Texas SNAP has three main requirements: your household income must fall below the limit for your family size, you must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant, and you must live in Texas.
Texas runs SNAP through the Health and Human Services Commission. The income limit changes each year and depends on how many people live in your household. A single person in 2024 cannot earn more than about $1,550 per month; a family of four cannot earn more than about $3,200 per month. These numbers shift annually, so you'll need to check the current limit when you're ready to look into your situation.
Citizenship matters. You must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident (green card holder), or fall into a small list of other may have access to immigrant categories. If you're not sure whether you count, the Texas HHSC website lists the specific statuses that work. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SNAP, though their U.S.-born children may be able to.
You also need to live in Texas and be able to prove it — usually with a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency showing your address.
Key Takeaways
- Your household's total monthly income must be below the limit for your family size, which the Texas HHSC updates each year.
- You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or fall into one of a few other may have access to immigrant categories.
- You need to live in Texas and show proof of your address with a lease, utility bill, or government mail.
- Texas counts income from jobs, unemployment, Social Security, and child support, but not all money counts the same way.
- You can apply online through Your Texas Benefits, by mail, or in person at your local HHSC office.
How Texas counts the money you make
Income is not just paychecks. Texas counts wages, self-employment earnings, unemployment benefits, Social Security, child support, and some other sources. But the state does not count all of it the same way. If you work, Texas lets you subtract $160 per month before it looks at what's left. This is called the standard deduction, and it exists because work costs money.
After that deduction, Texas counts 80 percent of your remaining earnings. So if you make $2,000 a month from a job, Texas subtracts $160, leaving $1,840. Then it counts only $1,472 of that (80 percent). This math matters because it can push you under the income limit even if your gross pay seems too high.
Some income does not count at all. Student financial aid, the first $20 of any income in a month, and money from certain assistance programs stay off the books. If you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), that does not count toward your SNAP limit either.
Assets and resources do not usually block you in Texas
Texas SNAP has no asset limit for most households. You can own a car, a house, a savings account, or investments and still be within the rules. This is different from some other states and different from SSI, which does count what you own.
The only exception is if someone in your household is over 60 or disabled. In that case, the household can have up to $3,500 in countable resources. A home and one vehicle do not count toward that limit, and neither does most retirement money.
Work requirements and exemptions
Texas requires most adults between 16 and 59 to work, look for work, or participate in a work program to keep receiving SNAP. You need to work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a state-approved program like job training or community service. If you do not meet this requirement, your benefits stop after three months.
Some people are exempt. You do not have to work if you are caring for a child under six, caring for a disabled person, pregnant, over 59, or unable to work due to disability. Parents with a child under three get extra time — they can be exempt for up to 12 months. If you think you fall into an exemption, tell the HHSC when you apply or when your situation changes.
How to apply in Texas
You can apply online through Your Texas Benefits, the state's portal for SNAP and other assistance. This is usually the fastest route — you fill out the form, upload documents if needed, and get a decision within 30 days. You can also apply by mail by sending a form to your local HHSC office, or you can walk in to apply in person.
You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or immigration status (a birth certificate, passport, or green card), and proof of your Texas address. If you have a disability or care for someone who does, bring documentation of that too. The HHSC may ask for more documents after you apply, so keep your phone number current.
After you apply, the state has 30 days to make a decision. If you are in a crisis and need food right away, Texas can issue emergency SNAP for up to seven days while your full application is being reviewed. Ask about this when you apply.
What happens after you are approved
If you are approved, Texas loads your SNAP benefit onto a debit card called the Lone Star Card. You use it like a regular card at grocery stores and farmers markets. The amount you receive depends on your household size and income — larger households and lower incomes get more. The state recalculates your benefit each month.
You will need to recertify every 12 months to keep your benefits. Texas will send you a notice before your certification expires. You can recertify online, by mail, or in person. If you miss the deadline, your benefits stop, but you can reapply.
Tell the HHSC if your income, household size, address, or work situation changes. Changes can affect how much you receive or whether you stay within the rules. You can report changes through Your Texas Benefits, by phone, or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Texas resident for a certain amount of time before I can get SNAP?
No. You only need to live in Texas now. You do not have to have lived here for any minimum period. If you just moved to Texas, you can apply right away as long as you can show proof of your current address.
What if I am self-employed or have irregular income?
Texas counts self-employment income the same way it counts wages — after the $160 work deduction and at 80 percent of what remains. If your income varies month to month, the state averages your last three months of earnings to decide whether you may have access to. Bring tax returns or business records to show what you typically make.
Can I get SNAP if I am on unemployment benefits?
Yes. Unemployment counts as income, but it is treated like wages for the work deduction and the 80 percent rule. If your unemployment is low enough that your household still falls below the income limit after these deductions, you can receive SNAP alongside unemployment.
What if I was denied SNAP before — can I apply again?
Yes. You can apply again anytime. If your situation has changed — your income went down, your household size changed, or you now meet a work exemption — you may be approved this time. Bring documentation of what is different from your last application.
Does getting SNAP affect my immigration status or my ability to become a citizen?
SNAP does not affect your immigration status. However, if you are applying for permanent residency or citizenship, using public benefits can sometimes be considered in the "public charge" test. Talk to an immigration attorney before you apply if you are in the middle of an immigration case.