How to Apply for SNAP (Food Stamps) in Texas
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food.
Funding for this program comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), although state governments are in charge of its administration.
More than 40 million people in the United States are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and approximately one million residents in the state of Texas get SNAP benefits every month.
The program provides recipients with an electronic benefits card that may be used to purchase qualified foods at most grocery shops and farmers’ markets. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for SNAP benefits in Texas.
Table of Contents
- Are you qualified to receive SNAP benefits?
- Apply for Texas SNAP benefits
- Complete an interview
- Texas EBT Card
- Conclusion
Are you qualified to receive SNAP benefits?
To be eligible for SNAP, you must meet specific income and asset limits. In 2022, the maximum monthly income in order to be eligible for SNAP in Texas is $2,396.
Take the online pre-screening tool provided by Texas Benefits if you are unsure whether your household is qualified to receive financial assistance for food. This will help you in determining whether or not you are eligible for SNAP benefits, as well as how much money you may be eligible for each month.
If you find out that your household may be eligible for SNAP benefits, the next step is to submit an application.
Apply for Texas SNAP benefits
Applying for SNAP in Texas is simple and the application process can be completed in a few easy steps. You can fill out an application for SNAP benefits at the Your Texas Benefits website.
You’ll need to make sure you have the following information about each member of your household before applying for benefits:
- Social Security number and birth date
- Citizenship or immigration status
- Money from jobs and other sources (such as child support)
- The value of cars and other property owned by household members
- Costs you pay for bills such as rent or mortgage payments
Complete an interview
After applying for SNAP, you will have to schedule and complete an interview. Interviews are usually conducted in person or by phone.
These interviews help the caseworker learn more about your situation and determine your eligibility for SNAP. Your caseworker can also answer any questions you may have about the program.
During the interview, you may be asked to provide some of the same information you filled out on your application forms, such as your household’s income and expenses. Your case worker may also ask about your living conditions and the financial hardships that you’re facing.
You may also be asked to provide documents to help prove your eligibility for SNAP benefits. These documents include proof of income, proof of identity and residency, proof of disability if applicable, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and other required documentation related to your specific situation (e.g., divorce certificate).
You will receive a letter from the state informing you whether or not you qualify for benefits. If you are eligible, it will tell you how much money you will receive each month.
Texas EBT Card
If you have qualified for SNAP, you will receive a Lone Star Card with your EBT number, which you can use to purchase groceries.
You can use your EBT card at stores at many stores that sell food, including major grocery stores such as Walmart and Kroger; convenience stores like 7-11 or Kangaroo Express; and pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS Pharmacy.
You cannot use your card at restaurants or bars in Texas, even if they sell food items.
Checking the balance of your Texas EBT Card
There are many ways that you can check the balance of your Texas EBT card. You can log in to your account at YourTexasBenefits.com or on the Your Texas Benefits app. You can also check your balance in-store or by calling the Lone Star Card support line at 800-777-7EBT.
Conclusion
SNAP (food stamps) is a federal nutritional assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. Applying for SNAP in Texas is relatively simple and can be done online, just make sure you have your documents ready and that you’re prepared for your interview.
Looking for more financial assistance in Texas? Check out our guide for some of the most important programs for assistance and grants in Texas.
