The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has announced new benefits for millions of Texas residents, ensuring they have access to nutritious food for themselves and their families. SNAP, regulated by the federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is managed at the state level to meet the specific needs of Texans. In Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission oversees the distribution of benefits.
Once applicants complete the registration process, their monthly SNAP benefits are uploaded to an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, known as the Lone Star Card in Texas. This card functions like a debit card, allowing recipients to purchase essential food items, including fruits, vegetables, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. However, the card cannot be used to purchase items like tobacco, alcohol, or pay off existing debts.
what can you buy with snap benefits?
With funds loaded onto the Lone Star Card, recipients can purchase various food items that help maintain a balanced diet, such as:
- Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.
- Protein sources like meat, fish, and eggs.
- Carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, rice, and pasta.
- Healthy fats like olive oil.
However, the SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy non-food items or prepared hot meals. This restriction ensures that the benefits are spent on necessary, nutritious food.
eligibility requirements and income limits
SNAP is available to low-income households and unemployed individuals who meet certain criteria. For example, those between 18 and 52 must fulfill work search requirements and adhere to time limits for receiving benefits. Pregnant women and disabled individuals are exempt from these requirements. The monthly income limit for a household of one person is $2,005, while a five-person household can earn up to $4,832. Households with more than five members are allowed an additional $707 in income per person.
Below are the amounts households can receive based on their size:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Income | SNAP Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,005 | $291 |
| 5 people | $4,832 | $1,115 |
| 8 people | N/A | $1,751 |
| Over 8 people | +$707 per person | +$219 per person |
when will texans receive their snap benefits this month?
To determine when payments will be made, beneficiaries should look at the last two digits of their Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. Below is the schedule for September based on these digits:
- EDG 00-03: Sunday, September 1.
- EDG 04-06: Monday, September 2.
- EDG 07-10: Tuesday, September 3.
- EDG 11-13: Wednesday, September 4.
- EDG 14-17: Thursday, September 5.
- EDG 18-20: Friday, September 6.
- EDG 21-24: Saturday, September 7.
- EDG 25-27: Sunday, September 8.
- EDG 28-31: Monday, September 9.
- EDG 32-34: Tuesday, September 10.
- EDG 35-38: Wednesday, September 11.
- EDG 39-41: Thursday, September 12.
- EDG 42-45: Friday, September 13.
- EDG 46-49: Saturday, September 14.
- EDG 50-53: Sunday, September 15.
- EDG 54-57: Monday, September 16.
- EDG 58-60: Tuesday, September 17.
- EDG 61-64: Wednesday, September 18.
- EDG 65-67: Thursday, September 19.
- EDG 68-71: Friday, September 20.
- EDG 72-74: Saturday, September 21.
- EDG 75-78: Sunday, September 22.
- EDG 79-81: Monday, September 23.
- EDG 82-85: Tuesday, September 24.
- EDG 86-88: Wednesday, September 25.
- EDG 89-92: Thursday, September 26.
- EDG 93-95: Friday, September 27.
- EDG 96-99: Saturday, September 28.
snap payment dates for other states
In addition to Texas, other states will also issue SNAP benefits in September. Here are some key dates:
| State | Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | September 4-23 |
| Alaska | September 1 |
| Arizona | September 1-13 |
| California | September 1-10 |
| Florida | September 1-28 |
SNAP benefits not only provide families with essential food items but also ease financial burdens during challenging times.
