Honk News – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), originally known as Food Stamps, is intended to assist low-income people in purchasing food and obtaining adequate amounts of high-quality nutrients.
In Texas, SNAP food benefits are distributed via the Lone Star Card, also known as EBT in the rest of the country, and can be used like a credit card at any SNAP-approved business.
The SNAP program also includes certain limits that prohibit the purchase of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, products or supplies that cannot be eaten or drunk, bill payment, and the purchase of hot meals or prepared menus in restaurants.
Instead, SNAP allows you to buy fresh food, including online, as well as plant seeds to start your own vegetable garden.
This program is available to qualified low-income households, including people aged 18 to 52 who do not have children, for three-month intervals every three years.
Additional Details
The duration of SNAP benefits can be extended if the individual works at least 20 hours per week or is enrolled in a job or training program.
It also applies to adults who are not required to work to get benefits, such as those with disabilities or pregnant women.
In the state of Texas, SNAP benefits include an additional amount for households where all residents are seniors (60 years or older) or people with disabilities. These households are eligible for the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP), which simplifies the SNAP application process and provides three years of benefits rather than six months.
The remaining beneficiaries, aged 16 to 59, must follow a set of work rules in order to receive SNAP benefits. The beneficiary must demonstrate that they are looking for work or are enrolled in an approved work program, and if the person has a job, they cannot leave without a valid reason.
SNAP Payment Dates in Texas
Payment dates in Texas follow a fixed schedule depending on the final digit of your application, the Eligibility Determination Group (EDG), and occur throughout the first 15 days of each month:
- EDG ending in 0: deposited on the 1st of the month
- EDG ending in 1: deposited on the 3rd of the month
- EDG ending in 2: deposit on the 5th of the month
- EDG ending in 3 is deposited on the 6th of the month
- EDG ending in 4: deposited on the 7th of the month
- EDG ending in 5: deposited on the 9th of the month
- EDG ending in 6: deposited on the 11th of the month
- EDG ending in 7: deposited on the 12th of the month
- EDG ending in 8: deposited on the 13th of the month
- EDG ending in 9: deposited on the 15th of the month
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), users can confirm the day they receive benefits by referring to their award letter (TF0001), which includes the date.