Do you qualify for SNAP Food Stamps?

In order to receive SNAP Food Stamps you need to apply, you can get started with how to apply on this website. You can also go to your local SNAP office to receive assistance with your application.

Determining your eligibility for this program will depend on many factors. These include your gross income, your resources and it will depend on the number of people in your household. Your residency and citizenship status will also determine qualification.

U.S. citizens are eligible, but many legal aliens qualify for SNAP Food Stamps too. Those members of a household that are eligible to receive benefits will not be affected by any members of your household that cannot receive benefits. If you would like additional information about immigrant SNAP eligibility please see this website.

Screening for SNAP Food Stamps

Some people would like to prescreen their eligibility prior to apply for SNAP benefits. There are a few ways to do this. Please note, pre-screening is NOT an application, you must separately apply to receive benefits. The USDA provides an online pre-screening tool to help determine if you are eligible for benefits. This tool will also give an estimate of the amount of benefit you may receive. You can access the USDA pre-screening tool here.

If you need assistance in using the USDA's pre-screening tool, a tutorial is available here.

Many states vary on food stamp eligibility criteria, and the only way to determine if you qualify is to find out your state's specific eligibility criteria. Please view the following 'Just the Facts' video about qualifying for SNAP Food Stamps.

Texas Eligibility Requirements

The program requires applicants to meet general eligibility criteria before they can apply for the program. Here are general program requirements:

• Must be a U.S national, qualified alien, or permanent resident
• Must be residing in state of Texas to apply for SNAP benefits in Texas
• Must fall into one of the two groups defined for the purpose of SNAP benefit eligibility
• Low Income

Two main groups, for the purpose of SNAP benefits, are:

1. Families with bank balance under $2,001: When computing current bank balance, applicants will be required to combine both savings and checking accounts.
   
2. Families with bank balance under $3,001: Families falling into this group will be able to qualify for the program if they have a person with disability or person over 60 and share household income with such person or persons.

Apart from the general eligibility requirements, the program also has specific financial criteria for applicants from both the groups. For instance, a household of three will only qualify of the annual household income is below $23,803. Depending on your household size, you may have a different household income limit.

You can also check your SNAP eligibility using HHSC eligibility tool. Click 'should I apply' from the menu.

Receiving your SNAP Benefits: Lone Star Card

When you qualify for SNAP, you will be receiving benefits through Lone Star Card. This is a standard plastic card, as in the case of debit cards. The card is used just like a debit card. You will have the money in your account on due date and you can purchase food items with it, using it like a debit card.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides SNAP benefits. USDA will load your card with your monthly amount of SNAP benefits, each month. You can use this money on stores where regular debit card works.

If you qualify and receive a Lone Star Card, it is your responsibility to use it with care. No one else can use your card since it is illegal to allow someone else to use your benefits. If you are in a situation where you'll need someone else to use your card for you, you will have to ask for a second card. You can then give the second card to someone you trust. The money spent from that card will be deducted from your primary card.

In order to start using your Lone Star Card, you will have to sign at the back of your card after you receive it. You will also need to register it in order to use it. You can call 1 800 777 7328 to register your card. You will then choose a PIN for your card.

If you opt to pick up your card at HHSC benefits office instead of getting it in mail, you won't have to register it. When you are handed over the card at the office, it is registered at spot.

When you have a Lone Star Card, you've to make sure that you are using it properly to continue receiving SNAP benefits. Remember, you can buy food, clothes, furniture and supplies for house with your Lone Star Card. You can also pay your rent or mortgage and pay your utilities using the card.

You can also use your Lone Star Card to take out cash with your Lone Star Card. You can get it from a machine after entering your PIN. When entering PIN, make sure no one else can see it. It is your password for the card and it is your responsibility to keep it secure.