If you’re having trouble buying food, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help. Once you're approved to receive SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). An EBT card looks and works like a prepaid debit card, and can be used at a grocery store or at some online retailers to buy foods that are SNAP-eligible.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for people who are struggling to put enough food on their table. Formerly known as Food Stamps, SNAP allows many older adults to stretch their budget further. This is because the money they would have spent on food can now be applied toward other critical needs—such as utilities, prescriptions, and medical bills.
What is the process like in Texas?
While you may think applying for SNAP is too complex or time-consuming, it isn’t as difficult as you might expect. Depending on where you live, you can actually apply online. And if that’s not an option for you, you can apply by mail or in person.
How do I know if I'm eligible?
The amount of money you will get depends on:
Money you get from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you
Any assets you have (for example, cash or property)
The following chart are maximum monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP in Texas.
Family size
Maximum monthly income
1
$ 2,005
2
$ 2,712
3
$ 3,419
4
$ 4,125
5
$ 4,832
For each additional person, add:
$ 707
How do I prepare to apply?
While applying for SNAP in Texas, you’ll be asked for important information to help decide the amount of SNAP benefits you get.
Before you start, be sure to gather the following to make your application process easier:
Documentation that may be required:
Identification
Social Security
Paystubs
Pension
Immigration status
Proof you live in Texas (utility bill, etc.)
Other information you may need to provide:
Life insurance information
Bank statements
Living expenses, such as what you pay for housing (rent or mortgage), natural gas, water, phone (showing that your basic living expenses are 50% or more of your income)
Medical expenses that are more than $35 per month (these expenses could help you if you receive more benefits through medical deductions)
While you may be worried about sharing your personal information, you know know SNAP applications are protected by special security technology that keeps your information 100% private.
How do I apply?
The time it takes to complete an application depends on the type of application. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.
How to apply online
For online applications it can take 35 minutes to an hour to complete your SNAP application. This process includes:
Creating your online account: Though not required, it’s highly recommended to create an online account so you can easily log in to check your application status, report changes to your case, renew your benefits, among other important tasks. This part takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Filling out your online application: During this step of the process, you’ll fill in important information including uploading documents that are required for eligibility. This part takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Once you’re done applying online, your waiting period for your SNAP benefits decision could take 6 to 9 weeks. Here’s what you can expect after you apply online for SNAP in Texas:
Receive a phone call from the Commission, where you’ll be asked follow-up questions.
Receive a letter from the Commission with requests for additional information or documentation.
Receive a letter notifying you that you have been approved and included will be your award amount.
How to apply through mail
If you decide to apply using a paper application, there are two types that are offered: A ‘normal’ SNAP application and a ‘Texas simplified SNAP application’. Both processes are described below.
USING THE NORMAL PAPER APPLICATION
For normal SNAP paper applications it can take 30-45 minutes to complete your application.
This process includes:
Downloading the application here on BenefitsCheckUp.
Completing the application on paper. Note that you only need to complete sections labeled for “SNAP Food Benefits”.
Gathering related documentation.
Mailing it in. Note that we recommend using certified mail.
Once you’re done applying using a normal SNAP paper application, you can expect the same waiting period and communication as you would if you applied online.
USING THE 'SIMPLIFIED' PAPER APPLICATION
For normal Texas simplified SNAP paper applications it can take 30-45 minutes to complete your application.
This process includes:
Confirming that you are eligible to submit the simplified SNAP application. This application is for people who are 60 or older and live with people who are 60 or older, or if you’re living with a disability.
Downloading the simplified application.
Completing the application on paper.
Gathering related documentation.
Mailing it in. Note that we recommend using certified mail.
Like the normal SNAP paper application, you can expect the same waiting period and communication as you would if you applied online.
How can I get help with my application?
There are options available should you need help filling out your Texas SNAP application.
You can:
Call 211, or 877-541-7905
Call the Dallas County Department of HHS at 214-819-1860
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com, where you can find a local office or community partners that can help you enroll in SNAP.
NCOA also has a HelpLine that you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.
What happens after I apply?
It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application and then 6 to 9 weeks to get your SNAP benefits decision. Soon after you apply, however, someone from your local SNAP agency should call you to make an appointment for a SNAP interview.
The purpose of the SNAP interview is not to trip you up or to try to disqualify you from the program. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided.
The goal of the SNAP interview is to make sure your application is complete, correct, and ready for approval.
You can expect to answer questions like:
What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?
How can I get ready for my SNAP interview?
Use the list of SNAP interview questions above and picture yourself responding to them. Imagine how it feels to answer with confidence. Practice makes perfect! If you live with someone else, have them ask you these questions. If you live alone, you could sit in front of a mirror.
What else should I do after I apply for SNAP?
Here are actions you MUST do after you apply and if you get approved:
Review all correspondence in a timely manner. Watch your mail for correspondence from HHS and be sure to reply quickly enough to meet deadlines.
Make sure to follow-up on the requests you receive for documentation.
Report changes to your address, phone number, or income within 10 days of the change. You can do this by updating it online or by calling 211.
Here are actions you may have to do depending on your situation:
If you applied through a ‘simplified’ application, it renews every 3 years, so plan ahead.
If you’re employed, you might have to renew your SNAP benefits every 3 months. To do this, you should expect to receive a renewal form in the mail or in your account online.
If you are disabled, but not receiving Social Security, you may need to provide a doctor’s statement. A form will be mailed to you or the doctor to complete.
If you receive assistance paying your living expenses, you may need to provide information on who provides the assistance and the amounts of payments.
Pide ayuda a un centro de inscripción de prestaciones
Iniciar la inscripción o hacer preguntas
Un centro de inscripción de beneficios (BEC) puede ofrecerte asistencia personal e individual para determinar si cumples los requisitos para el programa y tramitar la solicitud. Con el apoyo del National Council on Aging (NCOA), el BEC puede ayudarte a solicitar la inscripción en todos los beneficios que te estés perdiendo.
Consulta los principales programas de beneficios a los que puedes optar
BenefitsCheckUp puede ayudarte a evaluar si puedes obtener ayuda de los programas antes de presentar la solicitud. Responde a las preguntas de forma anónima para saber si puedes optar a los principales programas de beneficios, como el Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP), los Programas de Ahorros de Medicare, Medicaid, el Subsidio por Bajos Ingresos (LIS) de la Parte D de Medicare: Ayuda Adicional, entre otros.
Imprimir página
Compartir
Copiar enlace 
Correo electrónico 
Facebook 
X 
Linkedin 
Pinterest 
