In the state of Texas, the distribution of SNAP benefits, through EBT cards, is handled by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). This state agency receives the funds from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and delivers them to the thousands of beneficiary families to keep them away from the risk of suffering hunger.
In the Lone Star State, the EBT card lives up to that affectionate nickname, which in turn alludes to its flag: the EBT Lone Star Card. By that means, the payments are distributed between the 2nd and the 28th of each month, and the deposits for the month of May 2024 have already been approved.
It is always pertinent to remind users of the food stamp program that these funds do not necessarily represent cash: they can only be used at USDA- and state-authorized stores, and approved food products can be purchased. The spirit of the SNAP benefits system has remained intact since its foundation: it is designed to eliminate hunger in America, and that’s why there are a number of products that are prohibited.
You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, fresh bread and other fresh products are eligible to purchase with SNAP benefits. You can also buy canned foods such as legumes, cereals, canned soups, frozen foods such as vegetables and unsweetened fruits are also allowed. Grain-based products such as breads, whole grains and other related products are also allowed, as well as specialized children’s foods, and finally, non-alcoholic beverages.
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco and related products such as cigarettes, household and cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products such as cosmetics and perfumes, or pet food or other animal products.
May SNAP Benefits: EBT Deposit Schedule Approved in Texas
The issuance days based on the last two digits of the SNAP Eligibility Determination Group (EDG), the same number that is assigned to those families and individuals receiving TANF benefits and healthcare assistance:
- 00-03: May 1
- 04-06: May 2
- 07-10: May 3
- 11-13: May 4
- 14-17: May 5
- 18-20: May 6
- 21-24: May 7
- 25-27: May 8
- 28-31: May 9
- 32-34: May 10
- 35-38: May 11
- 39-41: May 12
- 42-45: May 13
- 46-49: May 14
- 50-53: May 15
- 54-57: May 16
- 58-60: May 17
- 61-64: May 18
- 65-67: May 19
- 68-71: May 20
- 72-74: May 21
- 75-78: May 22
- 79-81: May 23
- 82-85: May 24
- 86-88: May 25
- 89-92: May 26
- 93-95: May 27
- 96-99: May 28
Maximum allocations to SNAP beneficiaries in Texas
The state of Texas must follow federal SNAP benefit guidelines, and that includes distributing the maximum amounts to those applicants who qualify. For example, for a single person applying for SNAP and qualifying for the maximum allowed by the system, they can receive up to $291 per month, while a family of 4 people can claim up to $973.
The amounts gradually increase as the number of people in the household increases: for a family group of 8 people, the maximum allowance is $1,751, and each additional person after that number can receive up to $219 monthly.
Take a look at the following chart to find the correct value, according to your household’s size:
| How many members? | Monthly SNAP amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| For each additional person, add: | $219 |
