People who are having trouble paying for food can get help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program makes sure that people can get the nutrients they need.
In Texas, SNAP food benefits are given out through a Lone Star card, which is also known as EBT in other parts of the country. This card can be used like a credit card at any SNAP-eligible store.
The SNAP program also has clear rules that say you can not use it to buy:
- Tobacco
- Alcoholic drinks
- Products or supplies that cannot be eaten or drunk
- Pay bills
- Buying hot meals or ready-made menus in restaurants
On the other hand, SNAP lets you buy fresh food, even online, or garden seeds so you can grow your own vegetables.
This program helps low-income families who qualify, including adults between the ages of 18 and 52 who do not have children. It lasts for three months every three years.
If the person works at least 20 hours a week or is in a job or training program, they may get more time on benefits.
It also goes for adults who do not have to work in order to get benefits, like disabled people or women who are pregnant.
People in Texas who live in households with only seniors (age 60 or older) or disabled people can get extra benefits through the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP).
This project makes applying for SNAP easier and gives members benefits for three years instead of six months.
For people between the ages of 16 and 59 who are eligible for SNAP benefits, they must follow a set of work rules in order to keep their benefits.
These include proof that the person is looking for work, is in training in a valid work program, and can not quit their job without a good reason if they already have one.
What are the SNAP payment dates in Texas?
In Texas, payment dates are set based on the last letter of your application, which is called the Eligibility Determination Group (EDG). These dates fall on the first 15 days of every month:
- EDG ending in 0: deposited on the 1st of the month
- EDG ending in 1: deposit on the 3rd of the month
- EDG ending in 2: deposited on the 5th of the month
- EDG with termination 3 is deposited on the 6th of the month
- EDG ending 4: deposited on the 7th of the month
- EDG ending in 5: deposited on the 9th of the month
- EDG ending in 6: deposited on the 11th of the month
- EDG ending in 7: deposited on the 12th of the month
- EDG ending in 8: deposited on the 13th of the month
- EDG ending in 9: deposited on the 15th of the month
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) tells users that the date is printed on their award letter (TF0001), which they can use to check the day they get their benefits.
