The Food Stamp Program is now called the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The program’s main objective is to assist low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to live healthy lives. Food stamp eligibility is calculated based on a household’s income limits and resources, relative to the household size.
In the state of Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issues SNAP benefits through the Lone Star Card (an EBT card). Every month, the recipients’ approved SNAP amounts are placed in their accounts.
The HHSC sends a renewal application before the end of each benefit period. Typically, a benefit period lasts for six months. However, depending on your situation, a benefit period can be as long as three years or as short as one month.
For individuals ages 18 to 50 years of age who do not have children living at home, the SNAP benefit period is usually limited to three months in a three-year period. It can be extended if you’re working at least 20 hours in a week, or if you’re attending a job training program.
Individuals who are pregnant or who are disabled aren’t required to work to receive food stamp benefits.
Emergency SNAP
Emergency SNAP benefits are distributed faster to assist people in emergencies. A family is defined to be in an emergency when:
- the family owns resources worth $100 or less and the household monthly income is less than $150
- the family’s resources and income are worth less than their monthly expenses for utilities and mortgage (or rent)
- the family includes a migrant or a seasonal farm worker who earns very little income and has resources worth $100 or less
Sign up on the box at the right for food stamp application guidelines, contact information for your state and other sources of financial help available in your city.
Add A Comment