SNAP Food Benefits in Texas
Your Texas Benefits offers SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to help low-income individuals and families in Texas purchase nutritious food each month. These SNAP benefits are loaded onto a Lone Star Card, which can be used like a debit card at stores that accept SNAP payments.
Who Can Receive SNAP Benefits?
SNAP is available to eligible households with low income. Seniors and individuals with disabilities may qualify through the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP), which offers a simpler application process and provides benefits for up to three years before renewal is required.
SNAP Income Limits & SNAP Benefit Amount
To qualify for the SNAP food benefits household income must generally fall within the program limits. Below are the details of the maximum monthly income allowed. The amount of SNAP assistance a household receives depends on its size, income, and allowable expenses. The maximum monthly benefit amounts are also mentioned in the chart for your convenience.
| Family Size | Max. Monthly Income | Max. Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,152 | $298 |
| 2 | $2,909 | $546 |
| 3 | $3,665 | $785 |
| 4 | $4,421 | $994 |
| 5 | $5,177 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $5,934 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $6,690 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $7,446 | $1,789 |
| For each additional household member add by $757 | For each additional household member add by $218 |
SNAP Work Requirements
- Most individuals between the ages of 16 and 59 must meet certain work-related requirements to receive SNAP benefits. This generally includes:
- Working at a job.
- Actively searching for employment.
- Participating in an approved job training or employment program.
- Adults aged 18 to 64 who do not have children under the age of 14 living with them may only receive SNAP benefits for up to three months within a three-year period if they are not working.
- These individuals may continue receiving benefits beyond that period if they:
- Work at least 20 hours per week, or
- Participate in an approved employment or training program for at least 20 hours per week.
- Some individuals may be exempt from these requirements, including:
- People with disabilities.
- Individuals caring for a child younger than six years old.
What Can You Buy with SNAP?
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of everyday food items, including:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Bread and cereals
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Milk and other dairy products
- Plant seeds and food-producing plants for home gardens
SNAP benefits can also be used for eligible online grocery purchases through approved retailers.
What Cannot Be Purchased with SNAP?
SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:
- Tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Vitamins and medicines
- Household supplies and other non-food items
New SNAP Purchase Restrictions (Effective April 1, 2026)
Starting April 1, 2026, certain products will no longer qualify for purchase with SNAP benefits in Texas.
Restricted items include:
- Candy bars
- Chewing gum
- Taffy and similar sweets
- Candied, glazed, crystalized, chocolate-coated, caramel-coated, or yogurt-coated fruits and nuts
- Sweetened beverages containing 5 grams or more of added sugar
- Drinks containing artificial sweeteners
However, SNAP can still be used for beverages that:
- Contain milk or milk alternatives such as soy or rice milk
- Consist of more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice
SNAP helps millions of Texans access healthy food while reducing the financial burden of grocery expenses. Eligible households can use their benefits both in stores and online to purchase approved food items that support a balanced and nutritious diet.
To check more benefits offered under Your Texas Benefits must visit our homepage.