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Food

SNAP Food Benefits for seniors in Texas

Texas calls SNAP "SNAP Food Benefits." The money comes each month on a Lone Star Card to help buy groceries.

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From the Texas Health and Human Services Commission
An older man unpacks fresh vegetables, apples and eggs in his kitchen

If everyone in your home is 60 or older or gets disability payments and no one works, you may be able to use the Texas Simplified Application Project, which approves benefits for three years and skips the renewal interview.

How to apply in Texas

In person
Visit a Texas Health and Human Services benefits office to pick up a paper application, and turn it in there.
By mail
Mail or fax the paper application back to Texas Health and Human Services. You can ask for one to be mailed to you by dialing 2-1-1 and choosing Option 2.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.

Apply on the official site

Who may qualify in Texas

Who may qualify for SNAP Food Benefits
Savings limit, household with someone 60+ or disabled, gross income at or under 165% of poverty$5,000, counting cash and savings plus the value of your main vehicle above $22,500 and other vehicles above $8,700

Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (source 3)

Savings limit if gross income is over 165% of poverty (Oct. 2026 to Sept. 2027)$4,750

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (source 5)

Gross income limit for Texas's broad-based categorical eligibility rule165% of the poverty level

Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (source 4)

Dates, renewals and waiting lists

Dates and renewals
How long approval lasts, households where everyone is 60+ or disabled and no one works (TSAP)3 years

Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (source 2)

How Texas is different

Where Texas's rules differ from the federal rules for SNAP for seniors.

  • Simpler application process for households where everyone is 60 or older or gets disability payments and no one works (Texas Simplified Application Project)
  • No interview at renewal for those households
  • Approval for those households lasts three years instead of six months

Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (source 2)

Good to know

  • Since April 1, 2026, SNAP in Texas can't be used for candy or sweetened drinks (drinks with 5 grams or more of added sugar, or any artificial sweetener). Drinks with milk, or more than half fruit or vegetable juice, are still allowed.
  • Texas says most adults 18 to 64 with no children under 14 at home may get SNAP for only three months in three years unless they work or take part in a work program at least 20 hours a week. Some people, such as those with a disability, may not have to.
  • You can also dial 2-1-1 and choose Option 2 for help, or to ask for a paper application.

Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (source 1)

Free help

Free help with this in Texas

More help in Texas

SNAP food benefits in another state

Sources

  1. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, SNAP Food Benefits (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  2. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP) SNAP Food Benefits (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  3. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Works Handbook A-1210, General Policy (resources), Revision 24-2 (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  4. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Works Handbook B-470, Categorically Eligible Households (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  5. USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information: FY 2027 standards (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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