What it Offers
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people buy the food they need for good health. People also can buy garden seeds with SNAP benefits.
See Also
What Do We Mean When We Say “Low-Income?”Characteristics of Low-Income CountriesUnderserved Areas Data | FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCYOverviewSNAP food benefits are put on a Lone Star Card and can be used just like a credit card at any store that accepts SNAP.
SNAP can’t be used to:
- Buy tobacco.
- Buy alcoholic drinks.
- Buy things you can't eat or drink.
- Pay for food bills you owe.
You can also use your SNAP benefits to buy food online. Learn more about buying food online with SNAP.
Who is it for?
- People in eligible low-income households.
- Most adults ages 18 to 52 with no children in their home can get SNAP for only three months in a three-year period. The benefit period might be longer if the person works at least 20 hours a week or is in a job or training program. Some adults might not have to work to get benefits, such as those who have a disability or are pregnant.
- Households in which all members are either older adults (age 60 and older) or people with disabilities are eligible to participate in the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP), which makes the SNAP application process easier and provides three years of benefits at a time instead of six months.
Maximum Monthly Income Limits
| 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 |
Other Rules
Most people ages 16 to 59 must follow work rules to get SNAP benefits. Work rules mean a person must look for a job or be in an approved work program. If the person has a job, they can’t quit without a good reason.
Maximum Monthly SNAP Amount
| Family size | Monthly SNAP amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| For each additional person, add: | $219 |
