Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Eligibility and Application

The Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential food benefits to help individuals and families with low incomes purchase the groceries they need for good health. This resource offers a clear, detailed breakdown of the entire process, from determining if a household is eligible for SNAP food benefits to applying for and using the Lone Star Card. It covers income limits, work rules, benefit calculations, and the step-by-step application process, ensuring Texans have the information to access this vital support.

What the Texas SNAP Program Offers

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a cornerstone of nutritional support for millions of Texans, providing a reliable way to afford healthy food. Administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the program is designed to work in conjunction with a household's existing budget to ensure food security.

The Core Mission: Supplementing Your Food Budget

SNAP is a federal program designed to supplement a household's food budget, not to replace it entirely. Its primary goal is to put healthy food within reach for those in need, helping to bridge the gap between a family's financial resources and the cost of adequate nutrition.

By providing monthly benefits specifically for groceries, the program frees up a household's limited cash to be used for other critical expenses, such as rent, utilities, transportation, or medical bills. This function makes SNAP a crucial tool for overall financial stability, helping families avoid making difficult choices between buying food and paying for other essential needs. The program empowers low-income households to make healthier food choices and maintain their well-being, contributing to better health outcomes and reduced financial stress.

The Lone Star Card: Your Key to Accessing Benefits

In Texas, SNAP benefits are delivered through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system using the Lone Star Card. This system ensures a secure and discreet way for recipients to access their monthly food assistance. The Lone Star Card is a plastic card that functions just like a standard debit card.

Each month, on a predetermined schedule, the household's approved benefit amount is electronically loaded into their EBT account. When making eligible purchases at an authorized store, the cardholder simply swipes the Lone Star Card at the point-of-sale terminal and enters their private four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize the transaction. The purchase amount is then automatically deducted from the household's SNAP balance.

This process is identical to using a personal debit card, making it familiar and easy to use. Upon approval for the program, the Lone Star Card is either mailed directly to the recipient's address or provided at a local HHSC benefits office.

Eligible Purchases: What Your SNAP Benefits Can Buy

SNAP benefits are intended for the purchase of food items that a household can prepare and eat at home. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets the guidelines for what can be bought with these benefits, focusing on staple foods that form the basis of a healthy diet.

Eligible items are generally grouped into the following categories:

• Fruits and Vegetables: This includes all forms of produce, whether fresh, frozen, canned, or dried.
• Meats, Poultry, and Fish: Fresh, frozen, and canned options are all eligible for purchase.
• Dairy Products: Items such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are covered by SNAP benefits.
• Breads and Cereals: This category includes items like bread, pasta, rice, and breakfast cereals.
• Other Foods: A wide range of other items, such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages, are also eligible.
• Seeds and Plants: In a measure designed to promote self-sufficiency and access to fresh produce, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat.

Ineligible Items and Program Restrictions

To ensure that benefits are used for their intended nutritional purpose, the USDA has established clear restrictions on what cannot be purchased with SNAP. It is crucial for recipients to understand these rules to avoid issues at checkout and to maintain compliance with program regulations.

SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase:

• Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Products: This includes beer, wine, liquor, and cigarettes.
• Vitamins, Medicines, and Supplements: If an item has a "Supplement Facts" label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for purchase with SNAP.
• Live Animals: This restriction applies to most live animals, with specific exceptions for fish removed from water and shellfish.
• Hot Foods and Prepared Meals: Foods that are hot at the point of sale or are intended for immediate consumption in the store are not eligible. An exception may be granted during disasters, such as floods, when the state receives federal approval to allow the purchase of hot foods for a limited time in affected counties.
• Non-Food Items: A wide range of household goods are ineligible, including pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, household supplies, and personal hygiene items like soap and cosmetics.
• Outstanding Debts: SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for food bills owed or to pay off store credit.

Determining Your Eligibility for Texas SNAP

Eligibility for the Texas SNAP program is determined by a set of requirements established at both the federal and state levels. These rules are designed to ensure that assistance is directed to households with the greatest need. The criteria include residency, citizenship status, income, assets, household composition, and work-related activities.

Foundational Eligibility: Citizenship and Residency

To apply for SNAP in Texas, an applicant and their household must reside in the state. The program is generally available to United States citizens and certain lawfully-present non-citizens who meet specific federal criteria. The rules for non-citizens can be complex, often depending on immigration status and length of residency in the U.S. For example, some non-citizens may need to have lived in the country for at least five years or be receiving disability-related assistance to qualify. It is important to note that even if some household members are not eligible due to their immigration status, they can still apply on behalf of eligible members, such as children who are U.S. citizens.

Income Limits: The Primary Eligibility Test

For most households, income is the primary factor in determining SNAP eligibility. There are two main income tests: a gross monthly income limit and a net monthly income limit. Gross monthly income is a household's total income before any deductions are applied, while net monthly income is the income remaining after specific, allowable deductions are subtracted.

Most households must have income at or below both of these limits to qualify. However, households that include a member who is elderly (defined as age 60 or older) or has a disability are subject only to the net income test.

Texas has adopted a federal option known as Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which allows the state to set more inclusive income and asset limits. As a result of this policy, the gross monthly income limit in Texas is set at 165% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is higher than the standard 130% limit in states without BBCE. This expansion allows more working families to qualify for the food assistance they need while they work toward greater financial stability.

Note: Income limits are subject to change. The figures presented are based on data from state and partner organizations.

Allowable Deductions: Calculating Your Net Income

The calculation of net income is a critical step that can help a household qualify for SNAP. HHSC applies several allowable deductions to a household's gross income to determine its net income for eligibility purposes. These deductions recognize that households have essential expenses that reduce the amount of money actually available to purchase food.

Key allowable deductions include:

• Earned Income Deduction: A 20% deduction from income earned through work.
• Standard Deduction: A fixed deduction applied to all households, with the amount varying by household size.
• Dependent Care Deduction: The cost of child care or other dependent care that is necessary for a household member to work, look for a job, or attend school or training.
• Medical Expense Deduction: For household members who are elderly (age 60+) or have a disability, out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35 per month can be deducted.
• Child Support Deduction: Legally obligated child support payments made by a household member to someone outside the household are deductible.
• Excess Shelter Deduction: If a household's total shelter costs exceed 50% of its income after all other deductions have been applied, the excess amount can be deducted. This deduction is capped unless the household includes an elderly or disabled member.

Asset and Resource Limits in Texas

In addition to income, households must also meet an asset limit. Assets, or resources, are things a household owns that could be used to buy food, such as cash or money in a bank account. For most households in Texas, the countable asset limit is $5,000.

It is equally important to understand what is not counted toward this limit. Certain resources are exempt, meaning they do not affect a household's eligibility. Non-countable assets include:

• The home in which the household lives and its surrounding lot.
• Most retirement accounts, pension plans, and educational savings accounts.
• The resources of any household member who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
• Vehicles are subject to specific rules, but generally, one vehicle per adult household member is excluded from the asset test. Vehicles used for income-producing purposes or to transport a disabled household member may also be exempt.

Defining Your SNAP Household

The composition of a SNAP household is a critical factor in determining eligibility and benefit amounts. The general rule defines a household as a group of people who live together and customarily purchase food and prepare meals together for home consumption.

However, federal regulations and state policies include specific, non-negotiable rules. Certain individuals living together must be treated as a single household, even if they buy and prepare their food separately. According to the official Texas Works Handbook, these mandatory groupings include:

• Spouses who live together.
• Parents and their children (natural, adopted, or stepchildren) who are under the age of 22 and live together.
• A child under the age of 18 who lives with and is under the parental control of an adult household member who is not their parent.

Work Rules and Time Limits

To receive SNAP benefits, most able-bodied individuals are required to comply with work rules. Generally, individuals between the ages of 16 and 59 must register for work, not voluntarily quit a job or reduce their hours without a good reason, and accept a suitable offer of employment.

A particularly strict rule applies to Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). An ABAWD is an individual between 18 and 54 who does not have a disability and does not have children in their home. These individuals are limited to receiving SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year period unless they meet specific work requirements, such as working at least 20 hours per week.

However, there are numerous exemptions from these work requirements. An individual may be exempt if they are:

• Physically or mentally unfit for employment.
• Pregnant.
• Responsible for the care of a child under the age of 6 or an incapacitated person.
• Already working an average of 30 hours per week.
• Participating in a substance abuse treatment program.
• A student enrolled at least half-time in a recognized school or training program.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Applying for SNAP in Texas is a structured process designed to verify a household's eligibility. Preparing in advance and understanding the steps involved can make the experience much smoother.

Preparing Your Application: A Document Checklist

Before beginning the application, it is highly recommended to gather all the necessary documents and information for every person in the household. A comprehensive checklist of items to have ready includes:

• Proof of Identity: A valid driver's license, state-issued ID card, or another form of photo identification.
• Social Security Numbers: The Social Security number for each person applying for benefits is required.
• Proof of Texas Residency: A document showing the household's address, such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement.
• Verification of Income: Proof of all sources of income for the household, such as recent pay stubs or award letters for other benefits.
• Immigration Documents: For any non-citizens who are applying, documents verifying their legal immigration status are needed.
• Records of Expenses: Documentation of key household expenses is crucial for calculating allowable deductions. This includes records of housing costs, utility bills, child care costs, and medical bills.

How to Submit Your Application

Texas provides several methods for submitting a SNAP application to accommodate different needs and levels of access to technology.

• Online (Recommended Method): The fastest and most convenient way to apply is through the official state benefits portal, YourTexasBenefits.com. An online account allows you to check your application status, upload documents, report changes, and manage your benefits.
• Paper Application: Form H1010 can be obtained by visiting a local HHSC benefits office or by calling 2-1-1 to have an application mailed to your home.
• Application Assistance: Texas has a network of community partners, such as local food banks, that are trained to provide free, one-on-one assistance with completing and submitting SNAP applications.

The Eligibility Interview

After an application is submitted, the next critical step is the eligibility interview. HHSC is required to process most applications within 30 days. During this period, a caseworker will contact the applicant to conduct an interview.

This mandatory interview serves to review the information on the application, clarify any questions, and explain the program's rules. The interview is typically conducted over the phone. It is important to know that when HHSC calls, the caller ID will display the number (737) 867-7700.

After You Apply: Timelines and Status Checks

The standard processing time for a SNAP application is 30 days. Throughout this period, applicants can monitor the progress of their case by logging into their account on YourTexasBenefits.com.

In situations of extreme need, households may qualify for expedited benefits, receiving their SNAP benefits within seven days of their application date. Once a decision is made, the applicant will be notified by mail. If approved, the letter will confirm their eligibility, state the monthly benefit amount, and specify the certification period.

Understanding Your SNAP Benefit Amount and Schedule

Once a household is approved for SNAP, two key questions arise: how much assistance will be provided, and when will it be received? The benefit amount is based on a standardized federal formula, while the distribution date in Texas follows a detailed, staggered schedule.

How Your Monthly Benefit Amount is Calculated

The specific monthly benefit amount a household receives is based on its size and its net monthly income. The calculation follows a formula that assumes families will spend approximately 30% of their net income on food. The SNAP benefit is intended to cover the difference between that amount and the cost of a nutritious diet as determined by the USDA.

The general formula is: Maximum Monthly Benefit - (Household's Net Monthly Income x 0.30) = Monthly SNAP Allotment. Households with no net income receive the maximum benefit amount for their size. As a household's net income increases, its SNAP benefit amount decreases.

Maximum Monthly Benefit Allotments

The maximum benefit amount, or allotment, is the highest amount of SNAP a household can receive. This amount is set by the USDA and is updated annually. The following table shows the maximum monthly SNAP benefits by household size.

Note: Benefit amounts are subject to change annually. The figures presented are based on data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

The Texas Benefit Issuance Schedule: When You Get Paid

For new applicants and most current recipients, benefits are issued according to a detailed 28-day staggered schedule. The specific day a household receives its benefits is determined by the last two digits of its Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number, which is assigned by HHSC.

The official schedule, as outlined in the Texas Works Handbook, ensures that deposits are spread out from the 1st to the 28th of every month. This system helps to manage the flow of transactions for both recipients and retailers.

Using and Managing Your Lone Star Card

Properly managing the Lone Star Card is essential for accessing benefits smoothly and securely. Texas provides several tools to help recipients activate their card, make purchases, and monitor their account.

Activating and Securing Your Card

Before a new Lone Star Card can be used, it must be activated. Upon receiving the card, the recipient must call the toll-free Lone Star Help Desk at 800-777-7328 to activate it and select a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).

The PIN is the key to accessing the account and must be kept confidential. For security, the PIN should never be written on the card itself or stored with it. The back of the card should also be signed immediately upon receipt.

Shopping Online with Your SNAP Benefits

Texas SNAP recipients can use their Lone Star Card to purchase eligible groceries online from a list of approved retailers. This service allows for either curbside pickup or home delivery.

When shopping online, the user will select EBT as the payment method and enter their Lone Star Card number and PIN. However, SNAP benefits can only be used to pay for the food itself. Any additional charges, such as delivery fees or tips, must be paid with a separate form of payment.

Using SNAP at Farmers' Markets

The Lone Star Card is widely accepted at participating farmers' markets across Texas. To use SNAP benefits, the shopper typically goes to a central information booth at the market. There, they swipe their Lone Star Card for a certain amount and receive tokens or "market dollars" in exchange. These tokens can then be used like cash to purchase eligible food items from the various vendors.

Managing Your Account with Your Texas Benefits

The state provides two primary, secure tools for managing a SNAP case: the YourTexasBenefits.com website and the corresponding Your Texas Benefits mobile app. HHSC warns against using third-party websites or apps to check balances due to security risks.

Through the official website and mobile app, recipients can perform essential functions:

• Check Account Balance: View the current balance of SNAP benefits.
• View Transaction History: Review recent purchases and deposits.
• See Deposit Dates: Find out when the next monthly benefit deposit is scheduled.
• Manage PIN: Change the card's PIN at any time.
• Card Security: Immediately freeze the card if it is misplaced or request a replacement if it is lost or stolen.

Special Programs and Maintaining Your Benefits

In addition to the standard SNAP program, Texas offers specialized projects to assist specific populations. Furthermore, all recipients have ongoing responsibilities to maintain their eligibility.

The Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP)

The Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP) is designed to make it easier for households composed entirely of seniors or individuals with disabilities to receive food assistance. To be eligible, every member of the household must be either age 60 or older or be receiving disability benefits, and the household must not have any earned income.

TSAP offers several significant advantages:

• A Shorter Application: The application form is simplified.
• A Three-Year Certification Period: Recipients are certified for three years at a time, reducing the frequency of paperwork. 
• No Renewal Interview: Eligible TSAP recipients are not required to complete an interview when it is time to renew their benefits.

Double Up Food Bucks Program

The Double Up Food Bucks program is an incentive that helps SNAP recipients stretch their food dollars while supporting local agriculture. This program allows SNAP users to double the value of their benefits when purchasing fresh, Texas-grown fruits and vegetables at participating locations.

For every dollar a recipient spends on eligible produce using their Lone Star Card, they receive a matching dollar in Double Up Food Bucks, up to a certain daily limit (often $30). These matching funds can then be used to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Renewal Process (Recertification)

SNAP benefits are awarded for a specific "certification period," which is typically six months or one year for most households. To continue receiving assistance, recipients must complete a renewal process, also known as recertification, before their current period ends.

HHSC will mail a renewal packet before the deadline. To ensure there is no gap in benefits, the completed renewal form should be submitted by the 15th day of the last month of the certification period. The renewal process can be completed online through the YourTexasBenefits.com portal, which is the most efficient method.

Your Responsibility: Reporting Household Changes

SNAP recipients have an ongoing responsibility to report significant changes in their household's circumstances to HHSC within 10 days. This ensures that the household continues to receive the correct benefit amount.

Changes that must be reported include:

• Changes in address or phone number.
• Changes in household composition (someone moving in or out).
• Changes in income, such as starting or losing a job.
• Changes in housing costs.

Reporting these changes can be done easily through the YourTexasBenefits.com website, by calling 2-1-1, or by contacting a local HHSC office.

Additional Resources and Benefits for Texas Families

Participation in the Texas SNAP program can open the door to a variety of other assistance programs and valuable discounts.

Other Nutrition and Assistance Programs

Households that qualify for SNAP may also be eligible for other support programs. Notable programs include:

• WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children): Provides healthy foods and nutrition education to pregnant women and young children.
• National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs: Children in SNAP households are automatically eligible for free meals at school.
• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Offers assistance to help families with their home energy bills.

Discounts with Your Lone Star Card

The Lone Star Card can also serve as a passport to cultural and educational experiences. Through the Museums for All initiative, SNAP recipients can gain free or significantly reduced admission to more than 1,400 participating museums, zoos, and science centers.

Additionally, SNAP recipients may qualify for other discounts, such as:

• Prime Access: A discounted Amazon Prime membership.
• Discounted Internet and Phone Service: Federal programs offer monthly discounts on broadband service for eligible low-income households.
• Reduced Public Transit Fares: Some cities offer discounted bus or rail passes for individuals enrolled in assistance programs.

 Frequently Asked Questions