Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Texas are distributed each month through the well-known Lone Star Card, the local name for the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. It works like a debit card and is used the same, passing it at grocery stores where they are accepted.
According to official Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) documentation, payments are made on a staggered schedule from the 1st to the 28th of each month, based on the last two digits of the Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number assigned to each household.
The last round of March SNAP benefits payments in Texas
Beneficiaries are separated into two large groups, depending on whether they were certified before or after June 1, 2020:
- Households that were certified before June 1, 2020 send benefits between the 1st and 15th of each month.
- The second group is households that were certified after June 1, 2020, send benefits between the 16th and 28th, based on the last two digits of their Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number.
We are already in the last days of the month of March 2025, and there are few groups that have not received their payments. This is the list of those who are pending to receive their deposits in the Lone Star Card:
- EDG ending at 75-78: March 22
- EDG ending at 79-81: March 23
- EDG ending at 82-85: March 24
- EDG ending at 86-88: March 25
- EDG ending at 89-92: March 26
- EDG ending at 93-95: March 27
- EDG ending at 96-99: March 28
Now, let’s talk about the maximum SNAP amounts you can expect. The US Department of Agriculture sets the amounts at the federal level, and they depend on many factors, including the size of the household in terms of number of people:
- Household size 1: $292
- Household size 2: $536
- Household size 3: $768
- Household size 4: $975
- Household size 5: $1,158
- Household size 6: $1,390
- Household size 7: $1,536
- Household size 8: $1,756
- Each additional person: $220
These values apply to the 49 contiguous states and the District Columbia, while for homes in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands the values are higher because, in these territories, the cost of living is much higher.
Discounts that only Texans have with SNAP benefits
Recipients of SNAP benefits in Texas access not only food, but also initiatives that expand their access to culture, technology and basic services. These benefits, managed through the Lone Star Card, include everything from incentives at farmers markets to discounts on cultural attractions and digital memberships.
SNAP benefits can be used at any authorized establishment that accepts EBT transactions. This includes supermarkets such as Walmart, H-E-B and convenience stores (among dozens of others), as well as registered farmers markets. Additionally, since 2021, the state allows online purchases on platforms such as Amazon and Walmart, facilitating access to food for people with reduced mobility or in remote areas.
Under federal regulations, eligible products include fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products and breads, excluding prepared foods, alcohol, or non-food items. The Lone Star Card is also compatible with state programs that offer additional benefits, such as discounts on internet services or reduced memberships.
Texas stands out for its participation in Double Up Food Bucks, a USDA-funded program that doubles the purchasing power of SNAP on fresh produce. For every dollar spent on fruits and vegetables, beneficiaries receive another dollar in bonuses, up to $40 a day. “This incentive not only improves families’ diets, but also strengthens local farmers,” explains a statement from the program.
Concrete examples include the Urban Harvest Farmers Market in Houston, where users report savings of up to $80 per month. In 2024, more than 50 markets in the state joined this initiative, according to data from the Texas Farmers’ Market Association. The bonuses obtained must be used the same day, encouraging planned purchases.
Museums, zoos and educational centers in Texas offer free or discounted admission when presenting the Lone Star Card. The Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin allows free admission for the holder and their companions, while the Houston Zoo reduces its admission from $19.95 to $8 per person.
At institutions like the Galveston Children’s Museum or the Discovery Place Interactive Museum in Texarkana, policies vary: some offer completely free, others 50% discounts. It is recommended to check specific requirements, as certain places require advance reservations or limit the number of annual visits.
Amazon Prime has a discount with the Lone Star Card
SNAP recipients qualify for Amazon Prime membership at 6.99 per month, a 53% discount. Additionally, the federal Lifeline program offers up to $30 per month on the internet and $100 for electronic devices.
In basic services, the Texas Public Service Commission provides electricity payment assistance to households with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line. “These supports are vital to avoid service cuts in times of extreme heat,” said a spokesperson for the entity in 2023.
