File through the Texas Health and Human Services website or by mail

In Texas, food stamps are called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You can file online through the Your Texas Benefits portal at yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov, by mail, or in person at your local HHSC office. The online route is fastest — you can complete the application in one sitting and upload documents immediately, which usually speeds up processing to two to three weeks.

If you file by mail, send your completed application to the HHSC office that serves your county. You can find the address on the Your Texas Benefits website or by calling 211. Mail processing takes longer, typically four to six weeks. Filing in person at an HHSC office works if you need help filling out forms or want to submit documents face-to-face, but you will need to make an appointment first through Your Texas Benefits or by calling 211.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to file, but you must be a Texas resident and provide proof of residency. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate or state ID, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) ready before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • File online through Your Texas Benefits for the fastest processing, usually two to three weeks instead of four to six.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of income, and proof that you live in Texas — have these documents ready before you start.
  • Texas SNAP has no citizenship requirement, but you must be a resident and meet income limits that vary by household size.
  • After you file, HHSC will contact you for a phone interview within one to two weeks; answer when they call or your application may be delayed.
  • If you are denied, you can request a hearing within 30 days of the denial letter — the process is free and does not require a lawyer.

What documents you need to gather before you file

Start by collecting proof of identity and residency. A state ID, driver's license, or passport works for identity. For residency, use a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent bill in your name, a letter from a landlord or a bank statement with your address will work.

Next, gather proof of income. This includes recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and pay rate, tax returns from the last year, or bank statements showing regular deposits. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and bank statements. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, or disability payments, bring the award letter or a recent statement showing the monthly amount.

You will also need your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of everyone in your household who is filing. If anyone in your household is a non-citizen, you will need their immigration document number. Have the names, ages, and relationships of all household members ready, and be prepared to list any income they receive, even if it is from a job, child support, or benefits.

The online filing process step by step

Go to yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov and click "Create Account" if you do not already have one. You will enter your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. Once your account is set up, log in and select "Apply for Benefits." Choose SNAP from the list of programs.

Fill in your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Then add household members by clicking "Add Household Member" and entering their names, dates of birth, and relationships to you. For each person, you will also enter their income information — job income, benefits, child support, or anything else they receive monthly.

Upload documents as you go. The system will ask for proof of identity, residency, and income. You can take photos of documents with your phone and upload them directly. Make sure the images are clear and show the full document. After you submit everything, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down and keep it for your records.

HHSC will send you a message through Your Texas Benefits within one to two weeks asking you to complete a phone interview. You must answer or call them back within the deadline they give you, or your application will be delayed. During the interview, they will ask about your household, income, and expenses. Be honest and have your documents nearby in case they ask questions.

Income limits and what counts as household income

Texas SNAP income limits depend on your household size and change each year. As of 2024, a single person can earn up to about $1,550 per month, a household of two up to about $2,100, and a household of four up to about $3,200. These numbers increase slightly each October. You can find the current limits on the HHSC website or by calling 211.

Income includes wages from a job, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, Social Security, disability payments, child support, alimony, and regular cash gifts. It does not include food stamps you already receive, most housing assistance, or medical assistance. If you are over the income limit, you may still be able to file if you have high expenses like rent, utilities, or medical costs — HHSC will subtract these from your income to see if you may have access to.

Report all income for everyone in your household, even if they are a child or elderly person. If someone in your household works, include their gross pay before taxes. If income changes during the month, report the average monthly amount. If you are unsure whether something counts as income, include it on your application and let HHSC decide — it is better to report too much than too little.

What happens after you file and how long it takes

After you submit your application, HHSC will review it and send you a message through Your Texas Benefits within one to two weeks. They will ask you to complete a phone interview. You will receive a call or a message with a phone number to call. Answer the call or call them back by the deadline they give you — if you miss the deadline, your application will be delayed or denied.

During the interview, an HHSC worker will ask about your household, income, expenses, and living situation. They may ask for more documents or clarification on what you already submitted. Answer honestly and completely. The interview usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. After the interview, HHSC will make a decision within one to two weeks.

If you are approved, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 days. The card is called a Lone Star Card. Your benefits will be loaded onto it on the first day of the month or within a few days after approval. You can use the card at any grocery store, farmers market, or food co-op that accepts SNAP. You cannot use it for hot food, alcohol, tobacco, or household items.

If you are denied, you will receive a letter explaining why. You have 30 days from the date of the letter to request a hearing. You can request a hearing by mail, phone, or through Your Texas Benefits. The hearing is free and you do not need a lawyer. An independent hearing officer will review your case and make a final decision.

What to do if your application is denied or delayed

If your application is denied, the letter will explain the reason — usually because your income is too high, you did not provide required documents, or you did not complete the interview. Read the letter carefully and understand exactly why you were denied. If you believe the decision is wrong, you have 30 days to request a hearing.

To request a hearing, contact your local HHSC office or go through Your Texas Benefits. You can also call 211 and ask for help requesting a hearing. At the hearing, you can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to speak for you. The hearing officer will listen to both sides and make a decision. This process usually takes two to four weeks.

If your application is delayed beyond the normal timeframe, call your local HHSC office or 211 to find out what is holding it up. Common reasons include missing documents, an unreturned phone call, or a backlog at the office. Ask what specific documents or information they need and provide it as soon as you can. If you are in a crisis and need food right away, ask about emergency SNAP, which can provide benefits within one to three days in some cases.

Recertification and keeping your benefits active

Your SNAP benefits last for a set period — usually six months to one year depending on your situation. Before your benefits expire, HHSC will send you a notice through Your Texas Benefits telling you to recertify. Recertification means updating your information to confirm you still meet the requirements. You must recertify by the deadline or your benefits will stop.

To recertify, log into Your Texas Benefits and select "Recertify" for SNAP. You will fill out a shorter form with updated household and income information. Upload new proof of income if your job or benefits have changed. If nothing has changed, you may only need to confirm your current information. Submit your recertification at least one week before the deadline to avoid a gap in benefits.

If you miss the recertification deadline, your benefits will end. You can reapply, but there will be a gap where you do not receive benefits. If you are late but within 30 days of the deadline, call your local HHSC office immediately and ask if they can restore your benefits. Some offices will restore them if you recertify right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SNAP if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Texas SNAP does not require citizenship. You must be a Texas resident and meet income requirements, but your immigration status does not disqualify you. You will need to provide your immigration document number on the application. Some non-citizens may have restrictions, so include your immigration information and let HHSC determine your status.

How much money will I receive each month?

The amount depends on your household size and income. A single person with no income can receive up to about $291 per month; a household of four with no income can receive up to about $1,039. The more income you have, the less you receive. HHSC will calculate your exact amount based on your application. You can see an estimate on the Your Texas Benefits website before you file.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

Report changes to HHSC right away through Your Texas Benefits or by calling your local office. If your income increases, your benefits may decrease or stop. If your income decreases, your benefits may increase. Changes usually take effect the month after you report them. Do not wait until recertification to report changes — reporting early prevents overpayments that you might have to repay later.

Can I use my Lone Star Card at farmers markets?

Yes. Many farmers markets in Texas accept SNAP. Look for the SNAP logo at the market entrance or ask a vendor. You can use your card to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other food items. You cannot use it for prepared food, plants, or non-food items. Some markets offer matching programs where they double your SNAP dollars, so ask if the market near you has one.

What if I lose my Lone Star Card?

Call the number on the back of your card or contact your local HHSC office to report it lost or stolen. They will cancel the old card and mail you a replacement within 7 to 10 days. If you need benefits before the replacement arrives, ask HHSC about emergency replacement options. Do not share your card PIN with anyone, and do not use your card for non-food items or you may lose your benefits.