Learn About SNAP Programs in Texas

Understanding SNAP in Texas: Basic Information

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to help people purchase food. In Texas, SNAP operates under the name "SNAP benefits" and serves millions of residents. The program aims to reduce food insecurity by putting money on a debit card—called the Lone Star Card—that works like a regular bank card at grocery stores and farmers markets.

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SNAP is one of the largest anti-hunger programs in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2023, approximately 2.1 million Texans received SNAP benefits in an average month. The program operates in all 254 Texas counties through local offices run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Understanding how SNAP works can help you learn whether this program might be relevant to your situation.

The program has been operating since the 1960s, though it has evolved significantly over the decades. Originally called food stamps, the program switched to electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards in the 1990s. Texas was among the first states to implement statewide EBT services. Today, SNAP reaches approximately one in nine Americans nationwide, making it a significant resource for food assistance.

Texas has one of the largest SNAP populations of any state, partly due to its size and population. The state sees seasonal variations in participation, with numbers typically rising during winter months when food costs may increase. Learning about SNAP's structure and reach can help you understand how the program fits within Texas's broader social services landscape.

Takeaway: SNAP is a federally funded program operating in all Texas counties that provides monthly food-purchase benefits through the Lone Star Card. The program serves over 2 million Texans monthly.

How SNAP Benefits Work and What You Can Purchase

SNAP benefits arrive as monthly credit on the Lone Star Card, a debit card issued by the state. The amount of the monthly benefit depends on household size, income, and other factors determined during the intake process. In 2024, the maximum monthly benefit for a single person in Texas was $291, while a family of four could receive up to $1,018, though actual amounts vary based on individual circumstances. Benefits are deposited automatically on the same date each month.

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The Lone Star Card works at authorized retailers across Texas. You can use benefits at major grocery stores like H-E-B, Walmart, and Kroger, as well as smaller grocery stores, farmers markets, and farm stands. The card cannot be used at restaurants, gas stations, or convenience stores that sell alcohol or tobacco. Benefits can only purchase food items—not household supplies, toiletries, or prepared foods from a deli counter.

What you can purchase with SNAP includes:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods like crackers and nuts
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food

Items you cannot buy include hot foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medications, pet food, or non-food items. The Lone Star Card does not provide cash back at checkout. If you have remaining benefits at the end of the month, they roll over to the next month, so there is no pressure to spend everything immediately. Understanding what purchases are allowed helps you plan your shopping more effectively.

Takeaway: SNAP benefits arrive monthly on the Lone Star Card and can purchase most basic food items at authorized retailers, but not prepared foods, household supplies, or non-food items.

Income Limits and Other Factors That May Affect Participation

SNAP has income limits that determine whether a household may participate in the program. These limits change annually based on federal poverty guidelines. For 2024, the gross monthly income limit for a single person in Texas is $1,550, while a family of four cannot exceed $3,181 gross monthly income. However, the program counts income in specific ways and allows certain deductions, so some households with income above these levels may still participate.

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The program considers "countable income," which excludes certain types of earnings and assistance. For example, some benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) may be counted differently. The program allows deductions for things like rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, child support payments, and dependent care costs. These deductions can reduce the countable income amount, potentially allowing households with higher gross income to participate.

Beyond income, several other factors influence participation considerations:

• Citizenship or immigration status requirements
• Work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents
• Residency status in Texas
• Household composition and number of dependents
• Availability of liquid resources (savings, checking accounts)
• Employment status and work history

Work requirements present one of the more complex aspects of SNAP participation. Able-bodied adults between ages 16 and 59 without dependents must typically work at least 20 hours per week or participate in work-related programs to maintain benefits. However, the program provides some exemptions for people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and those caring for young children. Understanding these various factors helps you gather information about whether the program may align with your household's situation.

Takeaway: Income limits exist but are calculated after allowing certain deductions. Other factors like work requirements, citizenship status, and household composition also influence participation considerations.

How to Access Information About SNAP in Texas

Information about SNAP in Texas is available through several official channels. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) maintains the primary state-level information at hhs.texas.gov. This website provides resources, program details, and information about local office locations throughout the state. The HHSC operates a statewide network of local eligibility offices where staff members can answer questions and provide information about the program.

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To find your local SNAP office, you can use the HHSC office locator on their website by entering your zip code or county. Local offices in each county provide information sessions and can answer questions about the program's requirements and how it operates. You can reach offices by phone during business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many offices also offer services through mail and phone consultations.

The federally operated SNAP website at fns.usda.gov also provides national-level information that applies to Texas. This resource includes details about what items you can purchase, how benefits work, and general program information. The site is available in multiple languages and includes resources designed for different audiences.

Community organizations throughout Texas also provide information about SNAP. Food banks, community action agencies, and non-profit organizations often maintain current information about the program and can direct you to resources. Organizations like the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and community action partnerships have staff trained to answer questions about SNAP and related programs. Many libraries in Texas also maintain informational materials about SNAP and can help you find local resources.

When seeking information, it helps to have certain documents ready: identification, proof of residence, Social Security numbers for household members, and recent income documentation if available. Having these materials assembled beforehand can make your information-gathering more productive.

Takeaway: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and local county offices provide official information, while community organizations and the federal USDA website offer additional resources for learning about the program.

SNAP in Different Texas Communities: Regional Differences

SNAP operates across all of Texas, but participation rates and program implementation vary by region. Urban areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio have higher absolute numbers of SNAP participants, reflecting their larger populations. According to the Texas HHSC, the Houston area consistently has the highest number of SNAP participants of any Texas region, with over 400,000 people receiving benefits monthly.

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Rural Texas counties face different challenges and opportunities regarding SNAP. Some rural areas have lower numbers of authorized