SNAP is one of the main forms of aid offered by the U.S. government to help low-income families purchase nutritious food. Federally managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in Texas, the program is adapted to local needs and administered by the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS).
SNAP is designed to provide support to the most vulnerable families, helping them access essential food items each month. Beneficiaries receive their aid via the Lone Star Card, which functions similarly to a debit or credit card. They can use it to purchase essential food items such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products at authorized stores. However, there are restrictions; SNAP funds cannot be used to purchase non-essential items like tobacco or alcohol.
Who is eligible to apply for SNAP benefits in Texas?
SNAP benefits are primarily intended for households with limited income, as well as individuals who are unemployed or facing financial hardship. However, not everyone who applies is automatically accepted. The program has specific requirements to ensure that the assistance reaches those who genuinely need it.
For example, a single person may apply for benefits if their maximum monthly income is $2,005.
For larger families, the limit is higher. A family of five can have an income of up to $4,832 per month and still qualify for SNAP benefits. For each additional member in the household, the income limit increases by $707, making the aid scalable to accommodate families of different sizes.
How much money can you receive through SNAP?
The amount of money a family receives through SNAP varies depending on the size of the household and their financial situation. For instance, an individual living alone may receive up to $291 per month. Meanwhile, a family of five can receive up to $1,115 per month. Larger families, such as a household of eight members, can receive up to $1,751, with an extra $219 for each additional person.
These funds are deposited monthly onto the Lone Star Card, allowing families to purchase food at authorized supermarkets and stores throughout Texas. SNAP is a critical resource to ensure that families have access to quality food and can maintain a balanced diet.
Payment schedule for SNAP in September
In Texas, SNAP recipients receive their payments based on their Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. This number determines the day their funds are loaded onto their Lone Star Card. Below is the payment schedule for September 2024:
- EDG 00-03: Sunday, September 1
- EDG 04-06: Monday, September 2
- EDG 07-10: Tuesday, September 3
- EDG 11-13: Wednesday, September 4
- EDG 14-17: Thursday, September 5
- EDG 18-20: Friday, September 6
- EDG 21-24: Saturday, September 7
- EDG 25-27: Sunday, September 8
- EDG 28-31: Monday, September 9
- EDG 32-34: Tuesday, September 10
- EDG 35-38: Wednesday, September 11
- EDG 39-41: Thursday, September 12
- EDG 42-45: Friday, September 13
- EDG 46-49: Saturday, September 14
- EDG 50-53: Sunday, September 15
- EDG 54-57: Monday, September 16
- EDG 58-60: Tuesday, September 17
- EDG 61-64: Wednesday, September 18
- EDG 65-67: Thursday, September 19
- EDG 68-71: Friday, September 20
- EDG 72-74: Saturday, September 21
- EDG 75-78: Sunday, September 22
- EDG 79-81: Monday, September 23
- EDG 82-85: Tuesday, September 24
- EDG 86-88: Wednesday, September 25
- EDG 89-92: Thursday, September 26
- EDG 93-95: Friday, September 27
- EDG 96-99: Saturday, September 28
If you are a SNAP recipient in Texas, you can use the last two digits of your EDG number to find out exactly when your funds will be available on your Lone Star Card.
What documentation is required to apply for SNAP benefits in Texas?
- Proof of identity and age, such as a driver’s license, photo ID card, passport, birth certificate, adoption records, or shot records.
- Proof of citizenship and immigration status, such as a birth certificate, military records, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, or green card. Non-citizens need documented permission to live in the U.S.
- Proof of Social Security Number, such as a Social Security card or photo ID with birthdate so the social worker can look up your SSN.
- Proof of residency, including amount paid for housing, such as a current rent receipt, lease, letter from landlord verifying residence, or mortgage book.
- Proof of resources on hand, such as bank statements for all checking and savings accounts, stock/bond certificates, and properties not used for everyday living.
- Proof of all income sources for everyone in the household, such as pay stubs for the last 30 days, unemployment letter, child support order, income tax return for self-employed, social security, disability, or pension.
- Proof of utility bills and other expenses, such as water, sewer, electricity, phone bills, homeowners insurance, child care expenses.
- If over 60, copies of medical receipts/expenses over $35 not covered by insurance, such as medical, dental, mental health care, prescriptions, health aides, service animals, insurance premiums, transportation.
What can you buy with SNAP benefits?
SNAP benefits are meant to help families purchase nutritious foods essential for a balanced diet. Items that can be purchased include fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, bread, cereals, and other staple food items.
However, there are restrictions on what can be bought using SNAP funds. The program prohibits the use of SNAP benefits to purchase prepared or hot foods, non-food items (such as cleaning products), alcohol, tobacco, or vitamins and supplements. It’s important to keep these limitations in mind when shopping with your Lone Star Card.