The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is still paying out the last few months of benefits in the great state of Texas, which has one of the largest budgeted programs in the nation.
SNAP benefits are a federal government initiative designed to make it easier for people to purchase healthy foods. This program is essential to help maintain good health in communities, especially in times of economic need.
How SNAP works in Texas
Overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program is carried out at the state level, where local agencies are responsible for managing its implementation. In Texas, SNAP is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services organization, which addresses the specific needs of state residents.
Individuals who are eligible to participate in the SNAP program will receive their monthly benefits through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT card), commonly known in Texas as a Lone Star Card. This card operates similarly to a debit or credit card and allows beneficiaries to purchase essential food products.
Food stamps dates for the last month of 2024
For 2024, maximum monthly SNAP benefit amounts vary by household size. For qualifying households, the limits are as follows:
- 1-person household: $292
- 2 people household: $536
- 3 people household: $768
- 4 people household: $975
- 5 people household: $1,158
- 6 people household: $1,390
- 7 people household: $1,536
- 8 people household: $1,756
For households with more than eight people, an additional $220 is allowed for each additional member, with a monthly maximum of $4,832 for families of five.
SNAP Payment Schedule in December
SNAP payments in Texas are made from the 1st to the 28th of each month and are organized according to the recipient’s Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number, which can be found on official SNAP documentation. During the last week of December, payments are scheduled as follows:
- December 23: Beneficiaries with EDG number 79-81
- December 24: Beneficiaries with EDG number 82-85
- December 25: Beneficiaries with EDG number 86-88
- December 26: Beneficiaries with EDG number 89-92
- December 27: Beneficiaries with EDG number 93-95
- December 28: Beneficiaries with EDG number 96-99
What can be purchased with the EBT card
Funds provided by SNAP can be used to purchase a variety of foods, including carbohydrates, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and fats. However, there are restrictions on what can be purchased: hot food, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed, nor can it be used to cover services or pay debts.
Low-income households and unemployed people can access the program. However, there are certain conditions for adults between 18 and 52, such as time limits for receiving assistance and job search requirements. These restrictions do not apply to pregnant women or people with disabilities.