If you’re living in Texas and need a little help buying groceries, you’re not alone — and you have options. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is here to help.
In Texas, SNAP benefits are provided through the Lone Star Card, which works just like a debit card when you shop at grocery stores and approved retailers.
Whether you’re wondering when your benefits will arrive, how much you might qualify for, or how to apply, this guide breaks it all down in a simple, easy-to-follow way.
What Is the Lone Star Card and How Does It Work?
In Texas, SNAP benefits are loaded onto your Lone Star Card each month. You can use it to pay for eligible food items just like you would with any debit card.
But here’s the catch — you don’t choose when you get your money. The state decides your deposit date based on the last digit of your SNAP case number. Payments are made between the 1st and 28th of every month, depending on your assigned day.
For example, if your case number ends with:
5 – You’ll receive your benefits on Tuesday, September 9, 2025
6 – Your money will be available on Thursday, September 11, 2025
7 – Funds will show up on Friday, September 12, 2025
8 – You’ll get your benefits on Saturday, September 13, 2025
Make sure to check your case number to know exactly when to expect your payment.
How Much SNAP Help Can You Get in Texas?
The amount you get depends on a few personal factors. It’s not the same for everyone because each family’s situation is different. The state looks at:
Number of people in your household
Your total monthly income
Monthly expenses (like rent, electricity, and other bills)
Here’s the maximum amount of SNAP benefits a household can receive (October 2024 – September 2025):
| Household Size | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $291 |
| 2 people | $535 |
| 3 people | $766 |
| 4 people | $973 |
| 5 people | $1,155 |
| 6 people | $1,386 |
| 7 people | $1,532 |
| 8 people | $1,751 |
| Each extra person | +$219 |
Note: Most people will receive less than the maximum because SNAP is meant to support, not completely cover, your grocery costs.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Texas
Applying for SNAP is easier than many people think. Texas offers several ways to get started:
Online (Recommended):
Visit the YourTexasBenefits.com website
Create an account and follow the prompts to apply
In Person:
Go to your nearest Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) office
Staff can help you complete paper forms if you need assistance
By Phone:
Call 2-1-1
Choose your language and select Option 2 to request a paper application
You’ll need to share details like:
Who lives in your household
Social Security numbers for everyone
Monthly income, bills, rent, and expenses
Value of vehicles or savings (if any)
Who Is Eligible for SNAP in Texas?
To qualify, you’ll need to meet a few requirements:
1. Income and Assets:
Your gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
Most families can’t have more than $3,000 in countable resources (like savings or cash)
If someone in your household is 60 or older or has a disability, the limit increases to $4,500
2. Work Rules:
Adults aged 16 to 59 must meet work requirements
You must be working, looking for a job, or enrolled in a state-approved training program
Quitting a job without a valid reason could affect your eligibility
3. Citizenship Status:
All applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
You’ll need to provide details about immigration status, if applicable
The SNAP program in Texas is a vital support system for many families. Whether you’re applying for the first time or just trying to understand your benefits better, it’s important to know your payment schedule, eligibility, and benefit amounts.
The Lone Star Card makes shopping easy, and with the right information, you can make the most of what SNAP offers. If you’re struggling to keep food on the table, don’t hesitate — help is available, and applying is simpler than you might think.
