Where to explore for SNAP in Texas

In Texas, you explore for SNAP through the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which runs the program under the name SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program). You have three ways to start: online through the Your Texas Benefits portal, by phone, or in person at a local HHSC office.

The online route is fastest. Go to yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov, create an account, and submit your process there. You can do this from home on a computer or phone. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the HHSC Customer Service line at 1-877-541-7905 (available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). They can mail you a paper form or answer questions about what you need to bring.

To find your local HHSC office, search "HHSC office near me" online or call that same number. Walk-in applications are accepted, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through HHSC using the Your Texas Benefits website, by phone at 1-877-541-7905, or at a local HHSC office.
  • You will need proof of identity, residency in Texas, income, and citizenship or immigration status before you submit.
  • HHSC typically makes a decision within 30 days, though expedited processing can happen in as few as 7 days if you meet certain conditions.
  • Once approved, your benefits load onto a debit card called the Lone Star Card, which you use at grocery stores and farmers markets.
  • You must recertify your SNAP benefits every 12 months by submitting updated information to HHSC.

Documents You Need Before You explore

HHSC will ask for proof in four categories. Have these ready before you start your process, whether online or by phone.

Identity: A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, call HHSC to ask what else they will accept.

Residency in Texas: A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Texas address dated within the last 30 days. A phone bill or insurance document also works.

Income: Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, tax returns, or bank statements showing deposits. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and bank records. If you receive Social Security, unemployment, or disability, bring a benefit statement. If you have no income, you can still explore — just tell HHSC that.

Citizenship or immigration status: A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers if you are a U.S. citizen. If you are not a citizen, you will need proof of your immigration status — a green card, work permit, or visa. Some immigration statuses do not make you SNAP-may be able to access; HHSC will tell you during the process whether yours does.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Once HHSC receives your process, they send you a letter or email telling you what happens next. They may ask you to come in for an interview, usually by phone. This interview is not a test — they just want to confirm the information you provided and answer any questions.

HHSC has 30 days to make a decision from the date they receive your complete process. If you are in a crisis — you have no food and no money — you can ask for expedited processing, which speeds up the timeline to 7 days. Tell HHSC when you explore that you need expedited processing, or call them after you submit.

If HHSC approves you, they mail you a Lone Star Card, which is a debit card that holds your SNAP benefits. The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use it at any grocery store, supermarket, or farmers market that accepts SNAP. You cannot use it for hot food, alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items.

If HHSC denies your process, they send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to ask for a hearing to challenge the decision. The letter will tell you how to request one.

Income Limits and How Much You Might Receive

SNAP has income limits that change each year. Your household income must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line. For a single person, that is roughly $1,800 per month; for a family of four, roughly $3,700 per month. These numbers shift annually, so call HHSC or check their website for the current year's limits.

The amount you receive depends on your household size and income. HHSC uses a formula that starts with a maximum benefit and reduces it based on how much money your household makes. A single person with no income might receive around $280 per month; a family of four with no income might receive around $835 per month. These are examples only — your actual benefit will depend on your specific situation.

Some people and households are not subject to the income limit. Elderly people (age 60 or older) and people with disabilities have a higher income threshold. Ask HHSC if this applies to you.

Using Your Lone Star Card and Recertifying

Once your card arrives, you use it like a debit card at checkout. You do not need to show ID or sign anything. The cashier swipes or inserts your card, you enter your PIN (which HHSC sends you separately), and the transaction goes through. You can also use your card at farmers markets and some online grocery retailers.

Your benefits are good for one month at a time. If you do not spend them all, they roll over to the next month — you do not lose what you do not use. However, benefits older than one year expire and are gone.

Every 12 months, HHSC will ask you to recertify — meaning you submit updated information to confirm you still meet the rules. HHSC sends you a notice about 60 days before your recertification date. You can recertify online, by phone, or in person. If you miss the important date and do not recertify, your benefits stop, but you can reapply.

What to Do If Your process Is Denied or Your Benefits Stop

If HHSC denies your process, the denial letter explains the reason. Common reasons include income above the limit, not providing required documents, or not meeting citizenship requirements. You have 90 days from the date of the letter to ask for a hearing. At a hearing, you can present new information or challenge what HHSC found.

If your benefits stop during the year — not because recertification ended them, but for another reason — HHSC sends you a notice. Read it carefully. It will say why they stopped your benefits and how long you have to respond. You can request a hearing for this too.

To request a hearing, call HHSC at 1-877-541-7905 or visit yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov and look for the appeals or hearing section. You will need to request it within the timeframe stated in your notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some other statuses are SNAP-may be able to access. Undocumented immigrants are not. HHSC will ask about your status during the process and tell you whether you are may be able to access. Bring whatever immigration documents you have.

How long does it take to get approved?

HHSC has 30 days from the date they receive your complete process. If you ask for expedited processing and meet the criteria (you are in a crisis with no food), they can decide in as few as 7 days. The Lone Star Card itself usually arrives 7 to 10 business days after approval.

What if I work but my income is low?

You can still get SNAP. Your income just has to be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line. HHSC counts gross income (before taxes) for most people. Bring recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer showing your hourly rate and hours per week.

Can I use my SNAP card to buy food online?

Some retailers accept SNAP online, but not all. Amazon, Walmart, and HEB are among the larger ones that do in Texas. When you check out, you will see whether SNAP is an option. You cannot use SNAP for delivery fees or tips, only for the food itself.

What happens if I move to another state?

Your SNAP benefits do not transfer. You will need to explore in your new state. Your Lone Star Card will stop working once you move, so contact HHSC before you go to find out the exact date. Then explore in your new state as soon as you arrive.