In Texas, the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits) continues this week as normal having begun on July 1. The state, with funding provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides vital assistance to families with low or no income.
These SNAP benefits, which are part of a crucial federal program, are issued staggered throughout the month, ensuring efficient and seamless distribution.
Starting in July 2024, SNAP recipients in Texas will see their benefits distributed on specific dates. Although the program is federal, each state administers its own distribution of benefits to best fit local needs. The exact date benefits are issued varies weekly and depends on the last two digits of the beneficiary’s eligibility determination group (EDG) number.
SNAP Benefits Payment Dates in Texas for the Last Week of July
For the current week, the payment dates for SNAP benefits in Texas are as follows:
- 75-78: Issued on July 22
- 79-81: Issued on July 23
- 82-85: Issued on July 24
- 86-88: Issued on July 25
- 89-92: Issued on July 26
- 93-95: Issued on July 27
- 96-99: Issued on July 28
Maximum SNAP Allotments for 2024: Amounts Also Apply in Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service annually reviews the SNAP program’s maximum allowances, deductions, and income eligibility standards.
For fiscal year 2024, the maximum allocations for the lower 48 states, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have increased. However, in Hawaii, the amount has decreased from $1,794 to $1,759 for a family of four.
From October 2023 to September 2024, the maximum allocations for SNAP are as follows:
- Household size 1: $291
- Household size 2: $535
- Household size 3: $766
- Household size 4: $973
- Household size 5: $1,155
- Household size 6: $1,386
- Household size 7: $1,532
- Household size 8: $1,751
- Each additional person: $219
Households in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands generally receive higher benefits. For example, a family of four in Alaska can receive up to $1,937.
Income Eligibility Standards for SNAP Benefits
In addition to the allowances, monthly income eligibility standards have also changed for the lower 48 states and DC, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. The maximum monthly gross income limit, which is 130% of the federal poverty level, is as follows:
- Household size 1: $1,580
- Household size 2: $2,137
- Household size 3: $2,694
- Household size 4: $3,250
- Household size 5: $3,807
- Household size 6: $4,364
- Household size 7: $4,921
- Household size 8: $5,478
- Each additional person: $557
Who Qualifies for SNAP Benefits in Texas?
The state of Texas offers the opportunity to apply for SNAP benefits to those in low-income households who are eligible: most adults between the ages of 18 and 52 (known as ABAWDs) who do not have children in their household can receive SNAP only for three months in a period of three years. However, other households with critical economic situations have the possibility of receiving funds for a longer period of time.
The allowance period may be longer if the person works at least 20 hours a week or is in a job or training program. Some adults may not have to work to receive benefits, such as those who have a disability or are pregnant.
Other households that qualify are those that have elderly members (60 years or older), or people with disabilities: these groups of Texas citizens can 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 requesting recertification every six months.
