30 days; 7 days if you qualify for expedited (emergency) SNAP
Cost to apply
Free
Overview
For SNAP (food stamps) in Texas, use the application route below for a new case and the EBT information for an existing food benefit. EBT means electronic benefit transfer: your card balance and your application status are separate checks.
Texas EBT balance and deposit dates
For your Lone Star Card balance, use Your Texas Benefits or call 800-777-7328. Texas also provides card management through the Your Texas Benefits app. Texas HHS card instructions explain the available account tools. A card balance is separate from your SNAP application status.
Published schedule reference (2024-07-26): SNAP households certified after June 1, 2020, benefits are available on a staggered basis between the 16th and the 28th day of the month, based on the last two digits of the eligibility determination group (EDG) number.
Read the complete Texas schedule and exceptions in the USDA reference. This is a dated baseline, not a live payment calendar. Check the state’s current instructions and your case notice before relying on a deposit day. County and older-case exceptions can change which schedule applies.
Who can qualify for SNAP (food stamps) in Texas?
Texas policy reference (2026-06-29): USDA’s broad-based categorical eligibility listing records a gross-income threshold of 165% of the federal poverty level. This is a screening route with its own conditions, not a guaranteed award or a universal cutoff for every SNAP household. USDA FNS Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility chart (page updated June 29, 2026).
Ask which SNAP household rules apply to the people who buy and prepare food with you. Give the agency your income and allowable expenses, including rent and dependent care. A gross-income screening limit alone does not determine your benefit. Tell the agency if someone is older or has a disability so it can check the right rules.
Start with Your Texas Benefits. Have your household information, income records and housing expenses ready. If you have little money for food, ask the agency to screen your application for expedited service when you apply.
The recorded application methods for Texas are: online, by phone, in person, by mail. Follow the agency instructions for the form or route you choose.
Account access and case status in Texas
Use Your Texas Benefits and follow its official account or claimant links. The linked page may contain instructions before a sign-in screen. For a forgotten password, use the recovery option on the official service; for a pending case, keep your submission reference and read any requests for information. OwedFinder cannot sign in to your account or see your case.
If you disagree with a decision
Read your decision notice for the reason, review route and deadline. Use the Texas appeal information to check the procedure. Keep a copy of the notice and your request. Do not wait for a general customer-service reply if the notice sets a filing deadline.
Find a Texas office
Use the Texas program office directory. Check the office’s service area, appointment instructions and current opening hours before traveling. Bring your case reference if you are asking about an existing application.
How long does an application take?
The recorded processing standard is 30 days; 7 days if you qualify for expedited (emergency) SNAP. 7 CFR 273.2(g)(1) and 273.2(i)(3)(i). This is a processing standard, not a promise of your decision or payment date. Contact the agency handling your application if you need a status update.
After you apply or receive a decision
For a missing deposit, check both your case notice and your card balance. A card problem and a case eligibility problem need different help. Use the benefit agency for a stopped or reduced case, and the card support route for a lost card or an unfamiliar transaction.
Check your Lone Star Card through [Your Texas Benefits](https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/) or call 800-777-7328. For a pending or closed SNAP case, use the benefit agency rather than treating the card balance as an eligibility decision.
What phone number is listed for SNAP (food stamps) in Texas?
Application contact: 2-1-1 (option 2). Use it for application help.
Where do I start a SNAP (food stamps) application in Texas?
Start with [Your Texas Benefits](https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com). Have your household information, income records and housing expenses ready. If you have little money for food, ask the agency to screen your application for expedited service when you apply.
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