Applying for food assistance shouldn't feel overwhelming, but the process can be confusing when you're not sure where to start. If you're a Texas resident struggling to afford groceries, SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) can help stretch your food budget significantly.
Here's what you need to know upfront: Texas SNAP provides monthly benefits loaded onto a Lone Star Card that works like a debit card at grocery stores. A family of four can receive up to $994 per month in food assistance, which adds up to nearly $12,000 per year. To qualify, your gross monthly income must be below 165% of the federal poverty level, which is $4,420 per month for a family of four. You can apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, and the entire application takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Texas has approximately 3.4 million residents receiving SNAP benefits. Many more Texans are eligible but haven't applied, often because they don't realize they qualify or find the process intimidating.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about SNAP and is not legal or financial advice. Eligibility rules can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission before applying.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about applying for SNAP in Texas, including who qualifies, what documents you need, and how to maximize your benefits. Now let's look at the specific income limits that determine eligibility.
Texas SNAP Income Limits for 2026
Texas uses federal poverty guidelines to set SNAP income limits. The gross income limit is 165% of the Federal Poverty Level, while the net income limit is 100% of poverty. Your household must typically meet both limits to qualify.
Gross and Net Income Limits by Household Size
| Household Size | Gross Monthly (165% FPL) | Net Monthly (100% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,151 | $1,304 |
| 2 | $2,908 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $3,664 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $4,420 | $2,679 |
| 5 | $5,177 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $5,933 | $3,596 |
For each additional person, add $755 to the gross limit and $458 to the net limit.
Asset Limits
Texas also has asset limits for SNAP eligibility. Most households can have up to $5,000 in countable assets. Households with an elderly or disabled member who don't meet the gross income test can have up to $4,500 in assets.
Not everything counts as an asset. Your primary home is excluded, as is one vehicle per household member. Retirement accounts are generally excluded. What does count includes cash, bank accounts, and some investments.
Understanding what income counts and what deductions are available can help you determine your eligibility more accurately.
What Counts as Income for SNAP
Your gross income includes almost all money coming into the household. This includes wages, salary, and tips from employment. Self-employment income counts after subtracting business expenses. Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and workers compensation all count. Child support received, pensions, and retirement payments factor into your income as well.
Income That Doesn't Count
Certain types of income are excluded from SNAP calculations. Federal energy assistance like LIHEAP payments do not count. Most educational loans and grants are excluded. Income from children who are students is often excluded. One-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements are typically not counted.
Deductions That Lower Your Net Income
Several deductions can reduce your net income, potentially helping you qualify even if your gross income is above the limit. Texas applies these deductions automatically when calculating your benefits.
A standard deduction applies to all households based on size. For households of one to three people, the standard deduction is $209. Four-person households receive a $223 deduction. Five-person households get $261, and households of six or more receive $299.
An earned income deduction of 20% of wages is applied to working households. This means if you earn $2,000 per month, $400 is deducted from your countable income.
Shelter costs exceeding half your income (after other deductions) can be deducted, up to $744 for households without elderly or disabled members. There is no cap on the shelter deduction for households with elderly or disabled members.
Dependent care costs for children or disabled adults can be deducted. Medical expenses over $35 per month for elderly or disabled household members also qualify as deductions.
Let's look at how much you could receive if you qualify.
Maximum SNAP Benefits in Texas
Your actual benefit amount depends on your household size and net income. The maximum benefits assume zero countable income after deductions. Most households receive less than the maximum.
Maximum Monthly Benefits by Household Size
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
For each additional person beyond seven, add approximately $218.
The minimum benefit for households of one or two people is $24 per month. Even if calculations show you would receive less, you'll get at least $24 if you qualify.
Benefits are calculated by subtracting 30% of your net income from the maximum benefit for your household size. This formula assumes households can spend about 30% of their income on food, with SNAP covering the difference.
For example, a family of four with $1,500 in net monthly income would receive roughly $544 in benefits. That's the maximum of $994 minus 30% of $1,500 ($450).
Now let's walk through the application process.
How to Apply for SNAP in Texas
Texas offers several ways to apply for SNAP benefits. The online application is the fastest method for most people, but phone and in-person options are available.
Online Application
The quickest way to apply is online through YourTexasBenefits.com. The website is available 24/7, and you can save your progress if you need to stop and return later. The application typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
Create an account on YourTexasBenefits to track your application status and receive notifications. You can also use the account to report changes, renew benefits, and manage other Texas assistance programs.
Phone Application
Call 2-1-1 and select Option 2 to apply by phone. Representatives can guide you through the application and answer questions. Phone lines are available during business hours on weekdays.
The main Texas HHSC benefits line at 1-800-252-8263 can also help with applications and questions about existing cases.
In-Person Application
Visit your local Texas Health and Human Services office to apply in person. Bring identification and income documents to speed up the process. You can find your nearest office by searching online or calling 2-1-1.
Documents You'll Need
Gathering documents before you start makes the application process much smoother. You'll need to verify your identity, income, expenses, and household composition.
For identification, bring a driver's license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. Social Security numbers are needed for all household members applying for benefits.
Income verification is essential. Bring recent pay stubs covering the last 30 days, or a letter from your employer if you're newly employed. Self-employed applicants should bring bank statements or business records. If you receive other income like Social Security, unemployment, or child support, bring documentation for those as well.
Proof of residency in Texas is required. A utility bill, lease agreement, or piece of mail with your Texas address works for this.
Documentation of expenses helps maximize your deductions. Bring proof of rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and childcare costs. Elderly or disabled household members should bring documentation of medical expenses.
What Happens After You Apply
Texas HHSC has 30 days to process your SNAP application from the date they receive it. If you have extremely low income or resources, you may qualify for expedited processing, which provides benefits within 7 days.
After submitting your application, you'll need to complete an interview. This can be done by phone or in person. The caseworker will verify the information you provided and may request additional documents.
If approved, you'll receive a Lone Star Card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Benefits are loaded onto this card monthly, and you can use it like a debit card at authorized grocery stores and farmers markets.
Before starting the full application, you may want to check your eligibility first.
Check Your Eligibility
A free eligibility screening can help you understand whether you qualify for SNAP and estimate your potential benefit amount. These screenings take just a few minutes and don't require any commitment.
Tools like Benefits USA check your eligibility for SNAP along with 10+ other benefit programs including Medicaid, CHIP, LIHEAP, and tax credits. You'll see which programs you likely qualify for and their estimated value to your household.
Online screeners aren't official applications, but they help you understand what's available before investing time in paperwork. If the results show you're likely eligible for multiple programs, you can apply for several through YourTexasBenefits.com at the same time.
Understanding what you can buy with SNAP helps you plan your grocery budget.
What You Can Buy with SNAP
The Lone Star Card can be used to purchase most food items for your household. SNAP benefits cover a wide range of groceries at authorized retailers including grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and some farmers markets.
Eligible Purchases
SNAP benefits can be used to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, and other staple foods. Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages are also eligible. Seeds and plants that produce food for the household can be purchased with SNAP.
Ineligible Purchases
Certain items cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. Alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed. Vitamins, supplements, and medicine cannot be bought with SNAP. Hot prepared foods and food that will be eaten in the store are generally not eligible. Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, and household items cannot be purchased with SNAP.
Stretching Your Benefits
Planning meals around sales and buying seasonal produce helps maximize your SNAP dollars. Many grocery stores offer double value programs at farmers markets, where your SNAP benefits buy twice as much fresh produce. Shopping at stores with competitive prices and using coupons in combination with SNAP benefits can further stretch your food budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get SNAP benefits in Texas?
Texas HHSC has 30 days to process your application from the date they receive it. If you qualify for expedited benefits due to very low income or resources, you can receive benefits within 7 days. After approval, your Lone Star Card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I get SNAP if I have a job?
Yes. SNAP is designed to help working families afford groceries. In Texas, you can earn up to $4,420 per month gross income for a family of four and still qualify. Many households with full-time workers receive SNAP benefits because their income falls below the limits.
Will my car or home disqualify me from SNAP?
No. Your primary residence is not counted as an asset for SNAP. The first vehicle for each household member is also exempt. Only assets like cash, bank accounts, and additional vehicles beyond the exemption count toward the $5,000 asset limit.
Can I apply for SNAP if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Some non-citizens can qualify for SNAP in Texas. Lawful permanent residents who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years may qualify. Refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration categories can receive SNAP without the five-year wait. Children who are U.S. citizens can receive SNAP even if their parents don't qualify.
How often do I need to recertify for SNAP?
Most Texas SNAP households need to recertify every 6 to 12 months. You'll receive a renewal notice before your certification period ends with instructions for recertification. Elderly and disabled households often have longer certification periods.
What happens if my income changes while I'm receiving SNAP?
You must report income changes to Texas HHSC within 10 days. If your income increases, your benefits may be reduced. If your income decreases, your benefits may increase. Failing to report changes could result in overpayment that you'll need to repay or underpayment of benefits you're entitled to receive.
Next Steps
If your household income falls below the limits and you're struggling to afford groceries, SNAP can provide significant help. A family of four can receive up to $994 per month, which adds up to nearly $12,000 per year in food assistance.
Start by checking your eligibility using a free screening tool to see if you qualify for SNAP and other programs. Then gather your documents and apply online through YourTexasBenefits.com. The application takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and you could receive benefits within 30 days.
Texas has millions of residents receiving SNAP benefits, and many more are eligible but haven't applied. The program exists to help working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone facing financial hardship afford nutritious food.
