Texas Food Stamps (SNAP): 2026 Guide to Eligibility, Benefits & EBT
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), historically known as food stamps, helps Texans with low income buy the food they need for good health. In Texas, SNAP is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), with federal funding and rules set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. Benefits are delivered each month on a Lone Star Card, which works like a debit card at authorized stores.
How SNAP Works in Texas
SNAP is an entitlement program: anyone who applies and meets the income, resource, and household requirements can receive benefits. After you apply through HHSC, the agency reviews your household’s income and expenses, conducts an interview, and determines whether you qualify and for how much. If approved, your monthly benefit amount is loaded onto your Lone Star Card automatically each month and can be spent on eligible groceries.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility depends on your household size, countable income, certain expenses, and whether members meet citizenship/immigration and work requirements. A “household” generally includes everyone who lives together and buys and prepares food together. Most Texas residents who meet the income tests can qualify, including working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals.
Income Limits
SNAP applies two income tests in most cases. The gross income test compares your household’s total income before deductions against 130% of the federal poverty level. The net income test compares income after allowable deductions (such as the standard deduction, a portion of earned income, dependent care, certain medical costs for elderly or disabled members, and excess shelter costs) against 100% of the poverty level. Households with an elderly (age 60+) or disabled member generally only need to meet the net income test. The limits below apply October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
Table 1: SNAP Income Eligibility Limits — Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026 (48 contiguous states & D.C.)
| Household Size | Gross monthly income (130% of poverty) | Net monthly income (100% of poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $2,680 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $3,596 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $4,055 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $4,513 |
| Each additional member | +$596 | +$459 |
Resource & Asset Limits
In addition to income, SNAP looks at countable resources such as cash and money in bank accounts. Under federal rules, households without an elderly or disabled member may have up to $3,000 in countable resources, while households with a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability may have up to $4,500 (these federal limits are adjusted periodically). Many assets are not counted, including your home, retirement and certain education accounts, and most household goods. The treatment of vehicles can vary, so report what you own and let HHSC make the determination.
Work Requirements (ABAWD)
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) may face a time limit on benefits unless they meet a work requirement, generally working or participating in an approved work or training activity for at least 80 hours per month. Without meeting this requirement, ABAWDs can typically receive only three months of SNAP in a three-year period. Exemptions apply for those who are unable to work, pregnant, caring for a child or incapacitated person, or living in an area covered by a waiver. Texas may operate employment and training services to help recipients meet these requirements.
How Much You Can Get (Benefit Amounts)
Your benefit is based on household size and net income. SNAP assumes a household will spend about 30% of its net income on food, so the program subtracts 30% of net income from the maximum allotment for your household size. Households with very low or no net income may receive the maximum amount, while those with higher income receive less. The maximum monthly allotments below apply October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
Table 2: Maximum Monthly SNAP Allotment — Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026 (48 contiguous states & D.C.)
| Household Size | Maximum monthly allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
| Each additional member | +$218 |
How to Apply in Texas
Ways to Apply
- Online: Apply at the official state portal, YourTexasBenefits.com (https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com), Texas HHSC’s secure system for applying for and managing benefits.
- Mobile app: Use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to apply, upload documents, and check your case.
- By phone: Call 2-1-1 (or 1-877-541-7905) and select your language, then option 2, for help with your benefits case and application.
- In person: Visit a local HHSC benefits office; office locations can be found through YourTexasBenefits.com or by calling 2-1-1.
- By mail or fax: Request a paper application, then mail or fax the completed form to HHSC using the address or fax number provided with your application.
Documents You’ll Need
Have the following ready to verify your situation: proof of identity (such as a driver license or ID), Social Security numbers for household members applying, proof of Texas residency, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters), and proof of certain expenses (rent or mortgage, utilities, child or dependent care, and medical costs for elderly or disabled members). Non-citizens may need to provide immigration documentation.
The Eligibility Interview
Most applicants must complete an interview, usually by phone, with an HHSC worker who reviews your application and verifies details. Have your documents on hand during the call. If you miss the scheduled interview, contact HHSC promptly to reschedule so your application is not delayed or denied.
Expedited (Emergency) SNAP
If your household has very little or no income and limited resources, or your housing costs exceed your income and available money, you may qualify for expedited SNAP and receive benefits within a few days of applying. You still must complete the interview and provide verification, but emergency processing speeds up initial benefits.
Using Your Lone Star (EBT) Card
Texas delivers SNAP benefits on the Lone Star Card, the state’s EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card. Activate the card and set a confidential Personal Identification Number (PIN) before use. Swipe the card and enter your PIN at any store that accepts SNAP to buy eligible foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and seeds or plants that produce food. SNAP cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, vitamins, or non-food items. Keep your PIN secret to protect your benefits. If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call the Lone Star Card Help Desk at 1-800-777-7328 right away to deactivate it and request a replacement.
Reporting Changes & Recertification
SNAP benefits are approved for a set certification period. Most households in Texas must complete a periodic report and, before the period ends, recertify to keep receiving benefits. You must report certain changes, such as when your household’s income rises above the applicable limit. Report changes through YourTexasBenefits.com, the mobile app, or by calling 2-1-1 (option 2). Keeping your information current helps you avoid overpayments and gaps in benefits.
Appeals & Fair Hearings
If your application is denied or your benefits are reduced or stopped and you disagree, you have the right to request a fair hearing. The notice you receive explains the decision and the deadline to appeal (generally within 90 days). You may represent yourself or have someone, such as a relative, friend, advocate, or attorney, represent you. At the hearing, you can present documents and explain why you believe the decision was wrong. Benefits may continue during an appeal in some circumstances if you request the hearing in time.
Other Food Assistance in Texas
Beyond SNAP, Texans can find additional food help through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the network of Feeding Texas food banks and local food pantries, the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, and summer meal programs for children. SNAP-Ed nutrition education and the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP), which streamlines SNAP for some senior and disabled households, are also available through HHSC. Calling 2-1-1 Texas can connect you to local food and assistance resources.
Texas SNAP Contact Information
- Administering agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
- Apply / manage benefits online: YourTexasBenefits.com — https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com
- Benefits case & application help: 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905 (select a language, then option 2)
- Lone Star Card Help Desk (lost/stolen card, balance, PIN): 1-800-777-7328
- Agency website: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the food stamp program called in Texas? It is officially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Benefits are issued on the Lone Star Card and administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Where do I apply for SNAP in Texas? Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app, by phone at 2-1-1, or in person at a local HHSC benefits office.
How long does it take to get benefits? Standard applications are generally processed within 30 days. Households with urgent need may qualify for expedited SNAP and receive benefits within a few days.
How do I check my Lone Star Card balance? Check your balance on YourTexasBenefits.com, the mobile app, your last store receipt, or by calling the Lone Star Card Help Desk at 1-800-777-7328.
What can I buy with SNAP? You can buy most food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and seeds or plants that produce food. You cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, vitamins, or non-food items.
Do I have to work to get SNAP? Some able-bodied adults without dependents must meet work requirements to keep benefits beyond a time limit, but many people are exempt, including children, seniors, those who are pregnant, and people with disabilities.