The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), widely known as food stamps, plays a crucial role in supporting low-income individuals and families by providing access to nutritious food. Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), SNAP benefits allow participants to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers, promoting better health and nutrition among beneficiaries.
In Texas, the responsibility of administering these benefits falls to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), a state agency that evaluates applications, determines eligibility and distributes assistance to qualifying households.
How HHSC Handles SNAP Applications
The HHSC serves as the gatekeeper for Texas’ SNAP program, overseeing application processing, eligibility review, and benefit distribution. To qualify for SNAP in Texas, applicants must meet a series of requirements, including:
Income and Resource Limits: Applicants must demonstrate limited income and resources to be eligible for assistance.
Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must reside in Texas and meet specific citizenship criteria.
HHSC evaluates applications based on household size, income level, and eligible deductions for expenses. Additionally, beneficiaries must periodically recertify their eligibility to maintain their SNAP benefits. The HHSC will notify recipients of their recertification schedules to ensure they continue to qualify.
How Texans Receive Their SNAP Benefits
Texas uses the Lone Star Card, its state’s version of the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, to distribute SNAP benefits. These cards function like debit cards and can be used to purchase food at authorized grocery stores and other retailers.
For the week ahead, SNAP benefit deposits will follow a structured schedule, which provides predictability for beneficiaries. Here are the payment dates for the upcoming week:
- December 16, 2024: 00-03 and 54-57
- December 17, 2024: 04-06 and 58-60
- December 18, 2024: 07-10 and 61-64
- December 19, 2024: 11-13 and 65-67
- December 20, 2024: 14-17 and 68-71
- December 21, 2024: 18-20 and 72-74
For households that were certified for SNAP benefits after June 1, 2020, deposits will be made between December 16 and December 28, based on the last two digits in their Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. This structured approach allows beneficiaries to better plan their finances by knowing when their assistance will arrive.
However, households that were certified before June 1, 2020, receive their monthly benefits from the 1st to the 15th of the month.
How Much Will Texas SNAP Recipients Receive in 2025?
The maximum monthly SNAP allotments in Texas and other U.S. states will increase beginning October 1, 2024, due to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) — the lowest adjustment seen in the last four years. These amounts are as follows:
- Household of 1: $292/month
- Household of 2: $536/month
- Household of 3: $768/month
- Household of 4: $975/month
- Household of 5: $1,158/month
- Household of 6: $1,390/month
- Household of 7: $1,536/month
- Household of 8: $1,756/month
Each additional household member beyond eight adds $220 to the monthly benefits. These increases are intended to align SNAP benefits with rising costs and the financial pressures faced by low-income families.
Preparing for SNAP Changes
Understanding your eligibility, payment dates, and maximum benefit amounts can ensure that you’re better prepared for financial planning. Whether you’re applying for the first time, recertifying, or experiencing changes to your benefits, the HHSC offers multiple channels to ensure assistance is accessible.
For assistance, visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s website or contact their helpline directly. The Lone Star Card offers a seamless way for eligible families to access benefits and address food insecurity challenges during difficult financial times.
With the upcoming COLA and structured payment dates, Texas SNAP recipients can plan and focus on meeting their nutritional needs while managing their resources effectively.
