Income and household size determine whether you can receive SNAP in Texas

Texas uses federal income limits set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, adjusted each year. Your household's gross monthly income must fall below the limit for your household size. A single person can earn up to a certain amount; a family of four has a higher limit. The state also looks at net income after deductions like child care, medical expenses, and shelter costs — so your actual take-home matters more than your gross pay.

Household size includes everyone living with you and buying food together, even if you are not related. If you live alone, only your income counts. If you have a spouse and two children, all four incomes combine. Foster children and some other dependents count toward household size.

Texas also has an asset limit: your household cannot own more than $2,500 in countable resources (or $3,750 if at least one person is 60 or older). A car, your home, and retirement accounts do not count. Cash, savings accounts, and stocks do.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household's gross monthly income must be at or below the federal limit for your size, which changes each year and varies by number of people in your home.
  • Texas also counts net income after certain deductions, so high expenses for child care or medical costs can lower the amount you need to report.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant; most non-citizens do not meet the requirement.
  • You need a Social Security number for each household member, and you must report changes in income or household size within 10 days.
  • Work requirements apply to most adults aged 16 to 59 unless you are caring for a child, disabled, or in a hardship situation.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant to receive SNAP in Texas. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some other categories with specific legal status. Most undocumented immigrants do not meet this requirement, though their U.S.-born children do.

You will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status when you apply. A birth certificate, passport, or green card works. If you cannot produce original documents, Texas may accept other forms of proof, but the process takes longer. Applying does not trigger immigration enforcement — SNAP is a benefit program, not an immigration agency.

Work requirements and exemptions

Most adults aged 16 to 59 must work or look for work at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP. Texas counts paid employment, self-employment, job training, and some volunteer work toward this requirement. If you do not meet the hours, your benefits stop after three months in a 36-month period.

You are exempt from work requirements if you are caring for a child under six, pregnant, disabled, or over 59. You are also exempt if you are the primary caregiver for a disabled household member. If you face a hardship — such as lack of child care or transportation — you can request a waiver, though approval depends on your specific situation and current state policy.

Social Security numbers and reporting changes

Every household member must have a Social Security number to receive SNAP. If someone does not have one, you can apply for one through the Social Security Administration. The process takes a few weeks, so apply early if you are missing a number.

You must report changes within 10 days: a new job, a job loss, a change in income, someone moving in or out, or a change in household expenses. Texas uses an online portal, phone line, or in-person office for reporting. If you do not report a change and your income rises above the limit, you may have to repay benefits you received while ineligible.

Residency and other requirements

You must live in Texas and intend to stay. You do not need to own a home or have a permanent address, but you do need a mailing address where the state can reach you. If you are homeless, you can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a general delivery address at a post office.

You cannot be disqualified for having a criminal record, but certain drug-related convictions can make you ineligible. Most people with felony records can still receive SNAP. If you are unsure whether a conviction affects you, ask during the application process — the state will tell you.

How to report your information to Texas

Texas processes SNAP applications through the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). You can apply online through Your Texas Benefits, by mail, by phone, or in person at a local HHSC office. Online is usually fastest — you can submit your application and documents in one session.

You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or immigration status. If you are missing a document, you can still apply; the state will ask you to send it later. The state has 30 days to make a decision, though it often takes less time.

Special situations: students, immigrants, and people over 60

College students aged 18 to 49 have stricter rules. You must work at least 20 hours per week, be in a work-study program, or be caring for a child. Some students in hardship situations can get a waiver. If you are a student, mention it when you apply so the state knows to apply the right rules.

Immigrants who are not yet permanent residents may still be may be able to access if they fall into certain categories: refugees and asylees are may be able to access for seven years from their date of entry; some victims of trafficking or abuse are may be able to access; and some military families are may be able to access. If you are an immigrant unsure of your status, ask at the HHSC office — staff can tell you whether your category qualifies.

People aged 60 and older have a higher asset limit ($3,750 instead of $2,500) and may have different work requirements. If you are over 60, mention it during your application so the state applies the right rules to your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get food stamps if I am working part-time?

Yes, if your household income is below the limit. Part-time work counts toward the 20-hour work requirement for most adults. If you earn $1,500 per month and your household size is two, you may still be under the income limit and able to receive SNAP. The state looks at your actual income, not your employment status.

What happens if my income goes up after I start receiving benefits?

You must report the change within 10 days. If your new income exceeds the limit, your benefits will stop. If you do not report it and continue to receive benefits while ineligible, Texas may ask you to repay the overpayment. Reporting early protects you from having to repay a large amount later.

Can I get food stamps if I have a criminal record?

Most people with criminal records can receive SNAP. Certain drug-related felony convictions can disqualify you, but many other convictions do not. The best way to know is to apply and let the state tell you. If you are disqualified, you can ask about a waiver in some cases.

Do I need to be a permanent resident to get food stamps in Texas?

No. Refugees, asylees, and some other immigrants with legal status can receive SNAP even without a green card. Undocumented immigrants cannot. If you have legal status but are not sure which category you fall into, bring your immigration documents to the HHSC office and ask — staff can tell you whether you meet the requirement.

What if I cannot find all my documents to apply?

You can still apply. Submit what you have and tell the state which documents you are missing. You have a certain amount of time to send them in — usually 10 days to a few weeks depending on the document. Applying without everything does not hurt you; it just delays the decision until you provide what is needed.