The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known as SNAP benefits) are a federal assistance program designed to provide help to low-income individuals and families in affording nutritious food. These benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers, thereby promoting better nutrition and health among participants.
The SNAP benefits program operates under the auspices of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Now, every state has certain independence in the administration of the allotment. In Texas, for example, SNAP benefits are administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Does the HHSC accept or declines the SNAP benefits applications?
Yes, this state agency is responsible for processing applications, determining eligibility, and disbursing benefits to qualified households. To qualify for SNAP in Texas, applicants must meet specific income and resource criteria, as well as citizenship and residency requirements, which, in the case of Texas, applicants must reside within its territory. The HHSC evaluates applications and provides benefits based on household size, income level, and deductions for expenses.
Also, from time to time, you’re gonna be required to recertify your eligibility, in order to determine that you’re still needing the money to make ends meet and bring food to your household’s table. Every case is different and requires different periods of recertification. The officials will let you know how often you have to do this process to keep receiving your money.
Now, if you’re already a beneficiary, you must be expecting your allotments to arrive at your Lone Star Card, Texas’ own Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Here are the payment dates for the upcoming week, all the way to the Sunday:
- 00-03 and 54-57 : December 16, 2024
- 04-06 and 58-60: December 17, 2024
- 07-10 and 61-64: December 18, 2024
- 11-13 and 65-67: December 19, 2024
- 14-17 and 68-71: December 20, 2024
- 18-20 and 72-74 : December 21, 2024
For households that were certified for SNAP benefits after June 1, 2020, deposits will be made between December 16 and December 28, based on the last two digits of their Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. This structured schedule allows beneficiaries to better anticipate when they will receive their monthly assistance, thereby facilitating better financial planning.
Those who were certified before June 1, 2020, the dates are different: so far, they have already received their money since the delivery of the funds is distributed from the day 1st to the 15th.
How much could I receive in my Lone Star Card (EBT) in Texas?
The maximum SNAP benefits for 2025 are as follows, effective October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. These amounts apply for Texas and the rest of the 49 contiguous states and Washington DC:
- 1 member household: $292
- 2 members household: $536
- 3 members household: $768
- 4 members household: $975
- 5 members household: $1,158
- 6 members household: $1,390
- 7 members household: $1,536
- 8 members household: $1,756
These maximum increased from October 1, 2024, due to the cost of living adjustment (COLA), which for the fiscal year 2025 will be 2.5%, the lowest in the last four years.