In the state of Texas, as in the rest of the states of the Union (in addition to Washington DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands), benefits must be recertified from time to time so that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) system can verify that the beneficiary still qualifies.
The frequency with which one must be recertified for SNAP benefits varies according to each individual case and may depend on factors such as employment situation, income and family composition. Usually, recertification takes place every six to twelve months, but it may be more frequent in specific cases that require a more regular review of eligibility.
When Do I Have to Recertify My Texas SNAP Benefits?
To find out when it’s time to renew benefits from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, you don’t have to do anything in the first instance. What will happen first is that a notice will be sent to you by post or email if you have signed up to stop receiving paper notifications.
However, if you have any doubts, you can also access your account at YourTexasBenefits.com and click on “Select Details” of your case. If it is necessary to renew your benefits, you will see a “Yes” in the “Time to Renew” column. Even if your financial situation has not changed from the last time you were approved, you still have to recertify your food stamps benefits when the system indicates it.
During the renewal process, the system will inform you if there have been no changes in your status as a beneficiary. This ensures that your benefits remain valid and up-to-date according to your eligibility.
How Much Can I Receive From SNAP Benefits in Texas in 2024?
Most households applying for SNAP must have gross monthly income that is below certain limits set by the USDA. These limits vary depending on the size of the household and are updated annually. In addition to income, households must also have financial resources (such as bank accounts, property, etc.) below certain limits. However, some resources, such as the main home and vehicles, are generally not counted as resources available for SNAP.
For adults without disabilities or dependents, there are job requirements or participation in job training programs, unless they are exempt due to specific reasons. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens with lawful immigration status.
When applying for SNAP benefits, you’ll be required to provide (but not limited to) the next documents:
- Valid identification
- Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2 forms, etc.)
- Information about monthly expenses (rent, utilities, etc.)
- Statements of bank accounts and other financial resources
- Information about household members and their relationships
- Immigration status and corresponding documentation
In case of meeting all the requirements to obtain the maximum SNAP benefits, these are the amounts according to the size of the household:
- 1-person household: $291
- 2 people household: $535
- 3 people household: $766
- 4 people household: $973
- 5 people household: $1,155
- 6 people household: $1,386
- 7 people household: $1,532
- 8 people household: $1,751
- Each additional member: +$219
- Minimum allotment: $23
Each case is different and requires to be analyzed by your local SNAP office.
