Texas SNAP Calculator 2024 Food Stamp Eligibility in Texas

The amount of SNAP (food stamps) benefits you receive in Texas depends on your household size, monthly income, and certain expenses. Some key factors that determine your benefit amount:

• Household size – The larger your household, the higher your benefit (max allotment is $782/month for a family of 5 as of 2023).
• Income level – Your net monthly income after deductions is used to calculate your allotment. The lower your net income, the higher your benefit.

Expenses like housing, utilities, childcare, medical bills, etc. are deducted from gross monthly income, which can increase benefits.

There is also an asset test that can reduce benefits if countable assets are over the limit.

You can get an estimate by using the SNAP EBT benefit calculator on the Texas Health and Human Services website. This will help give you an idea, but actual benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis through the full application process with verification documents provided.

Benefits in Texas vary significantly based on specific household details. Use a calculator tool first, then apply directly with your state agency to determine eligibility and exact benefit amount. The maximum monthly allotment is $250 for a single person.

Gross Income Limits For SNAP in Texas

Here are the gross monthly income limits to qualify for SNAP (food stamps) benefits in Texas for 2023:

Household Size	Gross Monthly Income Limit	Gross Yearly Income Limit
1	$1,580	$18,954
2	$2,137	$25,636
3	$2,694	$32,318
4	$3,250	$39,000
5	$3,807	$45,684
6	$4,364	$52,368
7	$4,921	$59,052
8	$5,478	$65,736
For each additional person, add:	$707	$8,484

For example, a household size of 3 people must have a gross monthly income of $2,694 or less before deductions to meet the SNAP income qualifications in Texas.

A household’s net income after claiming allowable deductions like housing, childcare, and medical expenses is used to determine the actual amount of SNAP benefits that household will receive each month. But the gross income limits above must be met first to qualify.

Texas has not expanded Medicaid, so the income limits for SNAP are lower than some other states. Meeting these guidelines qualified applicants to then have their specific monthly SNAP allotment calculated by the state’s benefit formula.

Net Income Limits For SNAP in Texas

The net monthly income limits to qualify for SNAP (food stamps) benefits in Texas for 2023 are:

Household Size	Net/Gross Monthly Income Limit	Net/Gross Yearly Income Limit
1	$1,580	$18,954
2	$2,137	$25,636
3	$2,694	$32,318
4	$3,250	$39,000
5	$3,807	$45,684
6	$4,364	$52,368
7	$4,921	$59,052
8	$5,478	$65,736
For each additional person, add:	$707	$8,484

A household of 3 people must have a net monthly income of $2694 or less after deductions are applied to qualify for SNAP in Texas.

This net income limit is based on 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. Allowable deductions that can be subtracted from a household’s gross income to calculate net income include:

• Housing/utility costs
• Dependent care expenses
• Medical expenses (for elderly/disabled members)
• Child support paid
• Shelter expenses for homeless households

A household’s net monthly income after claiming deductions must fall below the limits above for their family size to meet the SNAP eligibility requirements in Texas. This determines whether they qualify, while their specific benefit amount depends on the net income and Texas’ benefit formula.

Asset / Resource Limit for SNAP in Texas

Meeting the asset/resource limit is one of the SNAP eligibility requirements in Texas. This ensures benefits go to applicants truly in financial need by testing their available resources.

The asset or resource limits to qualify for SNAP (food stamps) benefits in Texas are:

Households without elderly or disabled member:

• $2,500 asset limit

Households with elderly (age 60+) or disabled member:

• $4,250 asset limit

Assets that count towards these limits include things like:

• Cash on hand
• Checking/savings account balances
• Stocks, bonds, retirement accounts
• Second vehicles

Assets that are NOT counted include:

• Primary home
• Primary vehicle
• Retirement and education accounts like IRAs and 529 plans
• Certain trusts for disabled members

For example, a 3 person household with a disabled adult and $3,000 in a checking account would meet the asset limit test, while a household of 4 healthy adults with $3,000 in cash savings would be over the $2,500 limit.

Child Support Payments Treatment for SNAP in Texas

Child support payments are treated in the following ways when determining eligibility for SNAP (food stamps) benefits in Texas:

1. Court-ordered child support payments made by a SNAP recipient are deducted from their gross monthly income when calculating net monthly income. This deduction can help lower net income to qualify and increase benefits.
2. On the flip side, court ordered child support payments received by a SNAP recipient are counted as gross income. So receiving substantial child support could put a recipient over the income limits.
3. Informal but regular child support payments from a non-custodial parent counts as unearned income. These must be reported and also lower the amount of SNAP benefits a custodial parent may receive.
4. If a SNAP recipient owes back pay on delinquent child support, up to 20% of their SNAP benefit can be garnished to pay it back.

Paying child support helps lower a SNAP recipient’s counted net income, while receiving child support adds to it. And owed back pay can lead to up to a 20% reduction in an ongoing monthly benefit. Proper reporting and verification concerning child support is required when applying for SNAP in Texas.

Standard Medical Deduction SNAP in Texas

Texas has a standard medical deduction that can be claimed by certain households when calculating net income to determine eligibility and allotments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps).

Here are the key details on Texas’ standard medical deduction for SNAP:

• Only households containing an elderly (age 60+) or disabled member are eligible to claim the standard medical deduction.
• The standard medical deduction amount is $35 to $170 per household per month for the year 2023.
• Households can claim the standard medical deduction without providing proof of actual medical expenses incurred.
• Households can choose to itemize their actual medical expenses instead if the total exceeds $35 to $170 per month. In this case, verification is required.

Elderly/disabled SNAP households in Texas have the option to simplify reporting and automatically deduct $170 per month to lower their counted net monthly income. This can help increase the amount of SNAP benefits the household qualifies for.

How to Apply for Food Stamp in Texas

Here are the steps to apply for SNAP (food stamp) benefits in Texas:

1. Locate your local Texas Health and Human Services HHS benefits office. You can apply for SNAP benefits at any Texas HHS office, regardless of where you live in the state. Find your nearest office online or call 2-1-1.
2. Choose how you want to apply. You have a few options:

• In-person during open enrollment days at your local HHS office.
• Online via the YourTexasBenefits.com portal. Create an account and fill out application.
• Call 2-1-1 to begin the application by phone.
• Print out and mail in an application.

3. Gather documents needed to verify eligibility. This includes things like ID, proof of income, bills showing your address, bank statement, past tax returns etc. The exact verification checklist will be provided.
4. Complete the application and interview process. Be prepared to provide details on your household, income, expenses, assets, city you live in Texas etc. Attend any scheduled interview meetings.
5. Await eligibility determination. The office will contact you once they verify details and determine benefit eligibility and allotment amount. Checks/debit cards take 30 days from application date.
6. Set up an EBT card once received to make SNAP purchases electronically.

Be sure to report any household changes after enrollment as well to properly manage your Texas benefits case.

Who Is Eligible for Snap Benefits in Texas

Here are the main eligibility requirements to receive SNAP (food stamps) benefits in Texas:

• Household Income – Your gross monthly income must be at or under 130% of the federal poverty line for your household size and net income at or under 100% of the poverty line. Income limits adjust yearly and don’t apply for households with elderly (over 60) or disabled members.
• Assets/Resources – Households may not exceed a countable resource limit of $2,500 if no elderly/disabled member or $3,750 if elderly/disabled present. Resources like your home, retirement accounts, and primary vehicle don’t apply.
• Work/Employment – Able-bodied adults between the ages of 18-49 without dependents must work or participate in employment training at least 20 hours per week to receive benefits for more than 3 months in a 3-year period. Some exceptions apply.
• Identity/Immigration Status – Applicants must provide ID and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status to qualify. Certain non-citizens may also be SNAP eligible.
• Texas Residency – You must apply for SNAP in the county in Texas where you currently reside. Those meeting income and resource qualification standards who apply and provide all needed verification are eligible and will have benefit amounts determined by Texas SNAP formulas.

Income limits, asset limits, work status requirements for some adults, Texas residency, and U.S. citizen/lawful immigrant status must be met for SNAP eligibility determination.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Food Stamps in Texas

Here are the main documents you’ll need to provide when applying for SNAP (food stamps) benefits in Texas:

Proof of Identity:

• Driver’s license, state ID, or passport
• Birth certificate
• Social Security Card

Proof of U.S. Citizenship Status:

• Passport or birth certificate
• Green card or resident alien documents for non-citizens

Proof of Texas Residency:

• Rent agreement, mortgage statement, or utility bills with your name and address

Proof of Income:

• Recent pay stubs, earnings statements from employers
• Unemployment benefit letters
• Social Security award letters
• Documentation of alimony received

Additional Financial Documents:

• Child support court order or agreement
• Current bank statements
• Retirement, investment, or education account statements
• Medical expenses if elderly or disabled

Documents for Dependents in Household:

• Birth certificates
• SS cards, proof of income sources

There may be other specific forms required by your local Texas Health and Human Services benefits office to determine eligibility, but having this documentation ready will help start your SNAP application off smoothly. Let the office know if you have trouble obtaining any required verification materials.

Emergency Food Stamps Texas Application

Here are the key details to know regarding applying for emergency SNAP food stamps in Texas:

Who Qualifies for Emergency SNAP in Texas?

• Households with $150 or less in available resources/assets and monthly income totaling $150 or less
• Migrant or seasonal farm worker households with less than $100 in available resources and less than $25 in monthly income
• Those getting or awaiting TANF, SSI, or other assistance can also qualify
• Elderly and disabled individuals with immediate food needs
• Homeless individuals and families

Texas Emergency SNAP Application Process:

• Contact your nearest Texas Health and Human Services HHS Office or dial 2-1-1 to begin process
• Indicate you are in need of emergency/expedited SNAP benefits
• Be prepared to provide information and documents that verify your emergency situation
• Eligible applicants can receive SNAP food benefits loaded onto an EBT card within 7 days of applying versus the standard 30 days

Also be aware that emergency SNAP allotments provide short-term temporary benefits. Standard eligibility rules will still apply going forward, so be prepared to provide full documentation if it appears additional months of assistance will be needed.

Food Stamps for Elderly in Texas

Here are some key details about getting SNAP (food stamp) benefits for elderly residents in Texas:

Eligibility Rules:

• Must be 60 years old or older
• No gross/net income limits apply specifically to seniors
• Must still meet SNAP asset limits of $3,750 for elderly households
• Still required to provide identity/citizenship verification

Applying for Benefits:

• Can apply online, in-person, via mail/fax, or over the phone
• Should gather bank statements, medical expense records, utility bills, ID card, and proof of housing costs
• If living in assisted living facility or nursing home, benefits issued differently

Benefits Amount:

• Average monthly SNAP payment for 60+ member households was $104 per household in Texas as of FY2021
• Amount calculated based on net income, allowable deductions, family size
• Can be used to purchase groceries at stores accepting EBT

Being 60+ years old makes a Texas resident eligible for SNAP food assistance as long as asset limits and other qualifications are met. Submitting an application with details on household income and expenses will then determine benefit allotment levels specifically for that senior.

FAQs

Resources to estimate your benefits:

• USDA SNAP benefit calculator: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap-directory-entry/arizona
• Texas Health and Human Services SNAP page: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits
• Benefits.gov SNAP page: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits