The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Texas is set to provide eligible recipients with increased financial assistance, with some households receiving up to $1,756 on their Lone Star Card. The benefit adjustments come as part of the federal cost-of-living updates for 2024-2025, aimed at helping low-income families manage rising food costs.
Understanding the SNAP Payment Increase
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revises SNAP benefit amounts annually to align with inflation and the cost of food. Starting October 1, 2024, maximum SNAP benefits increased nationwide. In Texas, the highest amount a household can receive is now $1,756 for a family of eight, with each additional person adding $220 per month to the total benefit.
These adjustments ensure that families relying on SNAP can better afford groceries amid fluctuating economic conditions. Texas residents who qualify for SNAP will continue to receive these benefits through their Lone Star Card, which functions as a prepaid debit card for purchasing food items.
Texas SNAP Payment Schedule for March 2025
In Texas, SNAP payments are distributed in phases based on the last digit of a recipient’s Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. Below is the official schedule for when benefits will be loaded onto Lone Star Cards in March 2025:
- EDG ending in 0: March 1
- EDG ending in 1: March 3
- EDG ending in 2: March 5
- EDG ending in 3: March 6
- EDG ending in 4: March 7
- EDG ending in 5: March 9
- EDG ending in 6: March 11
- EDG ending in 7: March 12
- EDG ending in 8: March 13
- EDG ending in 9: March 15
For EDG numbers ending in double digits (e.g., 00, 11, 22), distribution dates extend from March 16 to March 28. Beneficiaries should monitor their Lone Star Card balance through Your Texas Benefits or the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Eligibility Requirements for Texas SNAP
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Texas, applicants must meet specific income and resource limits. These include:
- Gross Monthly Income Limit: Household income must not exceed 130% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL).
- Net Monthly Income Limit: After deductions, the household’s net income must be at or below 100% of the FPL.
- Asset Limit: Households without elderly or disabled members must have resources below $2,750 ($4,250 for households with elderly or disabled members).
The exact income limits vary based on household size. To check eligibility or apply for SNAP, visit the Texas Benefits Portal or call 2-1-1 for assistance.
How to Apply for SNAP in Texas
Texans can apply for SNAP benefits through the following methods:
- Online: Submit an application via Your Texas Benefits.
- In Person: Visit a Texas Health and Human Services office. Find locations here.
- Mail or Fax: Download an application from Texas HHS and send it via mail or fax.
Applicants should have essential documents ready, such as proof of income, residency, identity, and expenses.
Additional Considerations for SNAP Recipients
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must meet work requirements to continue receiving benefits.
- Reporting Changes: Any change in income, household size, or address must be reported to ensure the correct benefit amount.
- Expedited Benefits: Households in immediate need may qualify for SNAP within seven days of applying.
Conclusion
The Texas SNAP program continues to provide crucial food assistance to low-income families. The increased benefit amount and structured distribution schedule aim to help recipients maintain food security amid economic challenges. Texans eligible for SNAP should check their payment dates and ensure they comply with eligibility requirements.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for SKC News, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin