The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Texas, known for providing essential food support to low-income families, is administered through the Lone Star Card.
This program helps eligible households purchase food at authorized retailers, including grocery stores and farmers’ markets, but with some key restrictions on what can and cannot be purchased.
Changes to SNAP Benefits: Restrictions on Sugary Foods
As of April 1, 2026, new restrictions will be enforced, limiting the use of SNAP benefits to purchase sugary drinks and snacks. This includes soda, energy drinks, and candy.
However, exceptions will be made for beverages containing milk and fruit juices with over 50% fruit or vegetable content. These changes are part of an effort to encourage healthier eating habits among SNAP recipients.
Texas SNAP Benefit Payment Schedule
Texas uses a tiered payment system based on the last two digits of the Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number assigned to each household. Payments are issued between the 1st and 28th of each month, with a rule that no benefits will be issued more than 40 days after the last deposit.
For households certified before June 1, 2025, the following payment schedule applies:
1st-15th of the month: Payments are distributed on dates ranging from the 1st to the 15th, depending on the EDG number. For example, households with an EDG number ending in “0” will receive payments on the 1st, while those with an EDG number ending in “9” will receive payments on the 15th.
Households certified after June 1, 2020, will have a different schedule, starting with payments on the 16th of the month for households with EDG numbers “00-03” and continuing through to the 28th of the month for households with EDG numbers ending in “96-99.”
Maximum SNAP Benefit Amounts for 2025
The maximum SNAP benefit amounts for 2025 are federally determined by the USDA and are based on the size of the household. The USDA reviews these amounts annually to account for changes in the cost of food.
The maximum monthly benefit amounts in Texas for 2025 are:
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
For each additional person, the benefit increases by $220.
Average SNAP Benefits and What Recipients Can Expect
For most households in Texas, the average SNAP benefit amount in 2025 is $768, which is slightly higher than the previous year’s average of $766. The average benefit per person is estimated to be between $1.50 and $2.00 per meal, providing essential support to help families purchase nutritious foods.
With the changes in food restrictions and the introduction of health-conscious policies, the SNAP benefits program in Texas continues to evolve.
From new purchase rules to a structured distribution system, it’s important for recipients to understand the specific dates and requirements for 2025 to ensure they receive their benefits on time. Additionally, households should stay updated on the adjustments made by the USDA to better plan their monthly budgets.
