The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced that extra food stamps will be provided to eligible households in Texas for September. This boost is a temporary increase approved by the federal government. The extra benefits will be loaded onto Lone Star Card accounts on Sept. 10 for recipients who normally receive benefits before the 12th. Remaining recipients will get the extra benefits by Sept. 24. The average increase per person is about $95, depending on household size and income. Households enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive the additional benefits automatically. No action is required on their part to receive the extra funds.
Additional Food Assistance Benefits in Texas
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In Texas, there are additional food assistance benefits available to eligible residents.
Emergency Allotments
- Households receiving SNAP benefits may be eligible for emergency allotments, which are temporary increases in their monthly SNAP benefits.
- These allotments are provided during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or economic downturns.
- The amount of the emergency allotment is based on the household’s size and income.
Summer Food Service Program
- The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals to children 18 years of age and younger during the summer months when school is not in session.
- Meals are served at designated sites, such as schools, parks, and community centers.
- Children do not need to be enrolled in SNAP to participate in the SFSP.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
- The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides monthly food packages to low-income pregnant women, postpartum women, and children under the age of 6.
- Eligible participants receive a variety of food items, such as canned goods, cereal, and peanut butter.
- The CSFP is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Food Banks and Pantries
- Food banks and pantries provide free or low-cost food to individuals and families in need.
- These organizations rely on donations from individuals, businesses, and government agencies.
- To find a food bank or pantry in Texas, visit the Texas Food Bank Network website.
| Program | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Low-income individuals and families | Monthly food assistance benefits |
| Emergency Allotments | SNAP households during times of crisis | Temporary increases in SNAP benefits |
| Summer Food Service Program | Children 18 years of age and younger | Free meals during the summer months |
| Commodity Supplemental Food Program | Low-income pregnant women, postpartum women, and children under 6 | Monthly food packages |
| Food Banks and Pantries | Individuals and families in need | Free or low-cost food |
Expanded Eligibility Requirements for Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Texas is expanding eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to include more individuals and families in need.
- The gross income limit for SNAP eligibility has been increased to 200% of the federal poverty level.
- The asset limit for SNAP eligibility has been increased to $2,500 for individuals and $4,000 for households.
- SNAP benefits will be available to individuals who are not working or looking for work if they meet certain criteria, such as being disabled, homeless, or caring for a young child.
These changes will make SNAP benefits available to more people in Texas who need them. SNAP benefits can help families put food on the table, improve their health, and get back on their feet.
| Category | Old Eligibility Limit | New Eligibility Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | 130% of the federal poverty level | 200% of the federal poverty level |
| Assets | $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for households | $2,500 for individuals, $4,000 for households |
To apply for SNAP benefits, you can visit your local Department of Health and Human Services office or apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com.
Temporary Emergency Allotments for SNAP in Texas
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has been providing additional food assistance to low-income families through a program called SNAP-TEAF. This program provides eligible households with supplemental food benefits beyond their regular SNAP benefits.
Increased SNAP benefits in Texas for March 2023
- Households with one person will receive a minimum of $95 in benefits.
- Households with two people will receive a minimum of $165 in benefits.
- Households with three people will receive a minimum of $250 in benefits.
- Households with four people will receive a minimum of $350 in benefits.
- Households with five people will receive a minimum of $440 in benefits.
- Households with six people will receive a minimum of $530 in benefits.
- Households with seven people will receive a minimum of $620 in benefits.
- Households with eight people will receive a minimum of $710 in benefits.
- Households with nine or more people will receive a minimum of $95 per person, up to $1,800 per month.
These increased benefits will help ensure that low-income families have access to healthy food during these challenging times.
Eligibility for SNAP-TEAF Benefits in Texas
To be eligible for SNAP-TEAF benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Texas.
- Meet the income and asset limits set by the USDA.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for SNAP-TEAF benefits online or by contacting your local Texas Health and Human Services office.
How to Apply for SNAP-TEAF Benefits in Texas
You can apply for SNAP-TEAF benefits online or by contacting your local Texas Health and Human Services office.
Online:
- Go to the Texas Health and Human Services website.
- Click on the “Apply for Benefits” link.
- Select the “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” option.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the application.
By phone:
- Call the Texas Health and Human Services SNAP customer service line at 1-877-541-7905.
- The customer service representative will help you complete the application over the phone.
When Will I Receive My SNAP-TEAF Benefits?
If you are approved for SNAP-TEAF benefits, you will receive your benefits on the Lone Star Card, which is a debit card that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
The benefits are usually issued on the first of the month, but the exact date may vary depending on your county.
| Month | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| January 2023 | $95 |
| February 2023 | $95 |
| March 2023 | $95 |
Food Stamp Program Increase Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government has increased food stamp benefits for all recipients. This increase is intended to help families struggling financially during these difficult times. In Texas, the average food stamp benefit has increased by $40 per person per month. This means that a family of four will now receive an average of $800 per month in food stamps.
Eligibility Requirements
- To be eligible for food stamps, you must meet certain income and asset limits.
- The income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level. This means that a family of four earning less than $3,324 per month is eligible for food stamps.
- The asset limit is $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families.
How to Apply
To apply for food stamps, you can visit your local Texas Health and Human Services office or apply online. The application process usually takes about 30 days. Once you are approved, you will receive a Lone Star Card, which you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Additional Assistance
In addition to food stamps, there are a number of other programs that can provide financial assistance to families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs include:
- Unemployment Benefits: If you have lost your job due to the pandemic, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Also known as food stamps, this program provides monthly benefits for low-income families and individuals to purchase food.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): This program provides temporary cash assistance to low-income families with children, pregnant women, or disabled adults.
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): This program provides nutritional support for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and young children.
To find out more about these programs, please visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of many Texans. The increased food stamp benefits are a welcome relief for families struggling to make ends meet. If you are in need of assistance, please reach out to your local Texas Health and Human Services office or apply online.
| Household Size | Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 |
| 2 people | $400 |
| 3 people | $550 |
| 4 people | $700 |
| 5 people | $850 |
| 6 people | $1,000 |
| 7 people | $1,150 |
| 8 people | $1,300 |
Thanks for reading “Are We Getting Extra Food Stamps in Texas”? I hope you found the information helpful. If you still have questions, be sure to check out the Texas Health and Human Services website or give them a call.
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