Millions of families in Texas rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, to help cover their monthly food costs.
As July 2025 approaches, Texas has released a clear timeline for distributing these essential benefits, ensuring that eligible households get the support they need on time.
SNAP Benefit Distribution in Texas: Early-July Dates
In Texas, SNAP benefits are distributed based on the last digit of a household’s Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number, which is shown on official SNAP documents.
If you’re eligible for SNAP benefits, your payment date will fall between July 1 and July 9 depending on your EDG number. Below are the dates for the first ten days of July 2025:
July 1: Beneficiaries with EDG ending in 0
July 3: Beneficiaries with EDG ending in 1
July 5: Beneficiaries with EDG ending in 2
July 6: Beneficiaries with EDG ending in 3
July 7: Beneficiaries with EDG ending in 4
July 9: Beneficiaries with EDG ending in 5
These dates apply to individuals who were certified for SNAP benefits before June 1, 2020. If you’re unsure about your EDG number or your payment date, you can always refer to your SNAP documents or contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Who Is Eligible for SNAP in Texas?
SNAP benefits in Texas are available to low-income households that have met the state’s eligibility requirements. These include:
Income Limits: Your gross income (before taxes) generally cannot exceed 130% of the federal poverty level, while your net income (after deductions) must be below 100% of the federal poverty level. For example, in 2025, a single person can have a gross income of up to $1,632 and a net income of up to $1,255 to qualify.
Resource Limits: Households are also limited in terms of countable resources, such as savings. For most households, the limit is $3,000, but it increases to $4,500 for households with someone over 60 years old or with a disability.
Citizenship and Immigration Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have qualified immigration status to be eligible.
Work Requirements: Certain groups, like Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD), must meet work requirements, such as working 80 hours per month or participating in job training programs. However, exemptions are granted for veterans or individuals experiencing homelessness.
SNAP Benefits Based on Household Size
The amount of SNAP benefits a Texas household can receive depends on factors such as household size, income, and resources. Here is a breakdown of the maximum monthly benefit for various household sizes in Texas:
1 person: $292
2 people: $536
3 people: $768
4 people: $975
5 people: $1,158
6 people: $1,390
7 people: $1,536
8 people: $1,756
Each additional person after 8: +$220 per person
These amounts can be adjusted depending on the specific circumstances of each household, such as income and deductible expenses.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Texas
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) manages the SNAP program and issues benefits through the Lone Star Card, which functions like a standard debit card for purchasing eligible food items at authorized stores.
To apply for SNAP benefits in Texas, you have three options:
- Online: You can apply via the YourTexasBenefits.com portal, which allows you to manage your benefits and complete the application process.
- In-Person: Visit your local HHSC office for help applying and completing necessary paperwork.
- By Phone: Call 2-1-1, then select Option 2 to get assistance with applying.
Once you apply, you will be required to attend an eligibility interview within 30 days to determine if you qualify. You’ll need to provide documents such as proof of residency, income (such as employment, child support, pensions), housing costs, and utilities.
For households with elderly or disabled members, medical costs above $35 per month may also be considered.
Maintaining Your SNAP Benefits
After applying, you must complete periodic recertification to maintain your benefits. Each time you are asked to recertify, you will need to verify that you are still eligible. This ensures that SNAP benefits are given to those who truly need them, supporting low-income families who may face financial challenges each month.
