Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutrition assistance program that provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income households. SNAP is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) through local county offices. To be eligible for SNAP, households must meet certain income and asset limits. Once eligible, households receive a monthly benefit that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Increased SNAP Benefits Through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a federal law passed in March 2021, provided a temporary increase in SNAP benefits for all SNAP households. This increase began in April 2021 and lasted through September 2021. During this time, all SNAP households received a minimum of $95 in additional benefits each month. Households that were already receiving the maximum SNAP benefit amount did not receive any additional benefits under ARPA.
SNAP Benefits in Texas
In Texas, SNAP benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. EBT cards can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers, which include grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets. SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or hot foods.
The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives each month is based on the household’s income and size. The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of one person in Texas is $250 per month. The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of four people is $835 per month.
How to Apply for SNAP in Texas
To apply for SNAP in Texas, you can submit an application online, by mail, or in person at your local county office. You will need to provide information about your household’s income, assets, and expenses. You may also be asked to provide proof of identity and residency.
Once your application is submitted, it will be processed by the HHSC. You will be notified of the decision on your application within 30 days. If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive an EBT card in the mail.
Conclusion
SNAP is a vital program that helps low-income households in Texas put food on the table. The increased SNAP benefits provided through ARPA helped to ensure that families had enough to eat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $658 |
| 4 | $835 |
Texas Food Stamp Benefits
The state of Texas has been allocated additional emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the month of [Current Month, Year]. This means that all SNAP recipients in Texas will receive an extra amount of benefits on their EBT cards.
Extra SNAP Benefits
- SNAP recipients in Texas will receive an additional $365 per person in their February 2023 benefits.
- These extra benefits will be available on EBT cards on February 28, 2023.
- SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food items at authorized retailers.
Emergency Allotments for SNAP Benefits
The additional SNAP benefits are part of the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency allotments for SNAP benefits were first authorized in March 2020 and have been extended several times since then. The current authorization for emergency allotments expires in March 2023.
Emergency allotments are a temporary measure to help SNAP recipients cope with the economic impact of the pandemic. The extra benefits provide additional food assistance to families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet.
How to Get SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including income and asset limits. You can apply for SNAP benefits online or in person at your local Department of Human Services office.
If you are approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive an EBT card that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. You can find a list of authorized retailers on the Texas Department of Human Services website.
Additional Resources
- Texas Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food-nutrition/snap
- Lone Star Card: https://www.yourlonestarcard.com/
- Apply for SNAP Benefits: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food-nutrition/snap/apply-snap
| Household Size | Monthly Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $741 |
| 4 | $966 |
| 5 | $1,191 |
| 6 | $1,416 |
| 7 | $1,641 |
| 8 | $1,866 |
Pandemic-EBT Benefits
Texas is receiving additional Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) benefits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These benefits, available to households with children who were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, are distributed through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and can be used to purchase food items at authorized retailers.
Eligibility for P-EBT Benefits
To be eligible for P-EBT benefits, children must meet the following requirements:
- Enrolled in a Texas public school or an approved non-public school
- Eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2022-2023 school year
- Not receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
Amount of P-EBT Benefits
The amount of P-EBT benefits received varies depending on the child’s age and school attendance status. The table below shows the P-EBT benefit amounts for the 2022-2023 school year:
| Child’s Age | School Attendance | P-EBT Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 years | Not enrolled in school | $391 per month |
| 6-11 years | Enrolled in school | $750 per month |
| 12-18 years | Enrolled in school | $990 per month |
Distribution of P-EBT Benefits
P-EBT benefits are distributed through the Lone Star Card, Texas’ EBT card system. Eligible families will receive their benefits automatically. To activate the card and check the balance, call the Lone Star Card Help Desk at 1-877-541-7905.
Using P-EBT Benefits
P-EBT benefits can be used to purchase food items at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and online retailers. Some authorized retailers include:
- H-E-B
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Amazon
To use P-EBT benefits, swipe the Lone Star Card at the checkout and enter the PIN. P-EBT benefits cannot be used to purchase non-food items, such as clothing, household items, or alcohol.
COVID-19 SNAP Waivers
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved several SNAP waivers for Texas. These waivers have been essential in helping to ensure that eligible Texans have access to the food they need during this challenging time.
SNAP Waivers Approved for Texas
- Emergency Allotments: All SNAP households are receiving the maximum SNAP benefit amount based on their household size.
- Extension of Pandemic EBT (P-EBT): Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals are receiving P-EBT benefits to help cover the cost of meals missed due to school closures or reduced attendance.
- Exemptions from SNAP Employment and Training Requirements: SNAP recipients are temporarily exempt from work requirements and time limits for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
- Simplified Recertification Process: SNAP households are able to recertify their benefits without having to provide proof of income or other documentation, reducing the risk of losing benefits due to paperwork delays.
- Expanded SNAP Online Purchasing: SNAP recipients can now use their benefits to purchase groceries online from select retailers, making it easier for them to shop safely and conveniently.
Impact of SNAP Waivers on Texans
The SNAP waivers have been a lifeline for many Texans struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the SNAP program has helped to keep more than 1.7 million Texans from going hungry in 2021.
The waivers have also helped to boost the state’s economy. In 2021, SNAP benefits generated an estimated $2.6 billion in economic activity in Texas, supporting local businesses and jobs.
Future of SNAP Waivers
The COVID-19 SNAP waivers are currently set to expire on September 30, 2022. However, there is growing support among lawmakers and anti-hunger advocates to extend the waivers beyond this date. A recent study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that extending the SNAP waivers would help to lift 4.1 million people out of poverty, including 1.2 million children.
| Waiver | Description |
|---|---|
| Emergency Allotments | All SNAP households receive the maximum SNAP benefit amount based on their household size. |
| Extension of Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) | Children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals receive P-EBT benefits to cover the cost of missed meals. |
| Exemptions from SNAP Employment and Training Requirements | SNAP recipients are temporarily exempt from work requirements and time limits for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). |
| Simplified Recertification Process | SNAP households can recertify their benefits without providing proof of income or other documentation. |
| Expanded SNAP Online Purchasing | SNAP recipients can use their benefits to purchase groceries online from select retailers. |
Hey folks, thanks a bunch for sticking with us till the end of this article. We know it can be tough to keep up with all the changes in food stamp benefits, but we’re here to help. Be sure to check back with us next month for the latest updates, and in the meantime, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help.