Texas offers more than a dozen state and federal assistance programs covering healthcare, food, cash aid, energy bills, childcare, and tax credits. If you live in Texas and need help, you may qualify for programs like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), CHIP, TANF, WIC, or LIHEAP. The fastest way to check your eligibility across all programs at once is to use our free benefits screener.
What Government Benefits Programs Are Available in Texas?
Texas administers both federal and state-funded programs through the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Here is a complete comparison of every major program available to Texas residents.
| Program | What It Covers | Who Qualifies | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid | Doctor visits, hospital, prescriptions | Children, pregnant women, seniors, disabled adults | YourTexasBenefits.com |
| CHIP | Health coverage for children | Kids in families earning up to 201% FPL | YourTexasBenefits.com |
| SNAP | Monthly food benefits (Lone Star Card) | Low-income households up to 165% FPL gross | YourTexasBenefits.com |
| TANF | Monthly cash payments | Families with children, very low income | YourTexasBenefits.com |
| WIC | Food packages for women and young kids | Pregnant/postpartum women, children under 5 | Local WIC clinic |
| CEAP (LIHEAP) | Help paying electric and gas bills | Low-income households, priority for elderly/disabled | Local community action agency |
| EITC | Tax refund up to $7,830 | Working individuals and families | File federal tax return |
| CTC | Up to $2,000 per child tax credit | Families with children under 17 | File federal tax return |
| SSI | Monthly cash for disabled/elderly | Disabled or 65+ with limited income and assets | Social Security office |
| Lifeline | Discount on phone or internet | Households at or below 135% FPL | National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org |
| School Meals | Free or reduced-price lunch/breakfast | Students in qualifying households | Through child's school |
| ACA Marketplace | Subsidized health insurance | Individuals and families above Medicaid limits | HealthCare.gov |
What Are the Texas Medicaid Income Limits for 2026?
Texas has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This is one of the most important things to understand about healthcare coverage in Texas. While most states cover adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), Texas limits Medicaid for parents and caretakers to roughly 17% of FPL.
This creates what policy experts call the "coverage gap," affecting approximately 1.9 million Texans who earn too much for Medicaid but too little to qualify for ACA Marketplace subsidies.
Texas Medicaid Income Limits by Category (2026)
| Coverage Group | % of FPL | Family of 3 (Monthly) | Family of 4 (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnant Women | 198% | Approximately $4,508 | Approximately $5,445 |
| Children Ages 0 to 1 | 198% | Approximately $4,508 | Approximately $5,445 |
| Children Ages 1 to 5 | 144% | Approximately $3,278 | Approximately $3,960 |
| Children Ages 6 to 18 | 133% | Approximately $3,028 | Approximately $3,658 |
| Parents/Caretakers | ~17% | Approximately $273 | Approximately $330 |
The 2026 Federal Poverty Level for a single person in the 48 contiguous states is $15,650 per year. For each additional household member, add approximately $5,380.
Key point for adults without children: If you are between 19 and 64, do not have a disability, and are not pregnant, you most likely do not qualify for Texas Medicaid regardless of your income. You may want to explore ACA Marketplace plans at HealthCare.gov or check all your options with our screener.
What Are the Texas CHIP Income Limits?
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. In Texas, the CHIP income cap is set at 201% of FPL.
2026 CHIP Monthly Income Limits
| Family Size | Maximum Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 2 | Approximately $3,624 |
| 3 | Approximately $4,576 |
| 4 | Approximately $5,527 |
| 5 | Approximately $6,478 |
Families enrolled in CHIP pay a small annual fee (ranging from $0 to $50 depending on income) and minimal copays for services.
What Are the Texas SNAP (Food Stamps) Income Limits?
Texas uses expanded eligibility for SNAP through broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). The gross income limit is 165% of FPL, which is higher than the standard federal limit of 130%.
SNAP Gross Monthly Income Limits in Texas (Oct 2025 to Sept 2026)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,151 |
| 2 | $2,908 |
| 3 | $3,664 |
| 4 | $4,420 |
| 5 | $5,177 |
| 6 | $5,933 |
| Each additional person | Add $755 |
The net income limit (after deductions for shelter costs, dependent care, and other expenses) is 100% of FPL.
Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit Amounts
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | Approximately $298 |
| 2 | Approximately $547 |
| 3 | Approximately $784 |
| 4 | Approximately $994 |
Benefits are loaded onto the Lone Star Card, which works like a debit card at grocery stores and approved retailers. You can also use SNAP benefits to buy groceries online through approved retailers.
Asset limit: Texas sets the SNAP resource limit at $5,000 for all households. For households with a member age 60 or older or with a disability that did not meet the gross income test, the asset limit is $4,500. Your home does not count as a resource.
How Much Does Texas TANF Pay?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides monthly cash to families with children ages 18 and younger. Texas TANF income limits are among the lowest in the country.
TANF Maximum Monthly Income Limits
| Family Size | 1-Parent Home | 2-Parent Home |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $163 | $125 |
| 3 | $188 | $206 |
| 4 | $226 | $231 |
| 5 | $251 | $268 |
TANF Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts
| Family Size | 1-Parent Home | 2-Parent Home |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $331 | $253 |
| 3 | $382 | $418 |
| 4 | $459 | $470 |
| 5 | $510 | $545 |
To receive TANF, the parent or caretaker must agree to participate in job training or job search activities, follow child support rules, and meet other program requirements.
Who Qualifies for WIC in Texas?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food packages, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals. WIC is available to:
- Pregnant women
- Women who recently gave birth (up to 6 months postpartum, or 12 months if breastfeeding)
- Infants up to age 1
- Children ages 1 through 4
The WIC income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four, that is roughly $5,005 per month (check with your local WIC clinic for the most current figures). If you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you automatically meet the income requirement for WIC.
Contact the Texas WIC hotline at 1-800-942-3678 to find your nearest clinic.
How Does CEAP (Texas LIHEAP) Work?
Texas calls its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). CEAP helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills.
Who qualifies: Households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Priority goes to elderly residents, people with disabilities, and families with children under 6.
What it covers:
- Help with past-due electric or gas bills
- Assistance paying current utility bills
- Weatherization services in some cases
CEAP is administered through local community action agencies. Funding is limited and varies by region, so apply as early as possible when enrollment opens. Contact 2-1-1 (Texas Health and Human Services helpline) to find your local CEAP provider.
What Tax Credits Can Texas Families Claim?
Two federal tax credits provide significant financial help to working Texas families. Neither requires you to owe taxes to receive a refund.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC is a refundable tax credit for workers with low to moderate income. For the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), the maximum credit amounts are approximately:
- No children: up to $632
- 1 child: up to $4,213
- 2 children: up to $6,960
- 3 or more children: up to $7,830
You must have earned income from a job or self-employment to qualify. Income limits vary by filing status and number of children. Texas does not have a state EITC, but the federal credit is available to all qualifying Texas residents.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Families with children under 17 can claim up to $2,000 per qualifying child. Up to $1,700 of this is refundable (meaning you can receive it even if you owe no federal taxes). Income limits for the full credit are $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married couples filing jointly.
How Do I Apply for Texas Benefits?
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Use our free benefits screener to see which programs you may qualify for based on your household size, income, and situation.
Step 2: Gather your documents. You will typically need:
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements)
- Proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or ID)
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Bank statements (for programs with asset tests)
Step 3: Apply online or in person.
- Online: Visit YourTexasBenefits.com to apply for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF in one application.
- Phone: Call 2-1-1 for help finding local offices and navigating the process.
- In person: Visit your local HHSC office. Find locations at the YourTexasBenefits website.
- WIC: Apply separately at your local WIC clinic (call 1-800-942-3678 to locate one).
- Tax credits: File your federal tax return. Free filing is available at IRS Free File (irs.gov/freefile) or through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.
Step 4: Complete your interview. For SNAP and TANF, you will need to complete a phone or in-person interview with a caseworker.
Step 5: Track your application. Log in to YourTexasBenefits.com to check your application status and upload any requested documents.
Most applications are processed within 30 days. SNAP applications may be processed in as few as 7 days if you qualify for expedited benefits (for example, if your household has very low income and minimal resources).
What About SSI and SSDI in Texas?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash to people who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. The 2026 federal SSI payment is up to $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. Texas does not add a state supplement to SSI.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for workers who have paid into Social Security and become disabled. The average SSDI payment is approximately $1,500 per month, though individual amounts vary based on your work history.
Apply for both programs through the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What Is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service. Texas residents qualify if their household income is at or below 135% of FPL, or if they participate in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or other qualifying programs.
Apply through the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org or through a participating phone/internet provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple Texas benefits at the same time?
Yes. When you apply through YourTexasBenefits.com, a single application can determine your eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF simultaneously. WIC and LIHEAP (CEAP) require separate applications. You can also use our screener to check all programs at once before you apply.
What is the Texas Medicaid coverage gap?
The coverage gap affects adults ages 19 to 64 in Texas who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid (which has very low income limits for adults) but too little to qualify for ACA Marketplace premium subsidies (which generally start at 100% FPL). Because Texas has not expanded Medicaid, approximately 1.9 million adults fall into this gap with no affordable coverage option. Check HealthCare.gov for the latest information on available subsidies, as federal policy changes may affect eligibility.
How do I check my Lone Star Card balance?
You can check your SNAP balance on your Lone Star Card by calling 1-800-777-7328, logging in at YourTexasBenefits.com, or checking your last grocery store receipt.
Do undocumented immigrants qualify for Texas benefits?
Most federal benefit programs require U.S. citizenship or qualified immigration status. However, emergency Medicaid covers emergency medical care regardless of immigration status. U.S.-born children of undocumented parents may qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, and other programs based on the child's citizenship. WIC is available to eligible women and children regardless of immigration status.
When do Texas benefits renew?
Most benefits require periodic renewal (also called recertification). Medicaid and CHIP typically require annual renewal. SNAP certification periods vary from 6 to 12 months depending on your household circumstances. You will receive a renewal notice before your benefits expire. Respond promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.
Where can I get help applying for benefits in Texas?
- 2-1-1 Texas: Call or text 2-1-1 for referrals to local assistance programs and help with applications
- YourTexasBenefits.com: Online portal for most state benefit applications
- Local HHSC offices: In-person help with applications
- Community organizations: Many nonprofits and churches offer free application assistance
- Our free screener: Check your eligibility for all programs in minutes
Texas has one of the largest networks of assistance programs in the country, but navigating them can be overwhelming. Starting with a comprehensive eligibility check helps you identify every program you qualify for so you do not leave benefits on the table.
