The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to more than 3.5 million residents in the state of Texas, which has one of the largest populations of food stamp recipients in the United States. These payments are intended to be used exclusively in nutritional food (hence the name of the program).
For the current fiscal year, September 2025, SNAP benefit distribution will be staggered between the 16th and 28th of the month. These dates are specifically for households that obtained their certification after June 1, 2020, which represent the majority of current cases.
The receipt date is determined solely by the last two digits of each household’s Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number.
How are SNAP benefits distributed in Texas?
The distribution system is designed to optimize the operational logistics of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and prevent overloading of the Lone Star Card system.
This Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card serves as the primary method for accessing funds. Funds are automatically deposited into the account linked to the card and are available for immediate use starting on the assigned date. SNAP benefits can be redeemed at a wide range of authorized establishments, including supermarkets and farmers markets, for the purchase of eligible food.
Eligible products cover essential categories such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, breads, and cereals. Federal regulations expressly exclude the purchase of alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medications, and any type of hot prepared food intended for immediate consumption.
The next SNAP benefit payment dates
For households certified after September 1, 2025, benefits are distributed between September 16 and 28, based on the last two digits of the Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. The schedule is detailed below:
- September 16: EDG ends in 00-03, and in 54-57
- September 17: EDG ends in 04-06, and in 58-60
- September 18: EDG ends in 07-10, and in 61-64
- September 19: EDG ends in 11-13, and in 65-67
- September 20: EDG ends in 14-17, and in 68-71
- September 21: EDG ends in 18-20, and in 72-74
- September 22: EDG ends in 21-24, and in 75-78
- September 23: EDG ends in 25-27, and in 79-81
- September 24: EDG ends in 28-31, and in 82-85
- September 25: EDG ends in 32-34, and in 86-88
- September 26: EDG ends in 35-38, and in 89-92
- September 27: EDG ends in 39-41, in 46-49, and in 93-95
- September 28: EDG ends in 42-45, in 50-53, and in 96-99
For households that received their certification before June 1, 2020, the distribution schedule is different. These beneficiaries receive their SNAP benefits in an earlier window, between September 1 and 15.
How long to wait for food stamps in Texas?
The total amount of financial assistance received by a household is called “allotment.” This allocation is calculated using a standardized formula. Households are expected to contribute approximately 30% of their own resources to food purchases.
Consequently, the monthly allocation is calculated by multiplying the household’s monthly net income by 0.3 and subtracting that figure from the maximum allocable amount corresponding to the household size.
The monthly maximum amounts for fiscal year 2025 are defined by household size. For one person, the maximum is $292; for two people, $536; for three, $768; for four, $975; for five, $1,158; for six, $1,390; for seven, $1,536; and for eight, $1,756. Each additional person increases the base amount by $220 for eight members. These funds are loaded onto the Lone Star Card, the Texas-specific name for the EBT card.
