During August, thousands of households in Texas will receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP. This financial support is key for many low-income families who depend on it to purchase essential food products.
The delivery of these benefits doesn't take place on a single date. On the contrary, the distribution is organized according to each person's case number, which allows for a more staggered and orderly process.
Payment dates according to case number
The SNAP program in Texas is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Payments are made through the Lone Star Card, a type of debit card that can only be used for certain products.
For those who were certified before June 1, 2020, the benefit is deposited between the 1st and 15th day of the month. This depends on the last digit of each person's Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number.
For example, if your number ends in 0, you will receive the payment on the 1st day. If it ends in 1, on the 3rd day, and those whose number ends in 9 will receive their payment on the 15th day. This schedule allows you to know exactly when the benefit will be loaded.
Meanwhile, households certified after June 1, 2020 receive their payment between the 16th and 28th day of the month. In this case, a combination of the last two digits of the EDG is taken into account. For example, numbers between 00-03 and 54-57 are paid on the 16th day, those ending between 42-45, 50-53, or 96-99 receive payment on the 28th day.
SNAP limits and eligibility in Texas
Although this benefit allows you to buy essential foods, there are certain important restrictions. It can't be used to purchase products such as tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or any item that is not edible. It is also not valid to pay outstanding bills related to food.
Regarding eligibility, adults between 18 and 54 years old without children can access SNAP for three months within a three-year period. If they work at least 20 hours per week or participate in job training programs, they can extend that time.
Households formed by adults over 60 years old or people with disabilities can apply for SNAP through the Texas Simplified Application Project, which streamlines the process.
Knowing the exact day when benefits are received helps plan family spending better. With this schedule in hand, beneficiaries can organize their purchases and make sure to use the support efficiently.