Texas serves more than 3 million SNAP recipients every month — the largest caseload of any state in the country. Benefits load onto the Texas Lone Star Card on a date between the 1st and 28th of each month based on your case number, and pay up to $975/month for a household of 4 when net income is zero.
Most households receive less than the maximum. Your actual benefit equals the maximum for your household size minus 30% of your net monthly income after all deductions.
Texas SNAP Benefit Amounts 2026
Texas uses the standard lower-48 benefit table. These are the maximum monthly amounts — actual benefits are reduced based on net income.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
| Each additional | +$218 |
| Minimum benefit (1–2 person household) | $24 |
Source: USDA FNS FY2026 SNAP Maximum Allotments, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
How Your Texas SNAP Benefit Is Calculated
Monthly benefit = Maximum allotment − (30% × net monthly income)
Texas example: A family of 4 in San Antonio with $900 in net monthly income after deductions:
- Maximum allotment: $975
- 30% × $900 = $270
- Monthly benefit: $975 − $270 = $705/month
A household with zero net income receives the full $975. The 20% earned income deduction and excess shelter deduction are the two most impactful ways Texas working families reduce their net income and increase their benefit.
Deductions That Raise Your Texas SNAP Benefit
| Deduction | FY2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard deduction (households 1–3) | $209/month |
| Standard deduction (household of 4) | $223/month |
| Standard deduction (household of 5) | $261/month |
| Standard deduction (household of 6+) | $299/month |
| Earned income deduction | 20% of gross wages |
| Excess shelter deduction | Rent + utilities over 50% of net income (capped at $744) |
| Standard Utility Allowance | Available for households paying heating or cooling separately |
| Dependent care deduction | Actual costs paid for work or training |
| Medical expense deduction | Out-of-pocket costs over $35/month, or $136 standard (elderly/disabled only) |
| Homeless shelter deduction | $198.99/month — no documentation required |
Texas shelter deduction context: Texas spans an enormous range of housing costs. Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth have seen among the fastest rent increases of any US cities over the past five years, while the Rio Grande Valley, West Texas, and East Texas rural areas remain considerably more affordable. The shelter deduction is especially powerful for Houston, Austin, and DFW metro households paying high rent.
Utility costs across Texas are significant too — summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from May through October, driving large electricity bills. If you pay your electricity separately, the Standard Utility Allowance meaningfully reduces your net income.
Elderly and disabled household members have no cap on the shelter deduction and can also use a flat $136 standard medical deduction if they have any verified medical expenses, rather than itemizing every expense.
Texas SNAP EBT Payment Dates 2026
Texas distributes Lone Star Card benefits based on the last digit of the primary household member’s Social Security number, spread across the month.
| Last Digit of Primary SSN | Benefit Deposit Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1st of the month |
| 2 | 2nd of the month |
| 3 | 3rd of the month |
| 4 | 4th of the month |
| 5 | 5th of the month |
| 6 | 6th of the month |
| 7 | 7th of the month |
| 8 | 8th of the month |
| 9 | 9th of the month |
| 0 | 10th of the month |
Note: Some sources report Texas schedules by case number rather than SSN digit, and the window may extend beyond the 10th for certain household types. Confirm your exact date by calling 2-1-1 or checking your approval notice.
Benefits credit between midnight and 6 AM on your assigned date. If that date falls on a weekend or state holiday, benefits typically load the previous business day.
For the full national payment calendar, see the SNAP payment schedule by state.
How to Check Your Texas Lone Star Card Balance
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Your Texas Benefits app | iOS and Android — balance, transaction history, benefit dates |
| Your Texas Benefits portal | yourtexasbenefits.com — full account management |
| Phone | Call 1-800-777-7328, available 24/7 |
| At the register | Balance prints on receipt after every transaction |
For step-by-step instructions, see how to check your SNAP balance in Texas.
Where to Use Your Texas Lone Star Card
In-store: Your Lone Star Card works at any USDA-authorized SNAP retailer across Texas and nationwide. Major Texas grocery chains include H-E-B (dominant statewide), Kroger, Walmart, Fiesta Mart, Aldi, Tom Thumb, and Randalls. In South Texas and border communities, Tiendas and independent Mexican grocery stores are also widely authorized.
Online — including H-E-B: Texas is one of only a handful of states where H-E-B accepts SNAP EBT for online grocery orders and curbside pickup — a notable advantage since H-E-B is the dominant grocery chain across most of the state. Texas EBT also works at Amazon Fresh, Walmart Grocery, and Instacart. Note: SNAP covers only eligible food items — delivery fees, tips, and non-food items must be paid separately.
Dollar stores: Dollar General and Family Dollar accept EBT at Texas locations for eligible food items.
Farmers markets: Many Texas farmers markets accept the Lone Star Card for fresh produce. Some participate in Double Up Food Bucks, matching your SNAP produce spending dollar-for-dollar.
Restaurants (RMP): Texas does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program — SNAP benefits cannot be used at fast food or restaurant locations anywhere in Texas, regardless of eligibility status.
Find a store: Use the SNAP retailer locator to find authorized retailers near you by ZIP code.
What You Can Buy With Texas SNAP Benefits
- Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, fish, and seafood
- Dairy — milk, cheese, eggs, butter, yogurt
- Bread, cereals, pasta, rice, and grains
- Packaged snacks, candy, and non-alcoholic beverages including soda
- Seeds and plants that produce food
- Protein powder (Nutrition Facts label required)
Texas food purchase restrictions: Texas has proposed legislation to restrict certain SNAP purchases, but as of 2026 no restriction is in effect. All federally approved food items remain purchasable with the Lone Star Card. Verify current status with HHSC if this has changed.
For the complete list, see SNAP-eligible foods.
Texas Lone Star Card Management
Activate your card: Call 1-800-777-7328 and follow prompts to set your PIN. For full instructions, see how to activate your EBT card.
Lost or stolen card: Call 1-800-777-7328 immediately. Your balance is protected and transfers to a replacement card. See how to report a stolen EBT card.
Important — stolen benefit replacement: Federal authority to reimburse SNAP benefits stolen through card skimming ended December 20, 2024. Texas HHSC strongly recommends locking your EBT card when not in use through the Your Texas Benefits app. Check your balance regularly — particularly before and after shopping — and report suspicious charges immediately by calling 1-800-777-7328.
Benefits didn’t reload: Check why SNAP benefits sometimes don’t reload.
Card not working: See common EBT card issues and fixes.
Other Benefits Your Texas Lone Star Card Unlocks
- Amazon Prime at $6.99/month — available to all EBT cardholders. See Amazon Prime EBT discount
- Free Lifeline phone — Texas SNAP qualifies you for a free phone and data plan
- H-E-B online grocery orders — Lone Star Card accepted for curbside pickup statewide
- Museums for All — reduced or free admission at participating Texas museums and cultural sites
See all Texas EBT discounts.
Texas SNAP and Other Programs That Stack
Medicaid: Texas has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Most working-age adults without disabilities do not qualify for Texas Medicaid, even if they receive SNAP. Children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities have separate Medicaid eligibility pathways. Check Texas Medicaid income limits for details.
WIC: Pregnant women and households with children under 5 may receive both SNAP and WIC simultaneously. Check Texas WIC income guidelines.
Summer EBT (SUN Bucks): Families with school-age children receive $120 per eligible child during summer. See Texas Summer EBT.
LIHEAP: Texas SNAP households may qualify for utility assistance through LIHEAP — especially valuable given the state’s extreme summer heat. See Texas LIHEAP.
Recertifying Your Texas SNAP Benefits
Most Texas households recertify every 6 months. HHSC will send a notice before your certification ends. Complete renewal through the Your Texas Benefits portal at yourtexasbenefits.com, by calling 2-1-1, or by visiting a local HHSC Benefits Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much SNAP will I get in Texas for a family of 4?
Up to $975/month if your net income is zero. Most working households receive less — your benefit equals $975 minus 30% of your net monthly income after deductions. A family of 4 with $900 in net income would receive $975 − $270 = $705/month.
When do Texas SNAP benefits load onto the Lone Star Card?
Between midnight and 6 AM on a date between the 1st and 10th of each month, based on the last digit of the primary household member’s Social Security number. Confirm your exact date with HHSC at 2-1-1 or on your approval notice.
Can I use my Texas Lone Star Card at H-E-B online?
Yes. H-E-B accepts Lone Star Card for online grocery orders and curbside pickup — Texas is one of very few states where the dominant regional grocery chain participates in SNAP online.
Does Texas have a Restaurant Meals Program?
No. Texas does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. SNAP benefits cannot be used at restaurants or fast food locations anywhere in Texas.
Does Texas have any food purchase restrictions on SNAP?
As of 2026, no. Texas has proposed legislation but no restriction is in effect. All federally approved food items remain purchasable.
What happens if my Lone Star Card is skimmed or stolen?
Call 1-800-777-7328 immediately to cancel and request a replacement card. Federal authority to reimburse stolen SNAP benefits ended December 20, 2024 — use the Your Texas Benefits app to lock your card when not in use and monitor your balance regularly.
Quick Reference: Texas SNAP Contacts
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Apply for SNAP | yourtexasbenefits.com or call 2-1-1 |
| Check Lone Star Card balance | 1-800-777-7328 or Your Texas Benefits app |
| Report lost/stolen card | 1-800-777-7328 |
| Emergency food assistance | Call 2-1-1 for local food banks and pantries |
| SNAP retailer locator | snapeligibilitycalculator.com/snap-retailer-locator/ |
Texas SNAP benefit amounts are set by the USDA and updated each October 1. Payment dates are assigned by Texas HHSC. Verify current benefit amounts and your payment date at yourtexasbenefits.com or by calling 2-1-1.