If you receive SNAP benefits in Texas, your Lone Star Card is loaded once a month on a set date determined by your case number. This guide covers the full 2026 Texas EBT deposit schedule, explains how to find your payment date, and answers the most common questions recipients have about timing and access.
Texas distributes SNAP benefits between the 1st and the 28th of each month. Your specific date depends on your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number and when your case was first approved. There are two separate schedules in use, and which one applies to you depends on whether your case started before or after June 1, 2020.
What Is an EDG Number?
Your EDG number is the case identifier Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) assigns when you apply for SNAP. It is not the same as your Lone Star Card number. You can find your EDG number on:
- Any official letter from Texas HHS about your SNAP case
- Your benefits notice or approval letter
- Your online account at YourTexasBenefits.com
- By calling the Lone Star Card helpline at 800-777-7328
Once you have your EDG number, look at the last digit (for older cases) or last two digits (for newer cases) to find your deposit date in the tables below.
Schedule 1: Cases Approved Before June 1, 2020
If your SNAP case was approved before June 1, 2020, your benefits load between the 1st and the 15th of the month. Your deposit date is based on the last digit of your EDG number.
| Last Digit of EDG Number | Deposit Date |
|---|
| 0 | 1st |
| 1 | 3rd |
| 2 | 5th |
| 3 | 6th |
| 4 | 7th |
| 5 | 9th |
| 6 | 11th |
| 7 | 12th |
| 8 | 13th |
| 9 | 15th |
For example: if your EDG number ends in 4, your benefits are loaded on the 7th of each month.
Schedule 2: Cases Approved On or After June 1, 2020
If your SNAP case was approved on or after June 1, 2020, your benefits load between the 16th and the 28th of the month. Your deposit date is based on the last two digits of your EDG number.
| Last Two Digits of EDG | Deposit Date |
|---|
| 00-03 | 16th |
| 04-06 | 17th |
| 07-10 | 18th |
| 11-13 | 19th |
| 14-17 | 20th |
| 18-20 | 21st |
| 21-24 | 22nd |
| 25-27 | 23rd |
| 28-31 | 24th |
| 32-34 | 25th |
| 35-38 | 26th |
| 39-41 | 27th |
| 42-45 | 28th |
| 46-49 | 27th |
| 50-53 | 28th |
| 54-57 | 16th |
| 58-60 | 17th |
| 61-64 | 18th |
| 65-67 | 19th |
| 68-71 | 20th |
| 72-74 | 21st |
| 75-78 | 22nd |
| 79-81 | 23rd |
| 82-85 | 24th |
| 86-88 | 25th |
| 89-92 | 26th |
| 93-95 | 27th |
| 96-99 | 28th |
For example: if your EDG number ends in 72, your benefits are loaded on the 21st of each month.
What Time Are Benefits Deposited?
Texas SNAP benefits are typically loaded onto your Lone Star Card at midnight on your scheduled deposit date. That means funds are usually available by 12:01 a.m. and you can use your card at stores, ATMs, or online retailers starting early that morning.
Midnight loading applies to nearly all cases, but occasionally there can be a brief delay of a few hours. If your card shows no balance by mid-morning on your scheduled date, wait until later in the day before contacting HHS.
2026 Monthly Deposit Calendar
Use this quick reference for upcoming deposit windows in 2026. Your specific date within the window depends on your EDG number.
| Month | Schedule 1 Window (older cases) | Schedule 2 Window (newer cases) |
|---|
| May 2026 | May 1 to May 15 | May 16 to May 28 |
| June 2026 | June 1 to June 15 | June 16 to June 28 |
| July 2026 | July 1 to July 15 | July 16 to July 28 |
| August 2026 | August 1 to August 15 | August 16 to August 28 |
| September 2026 | September 1 to September 15 | September 16 to September 28 |
| October 2026 | October 1 to October 15 | October 16 to October 28 |
| November 2026 | November 1 to November 15 | November 16 to November 28 |
| December 2026 | December 1 to December 15 | December 16 to December 28 |
Holidays and weekends generally do not change your deposit date in Texas. Benefits load as scheduled even when government offices are closed.
Texas SNAP Eligibility and Benefit Amounts for 2026
To receive SNAP benefits, your household must meet income requirements. Texas uses a gross income test at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for most households under Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE). Households with an elderly or disabled member that exceed 200% FPL must meet a net income test at 100% FPL and have assets below $5,000.
Gross Monthly Income Limits (200% FPL for most households)
| Household Size | Approximate Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,430 |
| 2 | $3,287 |
| 3 | $4,143 |
| 4 | $5,000 |
| 5 | $5,857 |
| 6 | $6,713 |
| Each additional person | +$857 |
These figures are based on 2026 FPL guidelines. Verify current limits at hhs.texas.gov.
Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit Amounts for 2026
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each additional person | +$219 |
Most households receive less than the maximum because benefits are reduced based on net income. The formula is: maximum benefit minus 30% of your net income equals your monthly SNAP benefit.
How to Check Your Lone Star Card Balance
You can check your current EBT balance several ways:
- Online: Log in at YourTexasBenefits.com
- Phone: Call the Lone Star Card helpline at 800-777-7328 (available 24/7)
- Receipt: Your balance prints at the bottom of most grocery store receipts after each transaction
- Mobile app: The free Providers app (formerly Fresh EBT) lets you track your balance and spending
What to Do If Your Benefits Are Late
If your benefits do not appear on your scheduled deposit date, try these steps before calling:
- Confirm your scheduled deposit date using the tables above and your EDG number
- Wait until at least mid-morning, since midnight loads can occasionally run a few hours behind
- Check your balance via the phone hotline at 800-777-7328
- Log in to YourTexasBenefits.com to verify your case status and next payment date
- If it is past noon on your deposit date with no funds, call 211 or contact your local Texas HHS office
Late or missing benefits can sometimes result from a case being under review, a recertification that lapsed, or a data entry issue. Texas HHS can typically resolve these within 1 to 2 business days.
How to Apply for SNAP in Texas
If you are not yet receiving SNAP and want to apply, here are the steps:
- Check your eligibility. Use the free screener at BenefitsUSA to see if you likely qualify before applying.
- Gather documents. You will need proof of identity, residency in Texas, income (pay stubs, employer letters), and household expenses like rent and utilities.
- Submit your application. Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, in person at a local HHS office, or by mail.
- Attend your interview. Most applicants need to complete a phone or in-person interview after submitting the application.
- Receive your decision. Texas HHS typically processes applications within 30 days. Expedited processing (within 7 days) is available for households with very low income or no resources.
- Activate your Lone Star Card. Once approved, your EBT card will arrive by mail. Activate it and set your PIN before your first deposit date.
For more on Texas benefits programs, visit the Texas state benefits page.
Keeping Your Benefits Active
Texas SNAP benefits do not roll over indefinitely. You must recertify your eligibility periodically, usually every 6 or 12 months depending on your case. Texas HHS will send a notice before your certification period ends.
Missing your recertification deadline means your benefits stop. If that happens, you can reapply, but there may be a gap in benefits while your new application is processed.
Benefits also expire if unused. Texas follows the federal rule: SNAP benefits expire if the account has no activity for 274 days (about 9 months). Log in periodically to confirm your account stays active even in months when you may not need to use the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Texas EBT deposit schedule for 2026?
Texas loads SNAP benefits between the 1st and 28th of each month. The exact date depends on your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number and when your case was approved. Households approved before June 1, 2020 receive benefits between the 1st and 15th. Households approved on or after June 1, 2020 receive benefits between the 16th and 28th.
How do I find my EDG number?
Your EDG number appears on any official letter from Texas Health and Human Services about your SNAP case. You can also find it by logging in at YourTexasBenefits.com or by calling the Lone Star Card helpline at 800-777-7328.
What time does Texas EBT deposit?
Texas SNAP benefits are typically deposited at midnight on your scheduled deposit date. Funds are usually available by 12:01 a.m. and can be used at stores and ATMs starting early that morning.
Do Texas SNAP benefits deposit on weekends and holidays?
Yes. Texas does not change deposit dates for weekends or holidays. Your benefits load on the scheduled date regardless of whether government offices are open.
Why did I not receive my SNAP benefits on time?
A delay can happen for several reasons, including a case under review, a missed recertification, or a data entry error. Wait until mid-morning on your scheduled date, then check your balance by calling 800-777-7328. If funds are still missing by noon, contact your local Texas HHS office or call 211.
Can I use my Texas Lone Star Card in other states?
Yes. Your Lone Star Card works at any SNAP-authorized retailer or ATM across the United States. You can use your Texas EBT card when traveling or if you temporarily relocate to another state.
How long do Texas SNAP benefits last before expiring?
Unused SNAP benefits expire after 274 days of account inactivity under federal rules. Make sure to use your Lone Star Card at least once every nine months to keep the balance from expiring.
How do I check my Lone Star Card balance?
You can check your balance online at YourTexasBenefits.com, by calling 800-777-7328, on your receipt after a purchase, or through the free Providers mobile app.
What is the maximum SNAP benefit in Texas in 2026?
The maximum monthly benefit depends on household size. For a family of four, the maximum is approximately $975 per month. For a single person, the maximum is approximately $292 per month. Most households receive less than the maximum based on their net income.
How do I apply for SNAP in Texas?
Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, in person at a local Texas HHS office, or by mail. Before applying, use the free eligibility screener at BenefitsUSA to get an estimate of whether you qualify.
