Income and household size determine most SNAP decisions in Texas

Texas uses federal SNAP income limits, which change each year. Your household's gross monthly income — before taxes — must fall below the limit for your household size. A single person in Texas cannot earn more than about $1,428 per month; a family of three cannot earn more than about $3,022 per month. These numbers shift annually, so the exact threshold depends on when you check.

Your net income — what remains after certain deductions — also matters. Even if your gross income is above the limit, deductions for things like housing costs, childcare, and medical expenses can bring your net income below the threshold. Texas counts both gross and net income in the decision.

You must also have a Social Security number or be working toward one, be a U.S. citizen or may have access to non-citizen, and live in Texas. Most people who work, including those earning minimum wage, can still receive SNAP if their household is large enough or their expenses are high enough.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household's gross monthly income must fall below the federal limit for your size, which ranges from about $1,428 for one person to $3,022 for three people and increases with each additional member.
  • Deductions for housing, utilities, childcare, and medical costs can lower your countable income even if your gross pay exceeds the limit.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to non-citizen with a Social Security number and live in Texas.
  • Working people, including those with part-time or minimum-wage jobs, often meet the income test because household size and expenses are factored in.
  • Texas counts both what you earn and what you own; having more than $2,250 in liquid assets (or $3,500 if someone in the household is 60 or older) can disqualify you.

How Texas counts income from work and other sources

Texas counts wages, self-employment income, and regular payments like Social Security, unemployment, or child support. If you work, Texas counts 80 percent of your net earnings after work expenses. This means some of what you earn is not counted toward the income limit.

If you receive unemployment benefits, disability payments, or veterans' benefits, those are counted as income. Irregular income — like seasonal work or one-time payments — is averaged over the months you receive it. If you were laid off and received a lump-sum severance, Texas spreads that across the months to calculate your average income.

Some income does not count. Gifts, tax refunds, and money from selling personal items are not counted. Student loans and financial aid are not counted as income, though they may affect your resources (what you own).

Asset limits and what Texas counts as resources

Texas sets a resource limit of $2,250 for most households and $3,500 for households with a member who is 60 or older or disabled. Resources are things you own that can be turned into cash: savings accounts, checking accounts, stocks, and bonds all count.

Your home and the land it sits on do not count, no matter the value. One vehicle per household member does not count. Money in retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA does not count. Personal items like furniture, clothing, and jewelry do not count.

If you are over the resource limit, you do not meet the test. Texas does not allow you to spend down resources to become may be able to access — the limit is a hard boundary at the moment you apply.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen to receive SNAP in Texas. may have access to non-citizens — including lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration statuses — can receive SNAP, but they must provide proof of their status.

If you are a non-citizen, you will need to show your immigration documents when you apply. Texas verifies immigration status through the federal system. Undocumented immigrants do not meet the citizenship requirement and cannot receive SNAP.

Children born in the United States are citizens regardless of their parents' status and can receive SNAP if the household meets income and resource tests.

Work requirements and exemptions in Texas

Most adults aged 16 to 59 without dependents must work or participate in a work program to receive SNAP. Texas requires an average of 20 hours per week of work, work training, or approved work-related activities. This rule applies even if you are receiving unemployment benefits.

Some people are exempt from the work requirement: parents or guardians caring for a child under 6, people over 59, people with a disability, pregnant people, and people caring for a disabled household member. If you are exempt, you do not need to work to receive SNAP.

If you do not meet the work requirement and are not exempt, your SNAP benefits may be limited to three months in a 36-month period. Texas can extend this time limit if you are participating in a work program or if the state's unemployment rate is high enough.

How to report changes and keep your benefits active

Texas requires you to report changes in income, household size, address, or employment within 10 days. If your income increases, your benefits may decrease or end. If your income decreases, you may receive more. Reporting changes on time keeps your case accurate and prevents overpayments you would have to repay.

Your SNAP case is reviewed every 12 months. Texas will send you a notice asking you to provide updated information about income, household members, and resources. You must respond by the deadline or your benefits will stop. If your situation has not changed, you can often recertify by mail or online.

If you move to another state, your SNAP case closes in Texas. You must apply in your new state. If you move within Texas, you can update your address with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Special rules for students, elderly people, and disabled individuals

Students aged 18 to 49 who are enrolled full-time in college or university have stricter rules. They must work at least 20 hours per week, participate in a work-study program, or be exempt due to disability or caring for a dependent. Some students do not meet this requirement and cannot receive SNAP.

People aged 60 and older have a higher resource limit ($3,500 instead of $2,250) and are exempt from work requirements. Elderly people who live alone or with other elderly or disabled people may have lower income limits in some cases.

People with a disability or blindness are exempt from work requirements and have a higher resource limit. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are considered disabled for SNAP purposes. You can also provide medical documentation of a disability if you do not receive these benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having a job disqualify me from SNAP in Texas?

No. Working people often receive SNAP if their household is large enough or their expenses are high enough to bring their net income below the limit. Texas counts 80 percent of your net earnings, so some of your wages are not counted. Part-time and minimum-wage workers frequently meet the income test.

What happens if I earn more money after I start receiving SNAP?

You must report the income change to Texas within 10 days. Your benefits will be recalculated based on your new income. If your income rises above the limit, your benefits will decrease or stop. If you do not report the change, you may receive overpayments that you will have to repay.

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

may have access to non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents and refugees, can receive SNAP if they meet all other requirements and provide proof of their immigration status. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SNAP. Children born in the United States are citizens and can receive SNAP regardless of their parents' status.

Do I lose SNAP if I have savings?

Only if your savings exceed the resource limit: $2,250 for most households or $3,500 if someone is 60 or older or disabled. Your home and one vehicle per household member do not count toward this limit. Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs also do not count.

What if I am a student — can I get SNAP?

Students aged 18 to 49 enrolled full-time in college must work at least 20 hours per week, participate in work-study, or be exempt due to disability or caring for a dependent. Students under 18 or over 50, and those not enrolled full-time, do not have this restriction. High school students can receive SNAP without meeting the work requirement.