SNAP, a food assistance program, seeks to provide quality meals to families
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, is a federal program in the United States designed to help low-income individuals and families purchase essential food for daily living. This program provides an electronic benefits card (EBT) that recipients can use at participating grocery stores to purchase a variety of nutritious foods, which helps them maintain adequate and healthy diets.
In addition to basic food staples, the SNAP program also offers beneficiaries the ability to purchase garden seeds, thus encouraging self-sufficiency and fresh food production at home. However, it is important to note that SNAP cannot be used to purchase tobacco, alcoholic beverages, non-food items or to pay food bills already owed.
Individuals residing in low-income households are eligible for the program. For adults between the ages of 18 and 52 without children, SNAP eligibility is limited to three months over a three-year period, unless they are employed at least 20 hours a week or participate in a job training program, which could extend the benefit period.
On the other hand, households in which all adults are over age 60 or have disabilities may participate in the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP). This project simplifies the SNAP application process by awarding three years of benefits at one time instead of just six months, providing greater stability for these vulnerable households.
SNAP benefits are deposited into your account once a month, and you can look up the specific day you will receive SNAP benefits based on the information detailed in your award letter (Form TF0001).
TANF benefits, on the other hand, are deposited monthly into your account, with the deposit date determined by the last number in your TANF eligibility group, which is also specified on Form TF0001.
SNAP payments are determined by an Eligible Determination Group (EDG) number, which can be found on the back of the SNAP card in the form of the last two digits.
- EDG Number: 42-45. Date: May 13
- EDG Number: 46-49. Date: May 14
- EDG Number: 50-53. Date: May 15
- EDG Issue: 54-57. Date: May 16
- EDG Issue: 58-60. Date: May 17
- EDG Issue: 61-64. Date: May 18
- EDG Issue: 65-67. Date: May 19
- EDG Issue: 68-71. Date: May 20
How can I verify my SNAP benefits in Texas?
If you are eligible for SNAP or TANF benefits, you will receive a Lone Star benefits card from your local Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) either at their office or by mail.
You can manage both your benefits and your Lone Star card using a variety of tools, such as the Your Texas Benefits mobile app, the YourTexasBenefits.com website and the Lone Star Helpdesk.
These platforms give you secure access to a variety of benefits, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). With a Your Texas Benefits account, you can check your Lone Star card balance, review recent card activity, manage your PIN, freeze or unfreeze your card, and request a new card if lost or damaged.