Although you might remember it better as the old food stamps, the truth is SNAP has evolved quite a bit these days. Now it not only serves to buy basic foods, but also allows you to purchase seeds or plants to start your own garden. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
The program, managed nationally by the USDA, has an interesting feature: each state adapts it to the needs of its population. In Texas, it’s overseen by Texas Health and Human Services, which adjusts the benefits and requirements for local families.
How does SNAP work?
Okay, first things first: once your application is approved, you’ll receive your benefits each month on a card called the Lone Star Card. It works like a debit card, and you can use it in supermarkets and authorized stores. However, there are a couple of things you can’t buy with it, so here’s a quick breakdown to avoid any surprises:
What’s allowed
- Essential foods like rice, milk, fruits, vegetables, meats, etc.
- Edible seeds and plants to grow at home.
What’s not allowed
- Alcohol, tobacco, or non-food products like detergent or toilet paper.
- Services or pending bills.
It’s important to know these rules because, although they might seem obvious, more than one person has been disappointed when trying to pay for something that’s not allowed.
Who can access SNAP?
The program is primarily aimed at families with low incomes, but unemployed individuals who meet certain requirements can also benefit. Now, if you’re between 18 and 52 years old, the rules change a bit: you’ll need to prove that you’re looking for work or participating in training programs. On the other hand, these conditions don’t apply if you’re pregnant or have a disability.
And what about income? Here’s an approximate guide to help you know if you might qualify:
- A single person cannot earn more than $2,005 per month.
- A family of five has a limit of $4,832 per month.
- If your household has more than five members, you can add $707 for each additional member.
As for how much you could receive, the amounts vary depending on the size of your family:
- A single person receives $291 per month.
- A family of five can receive $1,115 per month.
- If your household has eight people, the support increases to $1,751 per month, and an extra $219 is added for each additional person.
Payment dates in Texas for December
Were you approved for assistance? Great. Then you’ll surely want to know when the money will arrive. The date depends on the EDG number (Eligibility Determination Group) that appears in your official documents. Here’s the schedule for this week in December:
- EDG numbers 58-60: December 17.
- EDG numbers 61-64: December 18.
- EDG numbers 65-67: December 19.
- EDG numbers 68-71: December 20.
- EDG numbers 72-74: December 21.
- EDG numbers 75-78: December 22.
Check your EDG number carefully to know exactly which day you can expect your deposit.
A necessary support for many families
Programs such as SNAP provide assistance when it’s most needed. And it’s not just financial help, but also an opportunity to prioritize healthy foods or even start a small garden at home, if that’s your thing.
If you haven’t applied for this assistance yet and think you meet the requirements, do it as soon as possible. A little extra support is always helpful, especially when it comes to something as important as food. And if you’re already part of the program, make sure to use it wisely so every dollar stretches as far as possible.
Having the necessary tools to take care of yourself and your loved ones is ultimately what matters. And, who knows, maybe you’ll even find in this an opportunity to explore new ways to save or improve your diet. Don’t you believe it adds up?
