The caseworker will call from (737) 867-7700, so it's helpful to save this number. If HHSC cannot reach you, they will leave a message and mail a notice with instructions on how to complete the interview within seven days.

After You Apply: Timelines and Status Checks

HHSC typically processes SNAP applications within 30 days and sends a decision notice. For households in urgent need, Texas offers expedited (emergency) SNAP benefits, which may be available within seven days if you meet certain low-income criteria.

You can check your application status at any time using one of these methods:

• Logging into your account at YourTexasBenefits.com.
• Using the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
• Calling 2-1-1 and selecting option 2.

Managing and Using Your SNAP Benefits in Texas

Once approved, you will receive a Lone Star Card in the mail. Knowing how your benefit amount is calculated and how to use your card will help you maximize your assistance.

How Monthly SNAP Benefits Are Calculated

Your monthly SNAP benefit amount depends on your household's size, income, and allowable expenses. The calculation assumes families spend about 30% of their net income on food. Your benefit is the difference between the maximum allotment for your household size and that 30% contribution.

Several deductions can lower your net income, which results in a higher SNAP benefit. Key deductions include:

• A 20% deduction from earned income.
• A standard deduction for all households.
• Deductions for dependent care costs.
• Deductions for medical expenses for elderly or disabled members.
• Deductions for excess shelter and utility costs.

Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts

The USDA updates the maximum monthly SNAP benefit amounts annually. For Texas, the maximum monthly allotments are:

• Household of 1: $292
• Household of 2: $536
• Household of 3: $768
• Household of 4: $975
• Household of 5: $1,158
• Household of 6: $1,390
• Household of 7: $1,536
• Household of 8: $1,756
• For each additional person, add: $220

What You Can Buy with Your Lone Star Card

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing food items for your household. Eligible items include a wide range of groceries:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned).
• Meat, poultry, and fish.
• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Breads and cereals.
• Snack foods, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household.

What You Cannot Buy: Ineligible Items

Federal rules prohibit using SNAP benefits for certain items. These non-eligible products include:

• Alcohol, cigarettes, or tobacco.
• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements.
• Live animals (with some exceptions like shellfish).
• Foods that are hot when sold.
• Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics.

Upcoming Texas-Specific Restrictions

A significant change is coming to Texas. Following the approval of a federal waiver, new purchasing restrictions will take effect on April 1, 2026. After this date, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy certain items with low nutritional value, including sugary drinks, energy drinks, and candy.

Shopping In-Store and Online

Using your Lone Star Card in a store is simple. You swipe the card at checkout and enter your PIN, just like a debit card.

Texas also participates in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. This program allows you to use your Lone Star Card to buy groceries online from authorized retailers for delivery or curbside pickup. Major participating retailers include H-E-B, Walmart, Amazon, and Target.

Where to Find Free SNAP Application Help in Your Texas City

For many Texans, one-on-one assistance can simplify the application process. The state of Texas partners with local food banks in all 254 counties to provide free, expert help with SNAP applications.

Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

• North Texas Food Bank: Serving Dallas and surrounding counties, the North Texas Food Bank has Case Assistance Navigators who offer free help with applications for SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF.
• Tarrant Area Food Bank: For residents of Tarrant County, Community Resource Specialists are available to help with benefit applications over the phone at 1-866-430-6143.

Greater Houston Area

• Houston Food Bank: The Community Assistance Program (CAP) offers application assistance for SNAP across an 18-county area. Trained navigators can be reached at 832-369-9390.

Austin and Central Texas

• Central Texas Food Bank: Serving Austin and 21 surrounding counties, this food bank provides free consultations by phone or in-person. You can reach their helpline at 1-855-366-3401 to schedule an appointment.

San Antonio and South Texas

• San Antonio Food Bank: The benefits assistance team guides residents through the entire process. They offer help by phone at 210-431-8326 and in-person at their main facility.

Locating Your Nearest Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) Office

For those who need to visit an office in person, HHSC operates benefits offices across the state. The most reliable way to find the nearest location is by using the official Find an Office tool on the YourTexasBenefits.com website.

For convenience, here are the addresses of major HHSC offices or key partner locations in Texas's largest cities:

• Dallas: 1301 Young St., Dallas, TX 75202.
• Houston: 9450 Harwin Dr., Houston, TX 77057. The Houston Food Bank East Branch at 535 Portwall St., Houston, TX 77029 is also a primary site for assistance.
• San Antonio: 2534 Castroville Rd., San Antonio, TX 78237.
• Austin: The HHSC state headquarters is at the North Austin Complex, 4601 W. Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78751.

Frequently Asked Questions