The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as you could have heard by today, is a federal nutrition assistance program. It is administered in Texas by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The Lone Star State has one of the largest populations of SNAP recipients, along with states like California, or Florida.
Food stamps funds are distributed to recipients through an electronic debit card called the Lone Star Card (you see what they did there with the nickname?) Every month, 3.6 million Texans will get their payments, that could be as high as $1,756 for families of 8 members.
August’s SNAP schedule in TX is about to finish
The SNAP schedule in Texas spans from the day 1 to the day 28 of every month. The specific deposit date is determined by the last two digits of the Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number assigned to each household.
This number appears on official HHSC documentation and is accessible through your account on the YourTexasBenefits.com portal. Since we’re entering the last days of August, the end of this month’s SNAP schedule is looming large:
The disbursement sequence for the last period of the month is structured as follows:
- August 22: EDGs ending in #76-80
- August 23: EDGs ending in #81-85
- August 24: EDGs ending in #86-90
- August 25: EDGs ending in #91-95
- August 26: EDGs ending in #96-99
- August 27: EDGs ending in #00-03
- August 28: EDGs ending in #04-08
To confirm the exact receipt date or resolve discrepancies, beneficiaries can contact HHSC. You can get in touch with the agency by dialing at 2-1-1 to confirm the scheduling of any deposit. The available balance can be checked at any time through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app or by calling 1-800-777-7328.
The maximum assistance amounts for fiscal year 2025 have been established. These amounts are based on the USDA Thrifty Food Plan cost-of-living adjustments, effective October 1, 2024. The maximum monthly amounts for the contiguous states, including Texas, are as follows for each household size.
Maximum SNAP allotments in Texas
It should be noted that these represent maximum amounts. The actual cash benefit a household receives is calculated using a federal formula. This calculation considers the household’s net income after applying allowable deductions.
These deductions may include housing, childcare, or medical costs. Actual benefits depend on the household’s net income. The calculation is made by subtracting 30% of the household’s net income from the maximum amount corresponding to its size:
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,158
- 6 people: $1,390
- 7 people: $1,536
- 8 people: $1,756
- Each additional person: +$220
SNAP eligibility and application process
Eligibility for the SNAP program is not universal. It is determined primarily based on a household’s gross and net income, which must be at or below specific thresholds defined as percentages of the federal poverty level. Available resources, such as cash or bank accounts, are also assessed.
The application process can be initiated through several channels. The online option through YourTexasBenefits.com is considered the most expeditious method. Alternatively, you can apply by phone by calling 2-1-1 or in person at a local HHSC office.
After submitting the application, the agency schedules an interview, usually by phone, to review the information and verify supporting documentation.
Once the application is approved, benefits are deposited monthly into the Lone Star Card. Use of the card is restricted to the purchase of specific food items. Products such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, breads, and cereals can be purchased. “Seeds and plants for growing food” are also among the permitted items.
Restrictions for your SNAP EBT card
There is a defined list of products that cannot be purchased with SNAP funds. This list categorically includes any type of alcoholic beverage, tobacco products, and all non-food items. Non-food items (household items, soap, toilet paper, pet supplies, etc.) are not eligible for purchase.
Medicines, vitamins, and, as a general rule, prepared hot foods are also not allowed: using your card to purchase any of these products may cause the termination of the allotment.
On the other side, your card could and should be used, exclusively, to purchase nutritious fresh or preserved food for every member of the household, covered by the allotments.
