Special SNAP Services in Texas

Texas offers special SNAP services for residents facing specific hardships. These programs can provide emergency food aid, disaster relief, and simplified application processes for eligible households with unique needs.

Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)

This service provides immediate food benefits to households in crisis, allowing them to buy food without the standard 30-day processing time. It exists to prevent hunger when a household's income and resources are extremely limited.

Eligibility is for households with less than $150 in gross monthly income and under $100 in liquid resources. It also includes those whose shelter costs exceed their income and resources, or migrant and seasonal farmworkers with minimal assets.

To apply, submit a standard SNAP application and indicate the emergency need. You can apply online, by calling 2-1-1, or at a local HHSC office. HHSC screens applications daily, and if you meet the criteria, benefits are issued within 24 hours. More details are on the Texas HHSC SNAP page.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

D-SNAP offers short-term food aid after a presidentially declared disaster. It helps people who do not normally receive SNAP or supplements benefits for current households that suffered disaster-related losses like property damage or lost income.

To qualify, you must live or work in a county approved for D-SNAP by the USDA and HHSC. Applicants must have had unreimbursed disaster expenses or lost income and meet a specific one-time income and resource test.

HHSC announces D-SNAP application sites and dates after a disaster. Applicants must apply during the specified window, provide a photo ID and proof of address, and confirm their disaster losses. Approved households get benefits within three days. Future announcements are posted on the USDA Texas Disaster Nutrition Assistance page.

Replacement SNAP Benefits & Hot Foods Waivers After Disasters

After a disaster, and with USDA approval, current SNAP households can receive replacement benefits. This is for food lost due to power outages or flooding. A waiver may also allow the temporary purchase of hot, prepared foods, which are normally ineligible.

These waivers help families restock their food supplies and access ready-to-eat meals when they cannot cook at home. To replace lost food, you must report the loss by calling 2-1-1, visiting YourTexasBenefits.com, or filing Form H1855 within the designated timeframe.

No separate application is needed for the hot-foods waiver. Cardholders can simply buy prepared meals at authorized retailers until the waiver ends. The USDA waiver list for Texas contains official notices.

Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP)

TSAP streamlines the SNAP application process for certain households. It is designed for households where every member is either age 60 or older or receives disability benefits, and no one has earned income. It uses a shorter application and a three-year certification period.

The program often waives renewal interviews to reduce the administrative burden on seniors and people with disabilities. To be eligible, households must also not be enrolled in the SNAP-CAP program.

You can apply online, by calling 2-1-1, or with a paper form. HHSC automatically transitions eligible households to TSAP at their next renewal. New applicants should include proof of unearned income and medical expenses. Find more on the Texas HHSC TSAP page.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Texas

Once you receive SNAP benefits, knowing how to use them is the next step, from what you can buy to where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. It's a plastic card that gets reloaded with your food assistance funds each month. Think of it as a dedicated debit card just for your SNAP-approved groceries.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you swipe or insert it into the card reader just like a regular debit or credit card. You will then need to enter your private four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize the purchase.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple food items for your household to prepare and eat at home. The program is designed to cover most groceries that form the basis of a healthy diet.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products like milk and cheese

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food

Conversely, several categories of items are not eligible for purchase with an EBT card. You will need a separate form of payment for these products, as they fall outside the scope of nutritional assistance.

• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot, prepared foods ready for immediate consumption

• Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and household goods

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card is accepted at most places that sell groceries, including supermarkets, corner stores, and major retailers. Many farmers' markets also welcome SNAP benefits, allowing you to purchase fresh, local produce. Look for signs at the store entrance or checkout that indicate EBT is accepted.

You can also use your benefits for online grocery shopping. In Texas, participating retailers like Amazon and Walmart allow you to order eligible food items for delivery. Note that you cannot use your SNAP funds to pay for delivery fees or other associated charges.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can stretch your budget further. Earn cash back on your grocery purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. The app also offers rewards for services you may already use, including Uber and Lyft, helping you save money on everyday expenses.

Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.