Texas Residents to Receive SNAP Benefits this month.Photo byCanva / Gustavo Fring

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal initiative designed to provide financial support to low-income individuals and families, ensuring they have access to nutritious food. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this program aims to combat food insecurity by offering funds that can be used to purchase groceries from authorized retailers.

How SNAP Works in Texas

In Texas, eligible residents receive their SNAP benefits through the Lone Star Card, a government-issued debit card. The card allows individuals and families to buy food items from approved stores, helping them meet their daily nutritional needs.

SNAP Benefit Amounts

The amount of SNAP benefits varies based on household size and income levels. For example:

• A single individual can receive up to $291 per month.
• A family of five is eligible for up to $1,115 per month.
• Larger households, such as a family of eight, may receive as much as $1,751 per month, with an additional $219 for each extra family member.

Payment Schedule for September 2024

SNAP payments in Texas are distributed based on each recipient's Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. This number determines the specific day of the month when funds are loaded onto the Lone Star Card. Below is the payment schedule for the remaining distribution dates in September 2024:

• EDG numbers 54-57: September 16, 2024
• EDG numbers 58-60: September 17, 2024
• EDG numbers 61-64: September 18, 2024
• EDG numbers 65-67: September 19, 2024
• EDG numbers 68-71: September 20, 2024
• EDG numbers 72-74: September 21, 2024
• EDG numbers 75-78: September 22, 2024

For those with EDG numbers 53 or lower, payments should have already been disbursed earlier in the month. Individuals with EDG numbers 79 or higher will receive their payments no later than September 28, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements for SNAP in Texas

To qualify for SNAP benefits in Texas, households must meet specific income requirements, which are scaled to accommodate different family sizes. For instance:

• A family of five can qualify for benefits if their monthly income is $4,832 or less.
• For each additional family member, the income limit increases by $707.