The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a vital federal program designed to provide nutritional assistance to low-income individuals and families across the United States. In Texas, the program plays a crucial role in helping households access necessary food supplies.
SNAP benefits are provided monthly through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at various participating food retailers, including grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
As reported by Marca, understanding the specifics of eligibility, payment distribution, and purchase restrictions is key to navigating the program effectively. This article highlights these important aspects of SNAP benefits in Texas.
SNAP Eligibility: Who Can Receive Benefits?
Eligibility for SNAP benefits in Texas depends on several factors, such as income, household size, and citizenship status. To qualify, households must meet both income and resource limits. Generally, individuals must have a gross monthly income below 130% of the federal poverty level. For households with elderly or disabled members, higher income limits may apply.
In addition to income, applicants must also pass a resource test, considering assets like savings accounts, vehicles, and other resources. However, certain resources, like one vehicle per household and certain retirement accounts, may not count against eligibility.
This means that some households, especially those with elderly members, may have higher income but still qualify for assistance based on their specific circumstances. If approved, recipients will receive their SNAP benefits on an EBT card, which works like a debit card at participating food retailers.
When Do You Get Your SNAP Benefits in Texas?
In Texas, SNAP benefits are deposited into EBT accounts between the 1st and 28th of each month. The exact payment day depends on the last two digits of your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. This system helps ensure that the distribution of benefits is spread across the month to manage the demand on resources.
Here is the full payment schedule for SNAP in Texas for August 2025, based on the last two digits of your EDG number:
- 61–64: August 18
- 65–67: August 19
- 68–71: August 20
- 72–74: August 21
- 75–78: August 22
- 79–81: August 23
- 82–85: August 24
By using this system, SNAP ensures that recipients know exactly when to expect their benefits each month. This is crucial for budgeting and planning grocery trips. The amount of benefits received depends on household size and income level. For example, a family of four with very low income may receive a higher benefit amount than a single individual.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
SNAP benefits are designed to help families purchase nutritious food. Eligible items include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
Additionally, SNAP recipients can buy seeds and plants that produce food for the home, such as vegetables or herbs. This encourages sustainable food practices by allowing families to grow their own produce.
However, there are several restrictions on what can be purchased with SNAP benefits. These include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Cigarettes and tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines, and dietary supplements
- Live animals (except for seafood, fish, and animals slaughtered before being removed from the store)
- Prepared or hot food at the point of sale (such as rotisserie chicken or take-out food)
These restrictions help ensure that SNAP benefits are used solely for purchasing food to support the health and well-being of recipients.
For eligible Texans, SNAP provides a critical safety net that helps families meet their nutritional needs. Understanding the eligibility requirements, payment schedule, and what can and cannot be bought with SNAP benefits is essential to making the most of this program and ensuring efficient use of the benefits provided.
