The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed a new round of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits) payments this week for eligible households in Texas. Those who have completed their applications and meet all requirements will receive $766 on their EBT cards in the coming days. It is important to note that the amount varies depending on household size, with a maximum of $1,751 for households of eight members.
Distribution of SNAP Payments in Texas
Each month, approximately 3.4 million Texans benefit from the SNAP program. The state of Texas generally has a 30-day approval period for SNAP benefits applications. Beneficiaries can use the funds to purchase fresh produce, meats, and dairy products. However, benefits cannot be used to buy non-food items such as alcohol, cigarettes, or gasoline.
In Texas, SNAP benefits are distributed gradually from the first to the end of the month, based on each household’s Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. This week, households with EDG numbers between 68 and 92 will receive their payments according to the following schedule:
| Case Number | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 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 |
What’s the Impact of the SNAP Program in Texas?
For many Texans, expenses related to housing, utilities, transportation, and childcare can leave little room for purchasing nutritious foods. The SNAP program is crucial in ensuring that hundreds of thousands of families have access to healthy foods. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) administers this program in the state.
There are around 3.4 million Texans receiving SNAP benefits as of May 2024, all of them families in need that struggle to make ends meet every mont.
SNAP Eligibility and Requirements
The SNAP program is federally funded and designed to help low-income families, seniors, and single adults purchase healthy foods. Applicants must be Texas residents and apply in the county where they live. Eligibility is determined according to several criteria set by the USDA, which include:
- Residency
- Citizenship
- Employment services
- Resources
- Income
- Social Security Numbers (SSN)
Additionally, there is a work requirement for individuals between the ages of 18 and 50.
How Much Can a Texan Household Get in Food Stamps?
SNAP benefits vary according to the number of people in the household. For a single-person household, the maximum benefit is $291, while for a household of eight members, the maximum amount is $1,751. Below are the approved amounts based on household size:
- Single person: $291
- Two people: $535
- Three people: $766
- Four people: $973
- Five people: $1,155
- Six people: $1,386
- Seven people: $1,532
- Eight people: $1,751
