Texas to increase food assistance benefits after devastating Hurricane Beryl

Texas residents affected by Hurricane Beryl will receive additional food stamps through Aug. 8, 2024

In response to the severe damage caused by Hurricane Beryl, which left 44 people dead and caused an estimated $6.2 billion in losses, Texas has announced an increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This measure seeks to alleviate food insecurity for Texans affected by the first significant hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season.

Eligible households in 121 Texas counties will be able to receive physical food stamps instead of the usual Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards due to power outages and destruction caused by the storm. Distribution of these additional benefits, as well as assistance from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), will begin July 31, 2024.

Low-income families, who already face difficulty accessing nutritious food, can apply for additional SNAP benefits by calling 2-1-1 and choosing option 8. In addition, pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under the age of five will also be eligible for WIC assistance, which will include food and infant formula.

SNAP Benefit Amounts and Eligibility in Texas

Currently, about 3.4 million Texans receive monthly SNAP benefits. Benefit amounts vary by household size, with payments ranging from $291 for a one-person household to $1,386 for a family of six. To be eligible, families must meet certain income and work requirements.

Texas SNAP monthly amounts for 2024:

Maximum monthly income to qualify:

The implementation of these additional benefits underscores the importance of the SNAP program in combating food insecurity and supporting the nation’s most vulnerable families, especially in times of disaster. For more information, residents can look for an open WIC center or call 800-942-3678 (option 3).