The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program, provides food assistance to families and individuals who meet certain income requirements.
Benefits are calculated using specific household income and expenses. This document summarizes the eligibility and benefit calculation rules in place for the federal fiscal year 2025, which began in October 2024.
To find out if you are eligible for SNAP food assistance, contact your local human services office. Staff will assess the applicant’s situation and determine whether they meet the requirements. This process is required to obtain benefits, which may differ depending on individual circumstances.
The Lone Star Card: a key tool in Texas for families in need
In Texas, SNAP benefits are distributed using the Lone Star Card, which is an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card operates similarly to a debit or credit card, but it is preloaded with food stamp funds. It can be used at businesses that accept EBT cards.
Applying for food stamps can be done online, making the process easier for those interested. You can also apply in person at your local human services office or call the Texas SNAP hotline at 1-877-541-7905. Once the benefits have been approved, the Lone Star Card is delivered.
Texas SNAP Benefit Deposit Schedule
SNAP benefit deposits are made between the first and 28th of each month, using the last two digits of the household’s Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. For example, numbers ending in 00-03 receive benefits on the 16th, whereas numbers ending in 25-27 receive benefits on the 23rd.
They are divided into two categories: those approved or certified prior to June 1, 2020, and those approved or certified after that date. The first group receives their payments between the 16th and the 28th, while the second group receives them between the 1st and the 15th. It can be confusing at first, but once you understand it, it becomes very simple.
The groups of Texan SNAP recipients who will see their money arrive in the coming days are the following:
- 00-03: they receive their payments on February 16
- 04-06: They receive their payments on February 17
- 07-10: they receive their payments on February 18
- 11-13: They receive their payments on February 19
- 14-17: They receive their payments on February 20
- 18-20: They receive their payments on February 21
- 21-24: They receive their payments on February 22
- 25-27:Â they receive their payments on February 23Â
For tax year 2025, the maximum monthly benefits range from $292 for a single person to $975 for a family of four and $1,756 for an eight-person household. Each additional household member can contribute $220 to the maximum benefit.
The estimated average benefits for Fiscal Year 2025 are based on SNAP Quality Assurance Program data from Fiscal Year 2022. For example, a one-person household could receive an average of $199 per month, a four-person household $726, and an eight-person household $1,317.
