To qualify for SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in Texas in 2024, applicants must adhere to specific eligibility criteria. Firstly, individuals must be either U.S. citizens or possess legal alien status that qualifies for SNAP. Residency requirements dictate that applicants must be Texas residents.
The income threshold for these food stamps is set at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, with current limits available on the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) website. Asset limits also apply, requiring household assets to fall within specified boundaries. Additionally, able-bodied adults without dependents aged 51 to 52 (expanding to 54 in October 2024) must engage in work, training, or school for at least 20 hours per week to qualify for more than 3 months in a 3-year period. Exemptions are granted for certain individuals, including those with disabilities or pregnant women.
Maximum SNAP Payments in Texas in 2024
The USDA website provides the maximum SNAP allotments for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. from October 2023 to September 2024. The allotments are as follows: $291 for a household size of 1, $535 for a household size of 2, $766 for a household size of 3, $973 for a family of four members, the average family size in the United States.
$1,155 for a household size of 5, $1,386 for a household size of 6, $1,532 for a household size of 7, $1,751 for a household size of 8, and an additional $219 for each extra person.
A monthly payment of $973 for a family of four translates to approximately $8 per day per person. While the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was not designed to fully cover all food expenses, a study by the Urban Institute revealed that a reasonably priced meal cost $3.14 as of the last quarter of 2022, 15% more than the maximum SNAP benefit. The report also highlighted that SNAP benefits fell short of covering the cost of a meal in 99% of counties last year.
Monthly Income Caps for Applicants
The monthly income eligibility standards have been adjusted for the 48 contiguous states, D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The maximum gross monthly income cap, set at 130% of the federal poverty level, is as follows for the contiguous U.S. states plus D.C.: $1,580 for a household size of 1, $2,137 for a household size of 2,
The value $2,694 is for a household size of 3, meanwhile the maximum $3,250 applies for a household size of 4. Moving forward, $3,807 for a household size of 5, $4,364 for a household size of 6, $4,921 for a household size of 7, $5,478 for a household size of 8, and an additional $557 for each extra person.
Additional resources for SNAP eligibility in Texas:
- HHSC SNAP website: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits
- SNAP eligibility calculator: https://www.snapscreener.com/
- Texas SNAP hotline: 1-800-779-4357