The average SNAP household receives over $220 a month in benefits.
Have you been wondering if you might qualify for food stamps---now called SNAP (which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits)---in Texas? Stop by your local Health and Human Services Office (or Department of Social Services) to apply, or go online to fill out the eligibility estimator. It never hurts to find out, and you might be surprised by what you learn.
Do Only U.S. Citizens Qualify?
American citizens who are residents of Texas are eligible to apply for SNAP benefits, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made provisions for other people as well. For instance, an immigrant who receives disability insurance can apply, or an immigrant who has been in the country for at least five years. Children of immigrants are always eligible, regardless of the date of entry into the country. Certain non-citizens are eligible, too: refugees who were admitted into the country, American Indians who were born in Canada and members of the Hmong or Laotian tribes who fought with America during Vietnam. There are many more---check with your caseworker to find out if you qualify.
How Much Can I Earn?
The federal government sets a cap on how much a family can earn to qualify for food stamps, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Both gross amounts (before deductions) and net amounts (after deductions) matter, unless an elderly (60 or older is considered elderly) or disabled person lives in home. Gross income limits start at $1,174 for a family of one and increases by $500 as the family size expands. Net income limits start at $903 and goes up about $400 for each additional person.
What if I Have Savings?
You're still eligible to apply for SNAP even if you have $2,000 in cash, in the bank, or in stock, bonds or investments, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This amount goes up to $3,000 if someone elderly or handicapped. Your resources, including your home, lot and most retirement accounts are counted against you, and 39 states won't count your vehicle either. Another 11 states only count a vehicle's worth if you have more than one.
How Much Will I Get?
The bare minimum a family can qualify for is $14, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The maximums are much higher. A family with only one person in it can qualify for up to $200 a month in SNAP benefits, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The allotment amount increases by about $150 with each extra person in the family. Additionally, if you need food stamps right away, you can qualify for "expedited" benefits, meaning you can get benefits within seven days of applying.
