In response to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas has implemented a temporary boost to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the month of March 2023. This increase is intended to provide additional support to low-income households facing food insecurity during these challenging times. The extra benefits will be automatically loaded onto recipients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, allowing them to purchase nutritious food items at authorized retailers. The state’s efforts align with the federal government’s commitment to providing essential assistance to those in need.
Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Program
The P-EBT program is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program provides temporary food assistance benefits for families with children whose access to free or reduced-price school meals has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Texas, the P-EBT program provides benefits to families with children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP). The amount of benefits a family receives is based on the number of eligible children in the household and the number of days that schools were closed or operating remotely.
- Benefit Amounts:
- For the 2022-2023 school year, the P-EBT benefit amounts are as follows:
- $625.00 per eligible child
- For the 2021-2022 school year, the P-EBT benefit amounts were as follows:
- $391.00 per eligible child from August 2021 – May 2022
- $416.00 per eligible child for June – August 2022
Families can use their P-EBT benefits to purchase food at authorized retailers that accept Lone Star Cards.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,432 |
| 2 | $30,288 |
| 3 | $38,144 |
| 4 | $45,999 |
| 5 | $53,854 |
| 6 | $61,709 |
| 7 | $69,563 |
| 8 | $77,418 |
Note: The income limits are based on the USDA’s federal poverty guidelines.
To apply for P-EBT benefits, families can:
- Apply online at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) website: https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/PEBT
- Call the HHSC P-EBT hotline at 1-877-541-7905.
- Visit their local HHSC office.
Enhanced SNAP Benefits in Texas
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Texas may receive an additional benefit payment in February 2023. This temporary increase, known as emergency allotments (EA), provides extra food assistance to help families cope with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This article explains the enhanced SNAP benefits available in Texas and provides details about the EA payments.
Increased SNAP Benefits: Additional Details
SNAP Benefit Amounts in Texas:
- The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a single-person household is $281.
- For a two-person household, the maximum benefit is $516.
- For a three-person household, the maximum benefit is $782.
- For a four-person household, the maximum benefit is $1,169.
Emergency Allotments (EA):
- Emergency allotments are temporary increases in SNAP benefits provided during emergencies or disasters.
- The USDA has authorized EA payments for all SNAP recipients in Texas for February 2023.
The EA payments will be automatically loaded onto SNAP EBT cards. Recipients do not need to take any action to receive the additional benefits.
When Will EA Payments Be Distributed?
The EA payments will be issued on the same schedule as regular SNAP benefits. The exact date will vary depending on the recipient’s county. However, most recipients will see the extra benefits by the last week of February.
For more information and updates on SNAP benefits in Texas, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website or call the SNAP hotline at 1-877-541-7905.
Extended Benefits Period
The Extended Benefits Period (EBP) is a federal program that provides additional food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits) to eligible individuals and families in states with high unemployment rates.
Texas is currently in an EBP, which means that eligible households may receive additional food stamp benefits for a limited time. The EBP in Texas began on April 1, 2023, and is expected to end on June 30, 2023.
To be eligible for the EBP in Texas, households must:
- Be receiving food stamps.
- Live in a county with an unemployment rate of 6.5% or higher.
- Meet other food stamp eligibility requirements.
The amount of additional food stamp benefits that eligible households will receive varies depending on their household size and income.
| Household Size | Maximum Additional Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $95 |
| 2 people | $140 |
| 3 people | $185 |
| 4 people | $230 |
| 5 people | $275 |
| 6 people | $320 |
| 7 people | $365 |
| 8 people | $410 |
Eligible households will receive their additional food stamp benefits on the same day that they receive their regular food stamp benefits.
Food Stamps and SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers, including grocery stores and farmers markets.
Benefits
- SNAP benefits are typically distributed on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food items.
- The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives depends on various factors, such as household size, income, and expenses.
- SNAP benefits can help families put food on the table and stretch their food budget. Program participation is associated with improved food security, better health outcomes, and increased economic stability.
Eligibility
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, households must meet certain income and asset limits. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state, but generally, households must have a gross income below 130% of the federal poverty level and limited assets. Additionally, households must meet certain work requirements unless they are raising children under six or are elderly or disabled.
Applying for SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP benefits, you can contact your local SNAP office or submit an application online. The application process usually involves providing information about your household’s income, expenses, and assets. Once your application is approved, you will receive an EBT card, which can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
If you have questions about SNAP benefits or the application process, you can contact your local SNAP office or visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $281 |
| 2 people | $516 |
| 3 people | $740 |
| 4 people | $954 |
| 5 people | $1,149 |
| 6 people | $1,344 |
| 7 people | $1,539 |
| 8 people | $1,733 |
So, there you have it, folks! I hope you got the info you were looking for about the extra food stamps in Texas this month. As always, rules and regulations can change, so remember to keep an eye on official sources for the latest updates. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to answer them. And remember, if you enjoyed this article, why not stick around and check out some of our other great content? We’ve got something for everyone, from the latest news to helpful tips and tricks. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you again soon!