Where to apply and what you need before you start

In Texas, you apply for SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps) through the Health and Human Services Commission, which runs the program under the name SNAP. You can apply online through the Your Texas Benefits portal, by mail, in person at a local HHSC office, or by phone. The online route is fastest — most people get a decision within 7 to 10 days if they apply that way.

Before you apply, gather these documents: proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and your Social Security number. If you are applying for a household, you will need this information for every person in the household. You do not need to have all of these documents to start — you can submit an application and provide missing documents later — but having them ready speeds things up.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online at Your Texas Benefits (yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov) for the fastest processing, usually 7 to 10 days.
  • You can also apply by mail, phone, or in person at your local HHSC office if online is not an option for you.
  • Texas counts your household income and assets to determine whether you meet the income limit, which varies based on household size.
  • If you are approved, benefits load onto a debit card called the Lone Star Card within 24 hours, and you can use it at grocery stores and farmers markets.
  • You must report changes in income, household size, or address within 10 days, or your benefits may stop.

Applying online through Your Texas Benefits

Go to yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov and create an account with your email address and a password. You will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Once your account is set up, you can start a SNAP application by clicking "Apply for Benefits" and selecting SNAP from the list of programs.

The online form asks for household information (names, ages, and relationships of everyone living with you), income (wages, self-employment, unemployment, child support, or other money coming in), and assets (bank accounts, vehicles, property). Answer each section as completely as you can. If you do not know an exact amount, write your best estimate — you can update it later with documents. When you finish, you will see a summary page. Review it, then submit.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down. Texas will send you a notice by mail within 7 to 10 days telling you whether you are approved, denied, or need to send in more information. If they ask for documents, you can upload them through Your Texas Benefits or mail them to the address on the notice.

Applying by phone or mail if you cannot use the website

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to apply online, call the SNAP hotline at 1-877-541-7905. A representative will walk you through the application over the phone and can answer questions about what documents you need. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will still need to mail in proof documents — the representative will tell you where to send them and what to include.

To apply by mail, request an application form by calling the same number or visiting your local HHSC office. Fill out the form, attach copies of your proof documents, and mail it to the address printed on the form. Mail applications take longer to process — usually 15 to 21 days — because staff have to manually enter your information.

You can also walk into any HHSC office in Texas during business hours and apply in person. An may be able to access worker will help you fill out the form and may be able to accept documents on the spot. Find your local office at hhs.texas.gov/locations.

Income limits and how Texas counts your household

Texas uses a gross income limit based on household size. Gross income means money before taxes are taken out. For a household of one, the limit is $1,468 per month. For a household of two, it is $1,995 per month. For each additional person, add about $527. These numbers change once a year in October, so check Your Texas Benefits or call 1-877-541-7905 to confirm the current limits.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you and buys food together — spouses, children, parents, siblings, or unrelated people sharing a kitchen. It does not include people who pay you rent to live there, or people who are only visiting. If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement, and your application will be denied. If you are below the limit, Texas will also check your assets (bank accounts, vehicles, and property) and may ask about expenses like childcare or medical costs.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved, Texas will send you a Lone Star Card in the mail within 7 to 10 days. This is a debit card that holds your monthly SNAP benefit. Your first benefit usually loads onto the card within 24 hours of approval. The amount depends on your household size and income — a single person with no income might receive $281 per month, while a family of four might receive $835, but these amounts change yearly.

You can use your Lone Star Card at any grocery store, supermarket, or farmers market that accepts SNAP. You cannot buy hot food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items like soap or paper towels. If your card is lost or stolen, call 1-888-997-9833 to report it and request a replacement.

Your benefits renew on the same day each month. If you do not spend all your benefits in one month, they roll over to the next month — you do not lose what you did not use. However, benefits older than 12 months expire and cannot be used.

Reporting changes and keeping your benefits active

You must report changes to your household or income within 10 days, or your benefits may stop. Changes that matter include: a new job or job loss, a change in hours or pay, someone moving in or out of your household, a change in your address, or a change in childcare or medical expenses. You can report changes online through Your Texas Benefits, by phone at 1-877-541-7905, or in person at your local HHSC office.

Texas also requires you to recertify your SNAP benefits once a year. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you when your recertification is due — usually 11 or 12 months after you were approved. You must complete the recertification by the date on the notice, or your benefits will stop. You can recertify online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as your original application.

What to do if your application is denied

If Texas denies your application, the denial notice will explain why — usually because your income is too high, your assets exceed the limit, or you did not provide required documents. The notice will also tell you how to request a hearing to challenge the decision. You have 90 days from the date on the notice to request a hearing.

To request a hearing, call 1-877-541-7905 or mail a written request to the address on your denial notice. At the hearing, you can present documents, explain your situation, and ask questions. A hearing officer will make a new decision. If you still disagree, you can appeal further, but the hearing is your first step.

If you were denied because you did not provide documents, you can reapply once you have gathered them. There is no penalty for reapplying, and you can apply as many times as you need to.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for SNAP in Texas?

Online applications usually get a decision within 7 to 10 days. Mail applications take 15 to 21 days. Phone applications fall somewhere in between. If Texas asks for more documents, the clock pauses while you send them in, then restarts once they receive them.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen to receive SNAP in Texas. may have access to non-citizens include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some other immigration statuses. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access. When you apply, you will be asked to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status.

What if my income is too high but I still need help?

If you do not meet the income limit for SNAP, you may be able to get help from other programs. Texas has local food banks, community meal programs, and emergency assistance programs that do not have income limits. Call 2-1-1 (dial 211 from any phone) to find food resources near you.

Can I use my Lone Star Card to buy groceries online?

Some grocery stores and online retailers accept SNAP for online orders, but not all. Amazon, Walmart, and some regional chains do. When you check out, you will see whether SNAP is an option. You cannot use SNAP for delivery fees or tips, only for the food itself.

What happens if I move to another state?

Your SNAP benefits do not transfer automatically. You must apply in your new state within 30 days of moving. Your new state will process your application as a new case. Until then, you can still use your Lone Star Card in any state, but your benefits will not renew after your current month ends.