Texas serves more than 3 million SNAP recipients each month — the largest SNAP caseload of any state. If you’re wondering whether your household qualifies, this guide covers everything you need to know about Texas SNAP eligibility in 2026.
Benefits are issued via the Texas Lone Star Card — Texas’s branded EBT card — accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and H-E-B.
Not sure if you qualify? Use our Texas SNAP Eligibility Calculator for an instant estimate based on your household size and income — no personal data stored.
What Makes Texas SNAP Eligibility Different From Other States
Texas operates SNAP with several features that distinguish it as the nation’s largest SNAP state:
200% FPL BBCE — no asset test for most households. Texas uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) at 200% of the federal poverty level with no asset limit for most households. This puts Texas among the most accessible SNAP states nationally, significantly more permissive than the federal 130% FPL floor.
Texas Lone Star Card. Texas issues SNAP benefits on the Texas Lone Star Card — one of the most recognized state EBT brands nationally. Benefits can be tracked via the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
H-E-B online grocery acceptance. Texas is one of the few states where H-E-B — the dominant Texas grocery chain — accepts SNAP EBT for online grocery orders and curbside pickup. This is in addition to Amazon and Walmart online acceptance.
Your Texas Benefits portal. Texas uses the Your Texas Benefits portal and mobile app for applications and benefit management — one of the more feature-rich state portals nationally.
No county government — HHSC administers statewide. Texas has no county-level social services offices. SNAP is administered directly by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) through regional offices. The primary application and customer service number is 2-1-1.
Food restriction legislation pending. Texas has proposed legislation to restrict certain SNAP purchases. As of 2026, no restriction is in effect — all federally approved SNAP items remain purchasable. Verify current status with HHSC.
Texas SNAP is administered by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), reachable by calling 2-1-1 (the primary Texas benefits number) or visiting yourtexasbenefits.com.
Who Is Eligible for Texas SNAP Benefits?
To qualify for SNAP in Texas, your household must meet the following:
- Income: Gross income at or below 200% FPL (most households). Net income at or below 100% FPL after deductions.
- Residency: Must currently live in Texas
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident. Lawful permanent residents with 5+ years in the US, refugees, asylees, and children under 18 may qualify.
- Work requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents ages 18–64 must work or participate in approved training unless exempt
- Asset limits: No asset limit for most households under BBCE. Exception: elderly/disabled households exceeding the 200% FPL gross limit face a $5,000 asset cap (higher than the federal standard).
Texas SNAP Income Limits for 2026
Gross Monthly Income Limit — 200% FPL (Most Households)
Texas’s BBCE raises the gross income limit to 200% FPL:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,878 |
| 2 | $3,894 |
| 3 | $4,910 |
| 4 | $5,926 |
| 5 | $6,942 |
| 6 | $7,958 |
| 7 | $8,974 |
| 8 | $9,990 |
| Each additional | +$1,016 |
Gross Income for Elderly/Disabled Households
If your household includes a member age 60+ or receiving SSI/SSDI, the gross income test is waived entirely under federal rules. Only the net income test applies, with no cap on the shelter deduction.
Net Monthly Income Limit — 100% FPL (All Households)
All households must pass the net income test after deductions:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $2,679 |
| 5 | $3,137 |
| 6 | $3,595 |
| 7 | $4,054 |
| 8 | $4,512 |
| Each additional | +$458 |
Use our Federal Poverty Level Calculator to check exactly where your household falls.
What Counts as Income for Texas SNAP?
Counted income includes:
- Wages and salaries (gross, before taxes; allowable business expenses deducted for self-employment)
- Social Security and SSI payments
- Unemployment insurance benefits
- Child support or alimony received
- Workers’ compensation
- Pensions and retirement withdrawals
Not counted: LIHEAP energy payments, EITC tax refunds, educational grants and loans used for tuition and fees, and certain veterans’ benefits. See the full list of income excluded from SNAP.
Asset Limits for Texas SNAP
Texas’s 200% BBCE removes the asset test for most households.
Exception: Households with an elderly or disabled member that exceed the 200% FPL gross income limit must have countable assets below $5,000 — higher than the $4,250 federal standard for elderly/disabled households.
Countable assets: Cash, bank account balances, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and secondary properties (excluding primary residence).
Non-countable assets: Primary home, all retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pension), household goods, and vehicles. Texas excludes one vehicle per adult household member plus any vehicle used for work or for transporting a disabled household member.
Texas SNAP Household Definition
A SNAP household includes everyone who lives together and buys and prepares food together — typically spouses and parents with children under 22 living at home.
You can qualify as a separate SNAP household if you buy and prepare food independently, unless you are a spouse or a parent with children under 22.
A senior with a disability unable to prepare food due to a permanent disability may form a separate household if the combined income of others they live with is below 165% FPL.
If household composition changes after approval, you are required to report those changes to SNAP within 10 days.
Texas SNAP Work Requirements
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) — adults ages 18–64 without children or dependents — must meet one of the following each month:
- Work at least 20 hours per week on average, or
- Participate in an approved work or training program through Texas Workforce Solutions
Failure to meet this requirement limits benefits to 3 months in any 36-month period.
All non-exempt adults ages 16–59 must register for work at application and every 12 months thereafter.
For a full breakdown of qualifying activities, see our guide on SNAP work requirements.
Who Is Exempt from Texas SNAP Work Requirements?
You are exempt if you are:
- Under 18 or 65 and older
- Pregnant
- Responsible for a child under 18 or a dependent with a disability
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Receiving SSI, Social Security disability, or other disability-related benefits
- Experiencing homelessness
For the complete exemption list, see who is exempt from SNAP work requirements.
Deductions That Improve Texas SNAP Eligibility
Deductions reduce your net income — the lower your net income, the higher your SNAP benefit:
| Deduction | Amount / Rule |
|---|---|
| Standard deduction | $204 (households of 1–3); $217 (household of 4); $251 (household of 5); $291 (households of 6+) |
| Earned income deduction | 20% of all gross wages automatically deducted |
| Dependent care costs | Actual costs required for work or school |
| Child support paid | Court-ordered payments to non-household members |
| Medical expenses | Unreimbursed costs over $35/month for elderly or disabled members (or a standard $136 deduction if verified) |
| Excess shelter costs | Rent + utilities above 50% of net income, capped at $744 (no cap for elderly/disabled) |
| Standard Utility Allowance | Fixed deduction for households paying heating or cooling separately |
| Homeless shelter deduction | $198.99/month — no documentation required |
Texas insight: Texas spans an enormous range of housing and utility cost environments. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Houston metro, and Austin have seen rapid rent increases driven by population growth — Austin in particular has seen some of the fastest rent increases of any major US city. For SNAP households in these metros, the shelter deduction is especially impactful. Texas’s hot climate (with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F across most of the state) drives significant AC costs from May through October, making the Standard Utility Allowance valuable for households paying electricity separately. The Houston and Dallas metros also have large agricultural and construction workforces with variable seasonal income.
Texas SNAP Benefit Amounts for 2026
Your monthly benefit equals the maximum allotment minus 30% of your net income. Households with zero net income receive the full maximum:
| Household Size | Max Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each additional | +$220 |
For a personalized estimate, use our Texas SNAP Eligibility Calculator.
Texas SNAP EBT Payment Schedule
Texas distributes SNAP benefits on a staggered schedule throughout the month based on the last digit of the primary applicant’s case number. Contact HHSC at 2-1-1 or check your approval notice to confirm your specific payment date.
You can check your Lone Star Card balance:
- Via the Your Texas Benefits portal or mobile app
- By calling 1-800-777-7328
- At the point of sale at any authorized retailer
- On your receipt after purchase
Learn more about how to check your SNAP balance.
How to Apply for Texas SNAP Benefits
Texas SNAP applications are handled by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC):
- Online: Your Texas Benefits portal — apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits; also available as a mobile app
- By phone: Call 2-1-1 — Texas’s primary benefits and social services number — for application assistance and multilingual support
- In person: Visit a local HHSC Benefits Office
- By mail: Download and mail the application from the HHSC website to your local HHSC office
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to apply for SNAP benefits in Texas.
Documents You’ll Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or mail)
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, benefit award letters)
- Social Security numbers for all household members (or proof of application)
- Proof of housing costs (rent or mortgage statement, utility bills)
- Proof of other deductible expenses (childcare receipts, medical bills if applicable)
Keep your confirmation number and copies of all submitted documents.
How Long Does Texas SNAP Approval Take?
- Standard processing: Up to 30 days from application date
- Expedited benefits: Within 7 days for households with gross monthly income below $150 and liquid resources of $100 or less, or where housing costs exceed monthly income
After submitting, you can check your SNAP application status online through the Your Texas Benefits portal.
After Approval — Your Texas Lone Star Card
Once approved, you’ll receive your Texas Lone Star Card by mail. Activate it before first use by calling the number on the card. It functions like a debit card at all authorized SNAP retailers statewide and nationwide.
Common card issues:
- Lost or stolen card: Report it and request a replacement immediately — call 1-800-777-7328
- Card not working: See why your EBT card might not be working
- Benefits didn’t reload: Check why SNAP benefits sometimes don’t reload on time
Electronic theft note: Federal authority to replace SNAP benefits stolen via card skimming ended December 20, 2024. Contact HHSC for current theft protection information.
Where You Can Use Your Texas Lone Star Card
Your Lone Star Card works at thousands of authorized grocery stores across Texas. Use our SNAP Retailer Locator to find participating stores near you.
Online shopping: Texas EBT is accepted at Amazon, Walmart, and H-E-B for grocery delivery and pickup — H-E-B’s online acceptance is unique to Texas. Note: SNAP cannot cover delivery fees — only eligible food items.
Farmers’ markets: Many Texas farmers’ markets accept the Lone Star Card directly for fresh produce purchases.
What You Cannot Buy With Texas SNAP
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol, beer, wine, or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods intended to be eaten immediately — see the hot food EBT rule
- Pet food — can you buy dog food with food stamps?
- Cleaning supplies, paper products, or hygiene items
- Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
- Delivery fees for online grocery orders
Texas food restriction status: Texas has pending legislation to restrict certain SNAP purchases. As of 2026, no restriction is in effect — all federally approved SNAP items remain purchasable. Verify current status with HHSC.
For what you can buy, see the complete list of SNAP-eligible foods and surprising things you can buy with EBT.
Extra Perks for Texas EBT Cardholders
- Amazon Prime: Discounted Prime membership at $6.99/month for EBT holders. Learn how to use EBT on Amazon.
- H-E-B online: Texas Lone Star Card accepted at H-E-B for online orders and curbside pickup
- Online grocery orders: Also accepted at Amazon and Walmart for delivery and pickup
- Museums for All: Free or reduced admission at participating Texas museums and cultural institutions
- Coupons: You can use coupons alongside your EBT card to stretch benefits further
For more, see EBT discounts in Texas.
Special Situations for Texas SNAP Applicants
Seniors and Social Security Recipients
Texas households with members age 60+ or receiving SSI are exempt from the gross income test entirely. Only net income applies, with no cap on the shelter deduction. The asset cap for elderly/disabled households is $5,000 — higher than the federal standard. Can seniors on Social Security get food stamps? — Yes, and Texas’s 200% BBCE makes qualifying especially accessible for fixed-income seniors.
Veterans
Texas has one of the largest veteran populations in the US, with major installations including Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Joint Base San Antonio, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and Dyess AFB. Veterans may qualify for SNAP based on income alone, with work requirement exemptions for service-connected conditions. See our guide on food stamps for veterans.
Unemployment Recipients
Unemployment benefits count as income but do not disqualify you. Texas’s energy, construction, technology, and agriculture industries create cyclical unemployment. Learn about food stamps and unemployment.
WIC and SNAP Together
Pregnant women and households with children under 5 may qualify for both SNAP and WIC simultaneously. Check Texas WIC income guidelines to see if you qualify for both programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas SNAP Eligibility
Does Texas raise the SNAP income limit above the federal standard?
Yes. Texas uses 200% BBCE — the maximum allowed under federal rules. The gross income limit for a household of 1 is $2,878/month, compared to $1,768 in states at the federal 130% FPL floor.
Can I use my Lone Star Card at H-E-B online?
Yes. Texas Lone Star Card is accepted at H-E-B for online grocery orders and curbside pickup — making Texas one of the few states where SNAP works with a major regional grocery chain online in addition to Amazon and Walmart.
What is the asset limit for Texas SNAP?
For most households, there is no asset limit under BBCE. For elderly or disabled households exceeding the 200% FPL gross income limit, Texas uses a $5,000 asset cap — higher than the federal $4,250 standard. Texas also has generous vehicle exclusion rules: one vehicle per adult household member plus any work vehicle.
Can I receive both SNAP and Medicaid in Texas?
Texas has not expanded Medicaid, meaning Medicaid coverage for working-age adults without disabilities is very limited. Many Texas SNAP recipients do not qualify for Medicaid as adults. Children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities have separate Medicaid eligibility pathways. Check Texas Medicaid income limits for details.
How do I apply for Texas SNAP using 2-1-1?
Call 2-1-1 — Texas’s statewide benefits and social services hotline — and select the option for SNAP or food assistance. Bilingual caseworkers are available. You can also apply online at yourtexasbenefits.com or through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
Where can I get emergency food assistance in Texas?
Call 2-1-1 for referrals to food pantries and meal programs statewide across all 254 Texas counties. Texas has regional food banks in all major metro areas including the North Texas Food Bank (Dallas), Houston Food Bank, Central Texas Food Bank (Austin), San Antonio Food Bank, and others.
Additional Resources
- Your Texas Benefits Portal — Apply or Manage Benefits
- How to Apply for SNAP in Texas — Step-by-Step Guide
- Texas SNAP Benefits by Household Size
- Texas Medicaid Income Limits
- Texas WIC Income Guidelines
- EBT Discounts in Texas
- SNAP Retailer Locator — Find Authorized Stores
- SNAP Income Limits — National Overview
- Texas 2-1-1 — Benefits and Emergency Food Assistance
- USDA SNAP Official Information
This guide is based on USDA FNS FY2026 data and Texas HHSC program rules. Income limits and benefit amounts are updated each October. Always confirm current figures with Texas HHSC at 2-1-1 or at yourtexasbenefits.com before applying.
Last Updated: 2026