Learn About SNAP Benefits in Texas

What SNAP Benefits Are and How They Work in Texas

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, is a federal program that provides monthly funds to help people buy food. In Texas, SNAP is managed by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The program operates through a card system called the Lone Star Card, which works like a debit card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers.

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SNAP benefits come as a monthly allotment of funds that households can use to purchase food items. The amount varies based on household size, income, and expenses. For example, as of 2024, the maximum monthly benefit for a single person in Texas is around $281, while a family of four might receive up to $1,018 per month, though actual amounts depend on specific circumstances. These are federal maximums; actual benefit amounts are calculated individually.

The Lone Star Card functions much like a standard debit card. When shopping, users enter a PIN number at checkout, and the funds are deducted from their account. The card is accepted at most Texas grocery stores, supermarkets, and participating farmers markets. Importantly, SNAP funds can only be used for food items—items like hot foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, and household supplies cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.

Texas has one of the largest SNAP populations in the nation. As of recent data, approximately 3.5 million Texans participate in SNAP. The program serves working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and others who meet certain income and resource requirements. Understanding how SNAP works is the first step toward learning whether this resource might be relevant to your household situation.

Practical Takeaway: SNAP benefits in Texas are distributed monthly through the Lone Star Card and can be used at most grocery retailers for food purchases only. The amount each household receives varies, so understanding your household's specific circumstances is important when learning about this program.

Income and Resource Limits for SNAP in Texas

SNAP has income and resource limits that determine who may be considered for the program. These limits change yearly and are based on federal poverty guidelines. Income limits are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty line for most households, though certain households (like those with elderly or disabled members) may be considered at 165 percent of the poverty line.

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As of 2024, the gross monthly income limit for a single person is approximately $1,868, while a family of four has a gross monthly income limit of around $3,822. These figures are for "gross income," meaning income before taxes and deductions. However, SNAP uses a calculation method that includes deductions for certain expenses, which can lower the "net income" used in the determination process. This means some households with gross income above these limits may still be considered, depending on their expenses.

Resources refer to money and assets a household owns. For most households, the resource limit is $2,750 in countable resources, though households with a member age 60 or older or with a disability may have a resource limit of $4,250. Resources include cash, bank accounts, and vehicles (with some exceptions). A vehicle used for transportation is typically not counted as a resource, and primary residences are not counted. However, additional vehicles, investment accounts, and other liquid assets may be counted.

Understanding these limits is important because they determine whether a household should pursue further steps in learning about SNAP. Some households may be right at the limit, or circumstances may change monthly. For instance, a person who receives a seasonal job offer or whose hours are reduced would experience income changes that could affect their situation. Texas residents can use information about these limits to make an initial assessment of their household's circumstances.

Additionally, certain groups face different rules. Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) may face time limits on benefits, typically three months in a 36-month period, if they are not working or participating in work programs. However, Texas has received some exemptions from these rules in recent years.

Practical Takeaway: Review your household's gross monthly income and countable resources against current limits. If your household's income is below 130 percent of the poverty line and resources are within limits, your household may meet basic requirements. Check with HHSC for the current year's specific numbers, as these change annually.

Types of Income and Work Requirements

SNAP counts different types of income in different ways. Earned income includes wages from employment, self-employment income, and other money received for work. Unearned income includes Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, child support, veteran's benefits, and other assistance programs. SNAP uses gross earned income (before taxes) but may count unearned income differently depending on the type.

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When calculating income for SNAP, certain deductions are allowed. These include a standard deduction that reduces countable income, dependent care costs (if necessary for someone to work), medical expenses (for elderly or disabled household members), and some shelter costs. These deductions can significantly lower a household's net income, which is the figure actually used to determine SNAP amounts. For example, a household with $2,000 in gross income might have $300 in qualifying deductions, bringing their net countable income to $1,700.

Texas SNAP has work requirements for certain individuals. Most adults ages 16 to 59 without dependents must work or participate in a work program for a minimum number of hours weekly (typically 20 hours for most adults, with some exceptions). However, many categories of people are exempt from work requirements, including parents caring for young children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, seniors, and students in certain situations. People who are unable to work due to illness or other barriers may also be exempt.

Work can include traditional employment, self-employment, or participation in approved work programs such as job training, education programs, or community service. Some Texas counties offer SNAP Employment & Training programs that provide job search assistance, skills training, and other services. Participating in these programs can count toward work requirements and may help individuals gain employment.

It's important to note that income limits include income from all household members, not just one person. A household includes everyone living together and buying food together. If one household member earns above the limit but another doesn't, the entire household's income is counted. Understanding how different income types are calculated helps explain why two households with similar gross income might have very different SNAP situations.

Practical Takeaway: Document all household income sources—both earned and unearned—and note any qualifying deductions like dependent care or medical expenses. This information will be important when learning about your household's specific situation through official channels.

The Process for Applying and Renewal in Texas

In Texas, households can learn about SNAP and begin the process through multiple channels. The first step is typically to contact your local HHSC office or use the online Texas Health and Human Services portal at yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov. This website allows people to create an account and submit information about their household. The online portal is available 24/7, making it accessible to those who work different hours or have transportation challenges.

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When starting the process through official channels, you will be asked to provide information about your household members, income, expenses, and resources. Documentation is required to verify this information. Common documents include recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), proof of identity, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of residence, and bank statements. Understanding what documents you'll need to gather can help you prepare.

The processing time for an initial determination is typically 30 days, though expedited processing (within 7 days) may be available for households meeting certain criteria. Once a determination is made, successful applicants receive their Lone Star Card and instructions on how to use it. The card can usually be used within a few days of being received.

Benefits are typically provided monthly, with the amount deposited on a specific date each month. In Texas, benefit amounts are staggered throughout the month—different households receive their allotment on different dates based on their case number or other factors. This staggering helps manage the state's large SNAP population.

Renewal is required periodically, typically annually, though the exact frequency may vary. Before benefits end, households receive a notice asking them to complete a renewal process. This can often be done online through the Texas portal or by mail. Missing a renewal deadline could result in benefits stopping, so many households set reminders to ensure they renew on time. Changes in household circumstances—such as