Extra food stamps are being provided for people in Texas who are facing financial difficulties due to COVID-19. This is a temporary increase in the normal amount of food stamps that people receive. The extra food stamps are being provided through a program called Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). Eligible families will receive a P-EBT card loaded with the extra food stamp benefits. The P-EBT cards can be used to buy groceries at authorized retailers. For more information about P-EBT and how to apply, families should contact their local Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) office.
Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
The Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers assistance to low-income individuals and families in the form of monthly benefits that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. Benefits are calculated based on household size, income, and other factors. The amount of benefits you receive each month may vary depending on these factors. To apply for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and submit an application to your local SNAP office.
- Income Limits: To be eligible for SNAP benefits, your household’s gross income must be at or below certain limits. Gross income includes all income from all sources, such as wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, and child support payments.
- Asset Limits: You must also meet certain asset limits to be eligible for SNAP benefits. Assets include things like cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. The asset limit for SNAP is higher for households with elderly or disabled members.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 who are not disabled or caring for a child under the age of 6 are required to work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a work program to receive SNAP benefits. Some exceptions may apply.
Once you have been determined eligible for SNAP benefits, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers. You can also use your EBT card to withdraw cash from an ATM, but there is a fee for this service.
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive each month will vary depending on your household size and income. The average monthly SNAP benefit per person in Texas is $250. However, the maximum benefit amount for a household of four is $835.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 |
| 2 people | $422 |
| 3 people | $568 |
| 4 people | $835 |
If you have questions about SNAP benefits in Texas, you can contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) at 1-877-541-7905.
Emergency SNAP Allotments
Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotments, also known as emergency food stamps, were provided during the COVID-19 pandemic to individuals and families facing financial hardships. In Texas, these emergency allotments were provided on a monthly basis to all SNAP households.
Benefit Amounts During the Pandemic
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $400 |
| 3 | $550 |
| 4 | $700 |
| 5 | $850 |
| 6 | $1,000 |
| 7 | $1,150 |
| 8 | $1,300 |
| 9 | $1,450 |
| 10 | $1,600 |
Households with more than 10 members received an additional $150 per person, up to the maximum benefit amount of $2,000 per month.
Ending of Emergency Allotments
The emergency SNAP allotments ended in Texas on February 28, 2023. As a result, SNAP households returned to receiving their regular monthly benefit amount. However, some households may still be eligible for increased benefits if they meet certain criteria, such as having a child under the age of 6 or being over the age of 60.
Contact Information
For more information about SNAP benefits in Texas, you can contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) at 1-877-541-7905.
SNAP Pandemic EBT Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has provided additional SNAP benefits, known as Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), to help families with children who have been affected by school closures and remote learning.
P-EBT Eligibility in Texas
- Children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and attend a school that is participating in the P-EBT program are eligible for benefits.
- Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the NSLP or SBP and attend a school that is not participating in the P-EBT program may also be eligible.
- Children who are enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start and are eligible for free or reduced-price meals are also eligible for P-EBT benefits.
P-EBT Benefit Amounts
The amount of P-EBT benefits that a child receives is based on the number of days that the child’s school was closed or had remote learning during the school year. Families will receive a P-EBT card that they can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
How to Apply for P-EBT in Texas
Families do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits. Eligible families will be automatically enrolled in the program and will receive a P-EBT card in the mail. Families who believe they are eligible for P-EBT benefits but have not received a card can contact their local school district or the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for assistance.
Additional Resources
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) | 1-877-541-7905 |
| Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) | 1-800-252-8393 |
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Food Stamp Assistance
The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Food Stamp Assistance program provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. The amount of assistance is based on household size and income.
Who is eligible for Food Stamp Assistance in Texas?
- Texas residents
- U.S. citizens or certain non-citizens
- Have a Social Security number or apply for one
- Meet income and asset limits
How to apply for Food Stamp Assistance in Texas
You can apply for Food Stamp Assistance online, by mail, or in person at your local HHS office.
The online application is available at the Texas HHS website. You will need to create an account and provide information about your household, income, and assets.
To apply by mail, you can download the application from the Texas HHS website or request a paper application by calling 1-877-541-7905.
To apply in person, you can visit your local HHS office. You will need to bring proof of identity, income, and assets.
What are the income limits for Food Stamp Assistance in Texas?
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,340 |
| 2 | $1,798 |
| 3 | $2,256 |
| 4 | $2,714 |
| Each additional person | Add $458 |
What are the asset limits for Food Stamp Assistance in Texas?
- $2,250 for households with one or two members
- $3,250 for households with three or more members
- Vehicles are excluded from the asset limit
How much Food Stamp Assistance will I receive in Texas?
The amount of Food Stamp Assistance you will receive depends on your household size and income.
The maximum amount of Food Stamp Assistance for a household of one person is $250 per month.
The maximum amount of Food Stamp Assistance for a household of four people is $835 per month.
How can I use Food Stamp Assistance in Texas?
You can use Food Stamp Assistance to purchase food at authorized retailers, such as grocery stores and farmers markets.
You can also use Food Stamp Assistance to purchase certain seeds and plants to grow your own food.
What are the penalties for Food Stamp Assistance fraud in Texas?
Food Stamp Assistance fraud is a serious crime. Penalties for Food Stamp Assistance fraud can include fines, jail time, and disqualification from the program.
Howdy y’all! I hope you found the information you need about food stamps in Texas this month. If not, don’t y’all fret none – I’ll be updating this article regularly with the latest news and details, so be sure to come back and give it another read. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop ’em down below and I’ll do my best to get back to ya. Y’all take care now, and thanks for reading.