Texas runs the largest SNAP program in the country. More than 3 million Texans receive food benefits each month — a caseload so large that no other state comes close. And yet Texas’s SNAP program has several features that many residents don’t know about.
Income limit: Texas uses a gross income threshold of 165% of the Federal Poverty Level — a middle-ground number that sits above the federal baseline of 130% but below the 200% FPL used by most BBCE states. Illinois and Nebraska are the only other states in this series at exactly 165%.
No asset test: Texas uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility to eliminate the asset test for most households. Savings, vehicles, and bank accounts are not counted.
No county government: Unlike nearly every other state in this series, Texas has no county-level social services administration. SNAP is administered directly by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) through regional offices statewide — not through county DSS or CWA offices. The primary contact for SNAP in Texas is 2-1-1 (statewide helpline), not a specific county number.
The Lone Star Card: Texas’s EBT card is called the Texas Lone Star Card — one of the most recognizable branded EBT cards in the country — and it’s accepted not only at major national retailers but also at H-E-B’s online grocery platform, making Texas one of the very few states where the dominant regional grocery chain offers SNAP-eligible online ordering.
ABAWD work requirements effective September 1, 2025: The official HHSC SNAP page states that “beginning September 1, 2025, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) must comply with special work requirements or be subject to a three-month limit.”
2026 Texas SNAP Income Limits
Texas uses BBCE at 165% of the Federal Poverty Level for most households. The figures below are effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, sourced from the official HHSC SNAP page.
For background on how SNAP income tests work nationally, see our SNAP income limits guide.
Gross Income Limits (165% FPL — Most Households)
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Limit | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,152 | $25,824 |
| 2 | $2,912 | $34,944 |
| 3 | $3,670 | $44,040 |
| 4 | $4,421 | $53,052 |
| 5 | $5,172 | $62,064 |
| 6 | $5,930 | $71,160 |
| 7 | $6,681 | $80,172 |
| 8 | $7,432 | $89,184 |
| Each additional | +$751 | +$9,012 |
Effective October 1, 2025. Based on 165% FPL via BBCE. Source: Texas HHSC / USDA FNS.
Exception: Households with a member aged 60 or older, or a member with a disability, are exempt from the gross income test. These households only need to pass the net income test, and the shelter deduction has no cap.
Net Income Limits (100% FPL — All Households)
| Household Size | Monthly Net Limit | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,305 | $15,660 |
| 2 | $1,763 | $21,156 |
| 3 | $2,221 | $26,652 |
| 4 | $2,680 | $32,160 |
| 5 | $3,138 | $37,656 |
| 6 | $3,597 | $43,164 |
| 7 | $4,055 | $48,660 |
| 8 | $4,514 | $54,168 |
| Each additional | +$459 | +$5,508 |
Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts (FY 2026)
These maximums apply when a household has zero net income. Benefits decrease by 30 cents for every dollar of net income above zero.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $549 |
| 3 | $787 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,181 |
| 6 | $1,418 |
| 7 | $1,568 |
| 8 | $1,793 |
| Each additional | +$225 |
Effective October 1, 2025. Minimum monthly benefit for 1–2 person households: $24.
Texas’s Asset Rules
Texas’s BBCE policy eliminates the asset test for most households. Savings, bank accounts, vehicles, and other resources are not verified or counted for the vast majority of SNAP applicants in Texas.
The exception: elderly/disabled households whose gross income exceeds the standard limits face a $4,500 countable asset cap (homes and retirement accounts excluded).
Texas SNAP Deductions
Deductions reduce gross income to a net figure for benefit calculation. Texas’s diverse geography and climate create distinct deduction situations — cooling costs in Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, and South Texas summers are significant, while heating costs matter in the Texas Panhandle and West Texas winters.
| Deduction | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard deduction | $209/month for households of 1–3; higher for larger households |
| Earned income deduction | 20% of all wages excluded from countable income |
| Excess shelter deduction | Rent/mortgage + utilities exceeding 50% of adjusted income; capped at $744/month unless elderly/disabled |
| Heating/cooling allowance | Available when household pays a utility bill for cooling or heating — significant for Texas summers |
| Dependent care | Childcare or elder care needed to work, seek work, or attend training |
| Medical expenses | Out-of-pocket costs over $35/month for elderly or disabled household members — uncapped |
| Child support payments | Court-ordered payments made to non-household members |
Texas metro context: Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio have all experienced significant rent increases. The excess shelter deduction is frequently the deciding factor for working Texas households near the 165% FPL boundary. Always report your full monthly rent and utility costs when applying.
Rio Grande Valley and border communities: The RGV — Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Webb, and neighboring counties — has some of the highest SNAP participation rates in Texas and some of the lowest median incomes in the state. Many colonia residents in Hidalgo and Cameron counties face limited grocery store access; the Lone Star Card’s online EBT acceptance at Amazon and H-E-B is especially important for these communities.
Full Eligibility Requirements
Residency You must live in Texas. No minimum residency period is required. People experiencing homelessness can apply and qualify.
Citizenship and Immigration Status U.S. citizens and many qualified non-citizens are eligible. Texas has the largest Hispanic and immigrant population in the country — HHSC provides bilingual services and community organization partnerships across the state. Qualified non-citizens include lawful permanent residents (5-year bar with exceptions), refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and others. Undocumented parents may apply on behalf of U.S. citizen children. Applying does not affect immigration status.
Income Gross income must fall at or below 165% FPL. Net income after deductions must be at or below 100% FPL. Elderly/disabled households skip the gross test.
Assets No asset test for most households. $4,500 cap for elderly/disabled households exceeding the gross income limit.
Household Composition A SNAP household is everyone who lives together and regularly buys and prepares food together. Spouses and children under 22 living with a parent must be in the same household.
Categorical Eligibility: Households where all members receive Texas Works (TANF) or SSI are automatically eligible for SNAP with no income or asset test. SSI recipients may also be enrolled through the SNAP-CAP (Combined Application Project) — a simplified application process coordinated between HHSC and the Social Security Administration.
Social Security Numbers All applying household members must provide or have applied for a Social Security number. Non-applying members (such as undocumented parents applying for citizen children) do not need to provide SSNs.
Drug Felony Convictions Texas has a modified drug felony policy — a drug-related felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you. Individuals in compliance with the terms of their sentence may be eligible. Contact your local HHSC benefits office or call 2-1-1 for guidance on your specific situation.
Work Requirements: September 1, 2025 Implementation
The official Texas HHSC SNAP page states: “Beginning September 1, 2025, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) must comply with special work requirements or be subject to a three-month limit on SNAP benefits within a 36-month period.”
Texas was one of the earlier states to implement the H.R. 1 ABAWD expansion — September 1, 2025 predates most other states in this series.
General work registration: All non-exempt SNAP recipients aged 16–59 must register for work as a condition of eligibility and re-register every 12 months. This general requirement is separate from the ABAWD 3-month time limit and does not expire.
ABAWD time limit (3 months in a 36-month period): Able-bodied adults aged 18–64 without a dependent child under 14 who do not meet work requirements can only receive SNAP for 3 months. To continue beyond 3 months, they must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week (80 hours/month) in paid or unpaid employment, OR
- Participate in an approved work program, job training, or workfare program for 80+ hours/month
Current exemptions:
- Age 65 or older
- Pregnant
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Caring for a child under age 14 (changed from under 18 under H.R. 1)
- Receiving or applying for disability benefits
- Enrolled in school or training at least half-time
- Receiving unemployment insurance (note: must still register for work)
Exemptions removed under H.R. 1: Veteran status, experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth to age 24 are no longer automatic exemptions.
Texas has no statewide ABAWD waiver — work requirements are enforced in all 254 Texas counties.
The Texas Lone Star Card
Your approved SNAP benefits are loaded monthly onto the Texas Lone Star Card — one of the most recognized branded EBT cards in the country. It works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores statewide and at participating online retailers.
Online grocery acceptance in Texas:
- Amazon — grocery delivery and pickup
- Walmart — grocery delivery and pickup
- H-E-B — Texas’s dominant regional grocery chain; one of the few states where a major regional chain accepts SNAP for online ordering
This combination makes Texas unusually strong for online SNAP shopping — especially useful for residents in the Rio Grande Valley, rural West Texas, and other areas with limited local grocery access.
Lone Star Card customer service: Call the number on the back of your Lone Star Card for balance inquiries, lost/stolen card reporting, and PIN resets. You can also check your balance at YourTexasBenefits.com or through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
EBT theft protection: Federal authority to replace stolen SNAP benefits ended December 20, 2024. Contact HHSC for current Lone Star Card theft protection options.
SNAP-CAP: Simplified Application for SSI Recipients
Texas operates a SNAP Combined Application Project (SNAP-CAP) — a coordinated process between HHSC and the Social Security Administration that simplifies SNAP enrollment for SSI recipients. If you receive SSI and have not applied for SNAP, contact HHSC through 2-1-1 or visit an HHSC benefits office to ask about SNAP-CAP enrollment. The process reduces duplicate documentation and paperwork.
One-Time TANF: Texas’s Emergency Diversionary Payment
Texas’s official HHSC policy confirms that Texas can issue One-Time TANF (OTTANF) payments of $1,000 per household as diversionary emergency assistance — regardless of household size or income — for eligible families facing a specific crisis. This is one of the most clearly defined TANF emergency payment amounts in any state in this series.
If you are facing an emergency (car repair, utility shutoff, eviction risk) that threatens your ability to maintain employment and you have children at home, ask your HHSC caseworker or call 2-1-1 to ask whether you qualify for One-Time TANF. This payment does not count against your TANF lifetime limit.
Food Restriction Legislation: Pending in Texas
Texas has proposed legislation to restrict certain SNAP purchases. As of 2026, no food purchase restriction is in effect in Texas — all federally approved SNAP items remain purchasable with the Lone Star Card. Verify current status at hhs.texas.gov before making purchasing assumptions.
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)
Texas participates in SUN Bucks, providing $120 per eligible school-age child during summer months. SNAP households are typically automatically enrolled — benefits load to the Lone Star Card. Contact HHSC through 2-1-1 for current enrollment details.
How to Apply for Texas SNAP
Texas’s primary application portal is Your Texas Benefits at yourtexasbenefits.com. Through Your Texas Benefits you can apply for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and TANF simultaneously, upload documents, check application status, and manage your benefits. The Your Texas Benefits mobile app is available on iOS and Android.
Step 1: Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com Visit yourtexasbenefits.com and create an account or apply as a guest. Complete the application with household members, income, and expenses.
Step 2: Complete your interview After submitting, HHSC will arrange an interview with a caseworker to review your eligibility — by phone or in person at an HHSC benefits office. SNAP eligibility begins on the day HHSC receives a valid application (or the next business day if received outside of business hours).
Step 3: Submit verification documents Upload documents through Your Texas Benefits or deliver to your nearest HHSC benefits office. Required documents include photo ID, proof of income, residency, and household expenses.
Step 4: Receive your Texas Lone Star Card If approved, your Lone Star Card arrives by mail. Benefits load automatically each month. Activate your card before first use.
Other ways to apply:
- By phone: Call 2-1-1 (statewide) — select option 2 for SNAP assistance. This is Texas’s primary SNAP contact number; HHSC operators can help you apply, answer eligibility questions, and find your nearest benefits office. Also call HHSC Benefits Assistance at (877) 541-7905
- In person: Visit your nearest Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) benefits office. Texas has regional offices statewide — find yours through 2-1-1 or at hhs.texas.gov
- By mail or fax: Download Form H1010 (Texas Works Application for Assistance — Your Texas Benefits) from hhs.texas.gov, complete it, and mail or fax to your local HHSC office
- Free community help: Contact the North Texas Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, Central Texas Food Bank, or your regional food bank for SNAP outreach assistance. Dial 2-1-1 statewide for referrals
Expedited SNAP: Benefits the Day After You Apply
Texas’s official HHSC page states that qualifying households may receive expedited SNAP benefits “as early as the day after you apply” — or within 7 days. This is among the fastest in the series.
You qualify for expedited processing if:
- Your household’s monthly gross income is less than $150 and liquid resources are under $100, OR
- Your household’s combined monthly income and liquid resources are less than your monthly rent/mortgage plus utilities, OR
- Your household is a migrant or seasonal farmworker
To apply for expedited benefits, visit an HHSC benefits office directly or contact 2-1-1. Tell the caseworker you have an urgent food need and ask about expedited processing.
Pre-Application Checklist
Gather these items before starting your Your Texas Benefits application:
- Government-issued photo ID (Texas driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security numbers for all applying household members
- Proof of Texas residency — utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail at your current address
- Proof of all income for the past 30 days — pay stubs, employer letter, award letters for Social Security, disability, unemployment, TANF, pension, or child support
- Self-employment income and expense records, if applicable
- Monthly rent or mortgage payment amount
- Monthly utility costs (heat, electricity, water) — cooling costs significant in Texas summers
- Childcare or dependent care expenses, if applicable
- Medical bills or receipts if a household member is aged 60+ or disabled
- Court-ordered child support payment records, if applicable
- Work activity records if subject to ABAWD requirements (in effect since September 1, 2025)
Quick Reference: Texas SNAP at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program name | SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) |
| Administering agency | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) |
| County offices | None — HHSC administers statewide through regional offices |
| Application portal | Your Texas Benefits — yourtexasbenefits.com |
| Mobile app | Your Texas Benefits (iOS and Android) |
| Primary contact | 2-1-1 (statewide helpline) |
| HHSC Benefits Assistance | (877) 541-7905 |
| Paper application | Form H1010 (Texas Works Application for Assistance) |
| EBT card name | Texas Lone Star Card |
| Online grocery | Amazon, Walmart, H-E-B |
| Gross income limit | 165% FPL via BBCE |
| Net income limit | 100% FPL |
| Asset test | None for most households |
| Drug felony policy | Modified — compliance with sentence terms required |
| TANF program name | Texas Works |
| One-Time TANF | $1,000 per household (emergency diversionary payment) |
| SNAP-CAP | Simplified application for SSI recipients |
| Max benefit (4-person) | $994/month |
| Processing time | 30 days (expedited: next day or within 7 days) |
| ABAWD work rules | In effect since September 1, 2025 (ages 18–64); statewide |
| 254 counties | All subject to ABAWD requirements; no statewide waiver |
| Food restriction | None in effect; legislation pending |
| Recipients | 3 million+ Texans — nation’s largest SNAP program |
Texas & Other Assistance Programs
Here are other programs that may support Texas households alongside SNAP:
Housing Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs administers Section 8 vouchers statewide. Our national Section 8 housing voucher guide explains how the program works, and our Texas Section 8 page covers local housing authority contacts. For emergency housing, our emergency housing resources guide and hotel vouchers guide cover statewide options.
Furniture and Household Items Our guides to free furniture vouchers, places that help with furniture vouchers, and charities with free furniture pickup cover programs in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, and across Texas. Our guides to free beds for low-income families and free furniture for single mothers also include Texas options.
Rent and Utilities Texas summers create high cooling costs. Our guides to churches that help with utility bills and churches that help with rent include programs statewide. The Salvation Army operates in major Texas cities — see our Salvation Army utility help guide and rental assistance page.
Food Banks Texas has six major regional food banks: Houston Food Bank (the largest in the U.S. by pounds distributed), North Texas Food Bank (Dallas-Fort Worth), Central Texas Food Bank (Austin), San Antonio Food Bank, South Texas Food Bank (Laredo), and West Texas Food Bank (Midland). Dial 2-1-1 for the nearest food pantry or distribution near you. Our food bank directory and Texas food banks page include county-level resources.
Other Benefits Texas Medicaid (Medicaid for children, CHIP, and adults in limited categories), WIC, and Texas Works (TANF) can all be applied for through Your Texas Benefits simultaneously with SNAP. Our general benefits eligibility guide and benefits application resource walk through applying for multiple programs at once.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas SNAP
What is the income limit for food stamps in Texas?
For most Texas households, the gross monthly income limit is 165% of the Federal Poverty Level — $2,152 for a single person and $4,421 for a family of four (effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). After allowable deductions, net income must fall at or below 100% FPL. Households with a member aged 60 or older, or with a disability, skip the gross test entirely.
What is the Texas Lone Star Card?
The Texas Lone Star Card is Texas’s branded EBT card — your monthly SNAP benefits are loaded onto it. It works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores, farmers markets, and online at Amazon, Walmart, and H-E-B. Manage your card and check your balance at yourtexasbenefits.com or through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
Can I use my Texas EBT card at H-E-B online?
Yes — H-E-B, Texas’s dominant regional grocery chain, accepts Lone Star Card EBT for online grocery orders and curbside pickup. This makes Texas one of the few states where a major regional chain participates in online SNAP. Check H-E-B’s website for current availability in your area.
How do I apply for SNAP in Texas?
Apply online at yourtexasbenefits.com, call 2-1-1 (select option 2 for SNAP), visit an HHSC benefits office in person, or mail/fax Form H1010. The Your Texas Benefits mobile app is available on iOS and Android. For expedited benefits, visit an HHSC benefits office directly and explain your urgent food need.
What changed about Texas SNAP work requirements?
Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas implemented expanded ABAWD work requirements under H.R. 1. Adults aged 18–64 without a dependent child under 14 must work or participate in approved activities for 80 hours per month. Texas enforces work requirements in all 254 counties with no statewide waiver. Veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth are no longer automatically exempt.
Does Texas have an asset limit for SNAP?
For most households, no. Texas’s BBCE eliminates the asset test for the vast majority of applicants. The $4,500 asset cap applies only to elderly/disabled households whose gross income exceeds the standard limits.
What is One-Time TANF in Texas?
One-Time TANF (OTTANF) is a $1,000 emergency payment Texas can issue to eligible households regardless of size or income — for example, for car repairs, utility shut-off prevention, or other employment-threatening crises. This payment does not count against the TANF lifetime limit. Ask your HHSC caseworker or call 2-1-1 to inquire about eligibility.
Why does Texas use 165% FPL instead of 200% FPL?
Texas adopted BBCE at 165% FPL rather than the 200% used by most BBCE states. This is a state policy decision — it’s more generous than the federal baseline of 130% FPL but less generous than most BBCE states. Illinois and Nebraska are the only other states in this series at exactly 165% FPL.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, USDA, or any government agency. Texas SNAP income limits, benefit amounts, work requirements, and eligibility rules are subject to change. The income figures reflect the federal fiscal year 2026 period (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026). ABAWD work requirements took effect September 1, 2025. Always verify current requirements with HHSC through 2-1-1 or at yourtexasbenefits.com.