In the Lone Star State, from the urban sprawl of Houston to the wide-open spaces of West Texas, food costs can hit hard—especially with inflation and family budgets stretched thin. Whether you’re a single mom in Dallas, a veteran in San Antonio, or a rural family in Lubbock, the Texas SNAP application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—called the Lone Star Card program here—can provide vital support.
In 2025, SNAP aids over 3.5 million Texans with EBT cards for groceries, managed by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). With the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (signed July 4, 2025) ushering in $186 billion in federal cuts through 2034 and expanded work rules, applying now is essential.
This in-depth guide covers eligibility, income limits, required documents, and the Texas SNAP application process, tailored to Texas’s vast needs—like border support and hurricane relief. Ready to start? Estimate your benefits with the SNAP Eligibility Calculator.
Eligibility for the Texas SNAP Application
Before launching into the Texas SNAP application, let’s unpack who qualifies. SNAP isn’t limited to the unemployed—it’s for working families, students at UT Austin, and seniors in El Paso whose income fits federal guidelines. Texas follows USDA standards with state-specific rules, including categorical eligibility for TANF recipients.
Core Eligibility Factors
- Household Composition: Includes everyone living together and sharing meals—spouses, kids, or multi-generational households.
- Income Thresholds: Gross income (before deductions) must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for most, but 165% for elderly/disabled households. After deductions (like rent or childcare), net income can’t exceed 100% FPL.
- Asset Rules: No asset limit for most households under Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE). Elderly/disabled households over income limits must keep countable assets under $4,500 (homes and one car exempt).
- Citizenship and Residency: U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Texas.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18–52 must work or train 20 hours/week (80 hours/month)—or benefits cap at 3 months every 36. Exemptions: disability, pregnancy, child under 18 (Texas rule), or 50+.
Texas’s BBCE aligns with TANF, simplifying eligibility. The OBBBA extends ABAWD rules to age 64 and parents with kids 14+ by 2026, but 2025 rules remain. Overlap with Medicaid? Check Income for Medicaid Eligibility.
Texas SNAP Income Limits for 2025: Know Your Numbers
Texas’s SNAP income limits adjust annually for inflation (effective October 1, 2024–September 30, 2025), scaling with household size. Elderly/disabled households use 165% gross FPL.
Gross Income Limits (130% FPL for Most; 165% for Elderly/Disabled)
| Household Size | Annual Gross (130%) | Monthly Gross (130%) | Annual Gross (165%) | Monthly Gross (165%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19,720 | $1,644 | $25,065 | $2,089 |
| 2 | $26,738 | $2,229 | $33,972 | $2,831 |
| 3 | $33,856 | $2,822 | $42,879 | $3,573 |
| 4 | $40,974 | $3,415 | $51,786 | $4,316 |
| 5 | $48,092 | $4,008 | $60,693 | $5,058 |
| 6 | $55,210 | $4,601 | $69,600 | $5,800 |
| 7 | $62,328 | $5,194 | $78,507 | $6,542 |
| 8 | $69,446 | $5,787 | $87,414 | $7,285 |
| Each Additional | +$7,118 | +$593 | +$8,907 | +$742 |
Net Income Limits (100% FPL)
| Household Size | Annual Net Income | Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,182 | $1,266 |
| 2 | $20,572 | $1,715 |
| 3 | $25,962 | $2,164 |
| 4 | $31,352 | $2,613 |
| 5 | $36,742 | $3,062 |
| 6 | $42,132 | $3,511 |
| 7 | $47,522 | $3,960 |
| 8 | $52,912 | $4,410 |
| Each Additional | +$5,390 | +$449 |
Quick Math Tip: Deduct 20% of earned income, a standard allowance ($204–$291), shelter costs (up to $712 cap), and medical ($35+ for elderly/disabled) to get net income. For state-specific maximum benefits, see SNAP Benefits by State—like $292 for one person, up to $1,759 for eight. Curious about costs? See Is Medicaid Free?.
Essential Documents for Your Texas SNAP Application
Streamline your Texas SNAP application with these must-haves:
- Identification: Driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
- Income Verification: Pay stubs (30 days), W-2s, tax returns, SSI/unemployment letters.
- Residency Proof: Utility bill, lease, or mail with Texas address.
- Household Info: Names, ages, relationships, SSNs for meal-sharers.
- Expenses: Rent receipts, utility bills (include AC for Texas heat), childcare/medical costs.
- Assets (If Applicable): Bank/investment statements for elderly/disabled over income limits.
Digital uploads preferred; originals for in-person.
How to Apply for SNAP in Texas: Step by Step
HHSC targets 30-day processing (7 days expedited if income < $150/month, assets < $100). Here’s the roadmap:
Step 1: Pre-Screen Your Odds
Check eligibility at yourtexasbenefits.com or the SNAP Eligibility Calculator.
Step 2: Pick Your Path
- Online (Recommended): yourtexasbenefits.com. Create an account, fill digitally, upload—routed to your HHSC office.
- Mail/Fax: Download from hhs.texas.gov/forms. Send to your local office (list at hhs.texas.gov/locations).
- In-Person: Visit an HHSC office (Houston, Dallas, etc.) for hands-on help.
- Phone: Call 2-1-1 (Option 2) or 1-877-541-7905 for guidance.
Elderly/disabled? Use the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP) for 3-year certification.
Step 3: Fill and Submit
Detail household, income, expenses, assets. Sign it—e-sign or print.
Step 4: Interview Time
Phone or in-person within 30 days to verify details. Have docs ready.
Step 5: Decision Awaits
- Approved: Lone Star EBT card mails in 7–30 days; set PIN and shop.
- Denied: Appeal notice—challenge in 90 days (benefits during).
- Expedited: 7-day fast track for urgent needs.
Step 6: Activate and Track
Monthly loads (case-based). Check balance at yourtexasbenefits.com or 1-800-777-7328. Renew yearly; report changes in 10 days.
Pro Tips for a Seamless Texas SNAP Application
- Texas Heat Deduction: Include high AC utility bills—they qualify for shelter deductions.
- Border and Rural Aid: HHSC partners with border counties for streamlined apps and D-SNAP after disasters.
- Help Hotlines: Feeding Texas (512-328-5129) or HHSC chat support.
- OBBBA Prep: Work rules expand in 2026—track hours if ABAWD.
- Lone Star Perks: Use SNAP for H-E-B online shopping with curbside pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Texas SNAP Application
What is the Texas SNAP asset limit?
The Texas SNAP application has no asset limit for most households under Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), making it easier for families with savings. However, if your household is all elderly (60+) or disabled and gross income exceeds 165% FPL ($2,089/month for one), countable assets like cash or stocks must be under $4,500—homes, one vehicle, and retirement accounts are exempt.
Can I apply for SNAP in Texas if I receive Social Security?
Yes, Social Security counts as income, but you can still apply for SNAP in Texas if your total income meets the 130% FPL limit. Include SSI or SSDI award letters with your application at yourtexasbenefits.com. Deductions for rent or utilities often help seniors qualify—call 2-1-1 for guidance on reporting fixed incomes.
How does the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP) work?
TSAP simplifies the Texas SNAP application for households where all members are 60+ or disabled, allowing 3 years of benefits at once instead of 6 months. Apply at yourtexasbenefits.com and note TSAP eligibility for easier recertification and no asset test if income is under 165% FPL—ideal for seniors in retirement communities.
Where can I use my Texas SNAP EBT card?
Texas SNAP EBT cards are accepted at over 250,000 retailers, including H-E-B, Walmart, and Aldi. Online options include Amazon and Walmart pickup. For fresh produce, use Double Up Food Bucks at Dallas Farmers Market—check hhs.texas.gov for locations, especially useful in food deserts like South Texas.
What should I do if I need help with my Texas SNAP application?
Free assistance for the Texas SNAP application is available through HHSC’s 2-1-1 hotline (Option 2), local offices, or partners like Feeding Texas. They can review documents, explain deductions for high AC costs, or help with appeals—essential for non-English speakers or rural Texans far from offices.
Final Thoughts: Take the First Step Today
The Texas SNAP application is your accessible route to food stability—eligibility at 130% gross FPL (165% for elderly/disabled), docs like ID/pay stubs, and apply via yourtexasbenefits.com or HHSC offices. With OBBBA cuts looming, seize the moment. Plug your numbers into the SNAP Eligibility Calculator for a quick estimate, dive deeper on how to apply for SNAP benefits, or keep tabs on your EBT with how to check SNAP balance. Reach HHSC at 2-1-1 or hhs.texas.gov. Fuel up, Texas—you deserve it.