To obtain food stamps in Texas, you can apply online using the Your Texas Benefits website or at your local Department of Health and Human Services office. You will need to provide documents showing your identity, income, and residency. Once your application is approved, you will be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. To see if you are eligible, you must be a Texas resident, have a Social Security number, and meet certain income and resource limits. You may be eligible for food stamps if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Eligibility Criteria for Food Stamps in Texas
To be eligible for food stamps in Texas, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Texas resident.
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
- Have a Social Security number or an approved SSN application.
- Meet income and asset limits.
Income Limits
Your gross monthly income must be at or below the following limits:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,925 |
| 2 | $2,575 |
| 3 | $3,225 |
| 4 | $3,875 |
| 5 | $4,525 |
| 6 | $5,175 |
| 7 | $5,825 |
| 8 | $6,475 |
| Each additional person | $650 |
Asset Limits
Your total assets, excluding your home, car, and certain other assets, must be at or below the following limits:
| Household Size | Asset Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,500 |
| 2 | $3,750 |
| 3 | $5,000 |
| 4 | $6,250 |
| 5 | $7,500 |
| 6 | $8,750 |
| 7 | $10,000 |
| 8 | $11,250 |
| Each additional person | $1,250 |
Other Eligibility Factors
In addition to the income and asset limits, you may also be eligible for food stamps if you are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Caring for a child under the age of 6.
- A student enrolled at least half-time in an approved educational program.
- Disabled or elderly.
- Working a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Required Documents for Food Stamps Application in Texas
To apply for food stamps in Texas, you must provide the following documents:
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Residency
- Proof of Income
- Proof of Expenses
- Proof of Citizenship
Proof of Identity
- State-issued ID card
- Driver’s license
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Passport
- Military ID
Proof of Residency
- Current utility bill
- Rent or mortgage statement
- Lease agreement
- Voter registration card
- Paystub
Proof of Income
- Paystubs
- Self-employment income
- Unemployment benefits
- Social Security benefits
- Pension or retirement benefits
- Disability benefits
- Child support
- Alimony
Proof of Expenses
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utilities
- Child care
- Medical expenses
- Transportation costs
- Food costs
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Naturalization certificate
- Permanent resident card
- Check your eligibility. To be eligible for food stamps in Texas, you must meet certain income and resource limits. You can check your eligibility online at the Texas Health and Human Services website or by calling the Texas Benefits Hotline at 1-877-541-7905.
- Gather your documents. You will need to provide certain documents to prove your eligibility for food stamps. These documents may include:
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs, Social Security award letters, or child support statements
- Proof of resources, such as bank statements, stocks, or bonds
- Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or birth certificate
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill or rent receipt
- Apply online or in person. You can apply for food stamps online at the Texas Health and Human Services website or in person at your local Texas Health and Human Services office. If you apply online, you will need to create an account and provide your personal information. If you apply in person, you will need to bring your completed application and your supporting documents.
- Attend an interview. Once your application is processed, you may be required to attend an interview. The interview will be conducted by a Texas Health and Human Services caseworker who will ask you questions about your income, resources, and household expenses.
- Receive your benefits. If you are approved for food stamps, you will receive a Lone Star Card, which is a debit card that you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers. You will also receive a letter in the mail that explains how to use your Lone Star Card.
- Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com
- Call the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Customer Service Center at 1-877-541-7905
- Visit your local HHSC office
- Your Social Security number
- Your income information
- Your asset information
- Proof of your identity
- Proof of your residency
Proof of Citizenship
Note: If you are applying for food stamps on behalf of a child, you must also provide proof of the child’s identity, residency, and income.
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Yes |
| Proof of Residency | Yes |
| Proof of Income | Yes |
| Proof of Expenses | Yes |
| Proof of Citizenship | Yes |
Application Process for Food Stamps in Texas
To apply for food stamps in Texas, you will need to follow these steps:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,582 |
| 2 | $2,145 |
| 3 | $2,708 |
| 4 | $3,271 |
| 5 | $3,834 |
| 6 | $4,397 |
| 7 | $4,960 |
| 8 | $5,523 |
| Each additional person | $563 |
How Do I Qualify for Food Stamps in Texas?
To qualify for food stamps in Texas, you must meet certain income and asset limits. Your income must be below 130% of the federal poverty level, and your assets must be below certain limits. You must also be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
What Is the Maximum Allotment of Food Stamps in Texas?
The maximum allotment of food stamps in Texas varies depending on your household size and income. The following table shows the maximum monthly allotments for different household sizes:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 |
| 2 people | $459 |
| 3 people | $658 |
| 4 people | $835 |
| 5 people | $1,012 |
| 6 people | $1,189 |
| 7 people | $1,367 |
| 8 people | $1,545 |
How Do I Apply for Food Stamps in Texas?
To apply for food stamps in Texas, you can:
You will need to provide the following information when you apply:
How Long Does It Take to Get Food Stamps in Texas?
Once you have applied for food stamps in Texas, it will take about 30 days to process your application. If you are approved, you will receive a Lone Star Card in the mail. You can use this card to purchase food at participating retailers.