The second week of January marks the continuation of the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments in Texas, one of the states with the most beneficiaries in the entire United States. This program, also known as Food Stamps, is a federal government initiative designed to help people purchase healthy foods and maintain adequate nutrition.
The administration of the program is in charge of the United States Department of Agriculture, but each state has the power to manage it with a certain “customization”, we can put it that way, based on the requirements that each state has for its populations.
In Texas, the program is managed by the government organization Texas Health and Human Services, which distributes benefits through the Lone Star Card, which is the name given to the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) at the state level.
SNAP — Lone Star Card and Monthly Allowances
As previously stated, the eligible beneficiaries will receive their monthly benefits on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, known in Texas as a Lone Star Card. This card works similarly to a debit or credit card, allowing cardholders to make necessary grocery purchases.
With the Lone Star Card, recipients can purchase essential foods such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables. However, products such as hot foods are excluded, as is the purchase of tobacco, alcohol, and the use of these funds for other services or bills.
Eligibility and Maximum Benefit Amounts
Low-income households and unemployed individuals are eligible to apply for SNAP benefits. However, there are specific conditions for those between 18 and 52 years old. These conditions include temporary restrictions on the duration of benefits and job search requirements. However, these conditions do not apply to pregnant women or people with disabilities.
The maximum payments for SNAP benefits in the state of Texas, depending on the number of people in the household, are as follows (valid until September 30, 2025):
- 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
In Texas, payments are distributed between the 1st and 28th of each month. The next payments to expect this week are as follows (grouped by the EDG number of each beneficiary’s case):
- EDG #4: January 7
- EDG #5: January 9
- EDG #6: January 11
- EDG #7: January 12
- EDG #8: January 13
- EDG #9: January 15
For those SNAP recipients who have not received their payments on time, first, you should stay calm and remember that there may be a variety of reasons for any delay. Program administration continually works to ensure that all payments are made efficiently. If you still have not received your benefit on the expected date, there are steps you can take to resolve the situation.
First, we recommend that you review your Lone Star Card account statement to verify if funds have been deposited. You can also check to see if your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number has affected your payment date.
If after this review you still have not received your payment, it is best to contact the Texas Department of Health and Human Services directly. You can call the customer service hotline at 1-877-541-7905. Trained staff are available to help you research your benefit status and resolve any issues that may have arisen.
