SNAP / Food Stamps
Texas SNAP Benefits: Income Limits, Maximum Amounts and New Rules
Quick Answer
From October 1, 2026, a Texas household of 4 can get up to $1,023 a month in SNAP. Most households qualify through categorical eligibility with gross income up to $4,538 a month for 4 people (165% of the poverty level). Since April 1, 2026, SNAP in Texas cannot buy candy or sweetened drinks, and adults 18–64 without a child under 14 face a 3-month time limit unless they work 20 hours a week. Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com.
SNAP (food stamps) in Texas is run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Benefits are loaded each month onto a Lone Star Card and work like a debit card at grocery stores and online at approved retailers. This guide covers who qualifies, how much you can get and what changed in 2026.
Is Texas Still Paying SNAP?
Yes. Texas issues SNAP every month. Deposits are spread over the 1st to the 28th of the month, based on the last two digits of your EDG number — see the Texas SNAP deposit schedule. If federal funding is ever interrupted, HHSC posts updates on its SNAP page.
Texas SNAP Income Limits (from October 1, 2026)
HHSC uses three limits. Most households qualify through categorical eligibility and are checked against the 165% column. Other households must meet both the 130% gross limit and the 100% net limit (income after deductions such as housing and child care). Under federal rules, households with a member who is 60 or older or disabled do not have to meet the gross limit, only the net limit (7 CFR 273.9).
| Household Size | Gross Income, Categorical (165%) | Gross Income (130%) | Net Income (100%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,195 | $1,729 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $2,976 | $2,345 | $1,804 |
| 3 | $3,757 | $2,960 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $4,538 | $3,575 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $5,319 | $4,191 | $3,224 |
| 6 | $6,100 | $4,806 | $3,697 |
| 7 | $6,881 | $5,421 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $7,662 | $6,037 | $4,644 |
| Each additional member | +$781 | +$616 | +$474 |
Source: Texas Works Handbook C-120, table effective Oct. 1, 2026. HHSC makes the final decision on every application.
Maximum Texas SNAP Benefit (Oct 2026 – Sep 2027)
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $306 |
| 2 | $562 |
| 3 | $808 |
| 4 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $1,841 |
| Each additional member | +$225 |
Only households with no countable net income get the maximum. SNAP expects a household to spend about 30% of its net income on food, so the benefit is usually the maximum minus 30% of net income.
New SNAP Rules in Texas
Candy and sweetened drinks (since April 1, 2026)
Under a USDA-approved state waiver, SNAP in Texas can no longer buy candy (including candy bars, gum, taffy, and candied or chocolate-, yogurt- or caramel-coated nuts and fruit) or sweetened drinks — non-alcoholic water-based drinks with 5 grams or more of added sugar or any artificial sweetener. Drinks with milk or milk substitutes, or more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice, are still allowed.
Work rules for adults 18–64 (federal law, July 2025)
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025, widened the SNAP time limit. HHSC now applies it to most adults ages 18 to 64 with no child under 14 in the home: they can get SNAP for only 3 months in a 3-year period unless they work, or take part in a job or training program, at least 20 hours a week. USDA guidance also removed the earlier exceptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth age 24 or younger. People with a disability or caring for a child under 6 are still excused from work rules, and most people ages 16 to 59 must follow the general work rules (look for work, don't quit a job without good reason).
Non-citizen eligibility
The same 2025 law also narrowed which non-citizens can get SNAP. Rules depend on immigration category, so ask HHSC about your situation before applying.
How to Apply for SNAP in Texas
- Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com. That is the official HHSC site — check the address carefully, because look-alike sites exist.
- Provide documents: proof of identity, income, housing and utility costs, and medical costs if someone is 60+ or disabled.
- Complete the interview, usually by phone.
- Get your decision within 30 days, or 7 days if you qualify for expedited service (7 CFR 273.2).
If everyone in your household is 60 or older or has a disability, you may qualify for the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP): a simpler application and three years of benefits at a time instead of six months. For language help or disability accommodations, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905.
Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth
SNAP rules, income limits and benefit amounts are the same everywhere in Texas. Whether you live in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth or a small town, you apply through YourTexasBenefits.com. To find a local benefits office for in-person help, call 2-1-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for SNAP in Texas?
From October 1, 2026, most Texas households qualify with gross monthly income up to $2,195 for 1 person, $2,976 for 2, $3,757 for 3 and $4,538 for 4 (165% of the poverty level, for categorically eligible households). Other households must stay under $1,729 gross for 1 person ($3,575 for 4) and also meet the net limit. Source: HHSC Texas Works Handbook C-120.
What is the maximum SNAP benefit?
From October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit is $306 for 1 person, $562 for 2, $808 for 3 and $1,023 for 4, plus $225 for each additional person (USDA).
What is the new law for food stamps in Texas?
Two changes: since April 1, 2026, SNAP in Texas cannot buy candy or sweetened drinks (state waiver approved by USDA); and under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act of July 2025, adults 18–64 without a child under 14 can get SNAP for only 3 months in 3 years unless they work or train at least 20 hours a week.
Is Texas still getting SNAP benefits?
Yes. Texas issues SNAP every month on the 1st to the 28th, based on your EDG number. See our Texas deposit schedule.
How long does a SNAP application take?
Federal rules require a decision within 30 days of applying, or within 7 days if your household qualifies for expedited service (7 CFR 273.2).
Sources
Checked on November 2, 2026. Rules and amounts change; the agency's own page always wins.
- HHSC SNAP Food Benefits
- HHSC Texas Works Handbook C-120 (income limits effective Oct 1, 2026)
- USDA FY 2027 SNAP cost-of-living adjustments (Aug 21, 2026)
- USDA One Big Beautiful Bill Act SNAP implementation memo
- USDA SNAP food restriction waivers
- 7 CFR 273.9 — income and deductions
- 7 CFR 273.2 — application processing