In Texas, unused food stamps do not roll over into the next month. They expire at the end of each month and the new month’s allotment is issued on the first of the month. If a person does not use all of their food stamps in a given month, they will lose the unused portion. This is true for both the Lone Star Card and the federal food stamp program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP Monthly Issuance Schedule in Texas
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 Texas, SNAP benefits are issued on a monthly basis. The issuance schedule is as follows:
- January: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month.
- February: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday).
- March: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month.
- April: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday).
- May: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month.
- June: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday).
- July: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month.
- August: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday).
- September: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month.
- October: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday).
- November: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month.
- December: Benefits are issued on the 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday).
| Month | Issuance Date |
|---|---|
| January | 3rd of the month |
| February | 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday) |
| March | 3rd of the month |
| April | 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday) |
| May | 3rd of the month |
| June | 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday) |
| July | 3rd of the month |
| August | 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday) |
| September | 3rd of the month |
| October | 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday) |
| November | 3rd of the month |
| December | 3rd of the month (or the 2nd if the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday) |
If the issuance date falls on a weekend or holiday, benefits will be issued on the business day before the holiday.
Unspent Food Stamps Benefits Expiration Period
In Texas, unspent food stamps benefits issued through the Lone Star Card expire at the end of the month in which they are issued. Any unused benefits will not be accessible or rolled over to the following month. This expiration policy encourages recipients to utilize their benefits promptly and efficiently each month to ensure they receive the full value of their assistance.
Expiration Period Details
- Food Stamps Benefits Issuance: Benefits are typically deposited into Lone Star Cards on or around the 1st day of each month.
- Benefit Expiration Date: All unspent benefits expire at 11:59 PM on the last day of the month in which they were issued.
- No Rollover: Unused benefits do not roll over or carry over to the following month.
Tips to Avoid Benefit Expiration
To prevent losing any of your food stamps benefits due to expiration, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Plan your meals and grocery shopping for the month based on your benefit amount.
- Purchase non-perishable items in bulk to stock up on essential goods.
- Utilize online grocery shopping options to compare prices and maximize your benefit usage.
- Monitor your Lone Star Card balance regularly to keep track of remaining benefits.
- Consider using electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, as they are accepted at most major retailers.
| Benefit Issuance Date | Benefit Expiration Date |
|---|---|
| January 1 | January 31 |
| February 1 | February 28/29 |
| March 1 | March 31 |
| April 1 | April 30 |
| May 1 | May 31 |
| June 1 | June 30 |
| July 1 | July 31 |
| August 1 | August 31 |
| September 1 | September 30 |
| October 1 | October 31 |
| November 1 | November 30 |
| December 1 | December 31 |
By following these tips and being mindful of the expiration policy, you can ensure that you fully utilize your food stamps benefits each month and avoid losing any assistance due to expiration.
EBT Card Balance Inquiry Methods
To check your EBT card balance in Texas, you can use any of the following methods:
- Online:
Visit the Your Texas Benefits website and log in to your account. Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to view your current balance and transaction history. - Phone:
Call the EBT Customer Service number at 1-877-541-7905. You’ll need to provide your EBT card number and PIN to access your account information. - ATM:
You can also check your EBT card balance at any ATM that accepts EBT cards. Insert your card and enter your PIN, then select the “Balance Inquiry” option. - Mobile App:
The Your Texas Benefits mobile app allows you to check your EBT card balance, view your transaction history, and find nearby retailers that accept EBT. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Note: You can only use your EBT card at authorized retailers. To find a list of authorized retailers in Texas, visit the Your Texas Benefits website.
Texas Department of Health and Human Services Contact Information
If you have questions about SNAP benefits or need help applying, you can contact the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DHHs).
- Phone: 1-877-541-7905
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/
SNAP Benefits in Texas
SNAP benefits are distributed electronically through Lone Star Cards, which work like debit cards. You can use your Lone Star Card to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive each month depends on your household size and income. The maximum benefit amount for a household of four is $835 per month, while a household of one can receive a maximum of $281 per month.
SNAP Benefit Usage
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks
- Non-alcoholic beverages
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Household supplies
- Vitamins and supplements
- Food that is served or prepared for immediate consumption, such as restaurant meals
SNAP Benefit Rollover
SNAP benefits do not rollover from month to month. Any unused benefits at the end of the month will be forfeited.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are unable to use your benefits due to a power outage or other emergency, you may be able to request a replacement card or a credit for the unused benefits.
Table: SNAP Benefit Amounts in Texas
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $646 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $954 |
| 6 | $1,072 |
| 7 | $1,190 |
| 8 | $1,308 |
Well, I guess that about covers it! Thanks for sticking with me and getting through this whole article about food stamps in Texas. I hope you found the information you were looking for, and if you didn’t, well, at least you got to kill some time, right?
But seriously, I appreciate you taking the time to read my article. I know there are a lot of other things you could be doing with your time, so the fact that you chose to spend it here means a lot to me.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop them in the comments section below. I’ll do my best to answer them as soon as I can.
And be sure to check back later for more articles on all sorts of interesting topics. I’m always working on new stuff, so there’s sure to be something that catches your eye.
Thanks again for reading!