Texas SNAP Income Limits 2026
Texas uses two income tests. Most households must pass the gross income test first. If you receive SSI or certain other public benefits, you may be automatically eligible without an income test.
Gross Income Limit: 200% of Federal Poverty Level (October 2025 to September 2026)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Limit | Gross Annual Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,878 | $34,536 |
| 2 | $3,894 | $46,728 |
| 3 | $4,910 | $58,920 |
| 4 | $5,926 | $71,112 |
| 5 | $6,942 | $83,304 |
| 6 | $7,958 | $95,496 |
| 7 | $8,974 | $107,688 |
| 8 | $9,990 | $119,880 |
| Each additional | +$1,016 | +$12,192 |
Gross income is your total household income before any deductions. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment, child support received, and most other sources.
Net Income Limit: 100% of Federal Poverty Level
After HHSC subtracts allowable deductions, your net income must fall at or below 100% FPL. These net limits apply to most households.
| Household Size | Net Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $2,679 |
| 5 | $3,137 |
| 6 | $3,595 |
| 7 | $4,053 |
| 8 | $4,511 |
| Each additional | +$458 |
Most households with income near or above the gross limit can still qualify once deductions are applied. If your gross income is above the 200% limit, only elderly (age 60+) or disabled household members can qualify, and they face just the net income and a $5,000 asset test.
Allowable Deductions That Lower Your Net Income
Several deductions can bring your net income well below the threshold shown above.
Standard deduction. All households receive a standard deduction of $198 per month (1 to 3 person households) or $213 per month (4+ person households).
Earned income deduction. 20% of all earned income (wages and self-employment) is deducted before calculating net income. A household with one worker earning $2,000 per month gets $400 deducted automatically.
Excess shelter deduction. If your rent or mortgage plus utilities exceeds 50% of your net income after other deductions, you can deduct the amount above that threshold. There is no cap on this deduction for households with an elderly or disabled member. For all other households, the cap is $672 per month in 2026.
Dependent care deduction. Childcare or adult care costs paid so a household member can work, look for work, or attend school are fully deductible.
Medical expense deduction. Elderly or disabled household members can deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed $35 per month.
Child support deduction. Court-ordered child support paid to someone outside the household is fully deductible.
Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefits 2026
These are the maximum allotments for households with zero net income after deductions. Your actual benefit will be lower if your household has net income remaining after deductions.
| 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 | +$220 |
SNAP calculates your benefit by subtracting 30% of your net income from the maximum allotment for your household size. A family of four with $500 net monthly income would receive approximately $975 minus $150, or around $825 per month.
Asset Limits
Under Texas's BBCE policy, there is no asset limit for most households. You do not need to spend down savings accounts, vehicles, or other resources before applying. This is a significant departure from the federal default, which caps countable assets at $2,750 for most households.
The only exception is for households where a member is elderly (60+) or disabled and whose income exceeds the 200% gross limit. Those households face a $5,000 asset limit.
Work Requirements
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between ages 18 and 52 must meet work requirements to receive SNAP beyond three months in a 36-month period. Meeting the requirement means working at least 80 hours per month, participating in a qualifying work or training program, or being otherwise exempt.
Exemptions apply to people who are pregnant, caring for a child under age 6, medically unable to work, or residing in a county with a SNAP work requirement waiver. As of 2026, some Texas counties have active waivers due to high unemployment rates.
Students enrolled at least half-time in higher education are generally not eligible for SNAP unless they meet specific exceptions, such as working 20+ hours per week, participating in certain work-study programs, or caring for a child under age 12.
Who Is Automatically Eligible?
Households where every member receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are categorically eligible and do not need to pass income or asset tests separately. The SSI determination already satisfies SNAP eligibility.
Households receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash benefits are also categorically eligible.
How to Apply for Texas SNAP Through YourTexasBenefits
YourTexasBenefits.com is the official Texas HHSC portal for applying, managing, and renewing benefits. Here is the full process.
Step 1: Create an account or log in. Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click "Apply for Benefits." If you are new, create an account using your email address and a password. You will need to verify your email before continuing.
Step 2: Start your application. Once logged in, select "Apply for Benefits" from the dashboard and choose SNAP (listed as "Food Benefits"). You can apply for multiple programs at the same time, including Medicaid, CHIP, and TANF.
Step 3: Complete household information. Enter the names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers (for those who have them), and citizenship status for everyone living in your household. You do not have to have a Social Security number to apply, though providing one speeds processing.
Step 4: Enter income and expense details. List all sources of income for everyone in the household. Include wages, self-employment, Social Security, child support, and any other regular payments. You will also enter monthly expenses like rent, utilities, and childcare.
Step 5: Upload documents. You will need to provide documentation to verify your identity, residency, and income. Common documents include a photo ID or driver's license, recent pay stubs (last two), a utility bill or lease agreement for proof of address, and bank statements if applicable.
Step 6: Submit and schedule your interview. After submitting, HHSC will contact you to schedule a phone interview. Most applicants complete this within one to two weeks of submission. You can also call 2-1-1 (option 2 for benefits) if you want to apply by phone instead.
Step 7: Receive your decision. HHSC has up to 30 days to process most applications. If your household is in urgent need, you may qualify for expedited SNAP benefits within seven days. Expedited eligibility applies if your household's gross monthly income is less than $150 and liquid resources are less than $100, or if your combined monthly income and liquid resources are less than your monthly rent and utilities.
Step 8: Activate your Lone Star Card. If approved, you will receive a Lone Star Card (EBT card) by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Benefits are loaded to the card on a fixed date each month based on the last digit of your case number.
Documents You Need
Gathering these before you start will speed up your application significantly.
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or matricula consular)
- Social Security cards for household members (if applicable)
- Proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or recent mail with your address)
- Proof of income for all household members (last two pay stubs, employer letter, or benefit award letters)
- Proof of housing costs (lease or mortgage statement, utility bills)
- Proof of childcare or dependent care expenses (receipts or provider statements)
- Medical expense documentation for elderly or disabled household members
If you are undocumented, you can still apply on behalf of eligible household members, including U.S. citizen children. You do not need to provide your own documentation for members who are not applying.
Renewing Your Benefits
SNAP in Texas is not a one-time approval. Most households must recertify every 12 months. Households with elderly or disabled members with fixed income may qualify for a 24-month certification period.
HHSC will send a renewal notice before your certification period ends. You can renew online through your YourTexasBenefits account, by phone at 1-877-541-7905, or in person at a local HHSC benefits office. Missing your renewal deadline can result in a gap in benefits, so submit your renewal as soon as you receive the notice.
Other Ways to Get Help
If you need help applying or understanding your eligibility, several free resources are available.
2-1-1 Texas connects you to SNAP information and local assistance organizations by phone. Dial 2-1-1 from any Texas phone and press option 2 after selecting your language.
Local HHSC offices accept walk-in applications and can answer questions about your case. Find the nearest office through the HHSC website or by calling 1-877-541-7905.
Community organizations across Texas offer free application assistance. United Way, food banks, and legal aid organizations often have staff trained to help with SNAP applications, especially for households with complex situations.
You can also use the free eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check whether you may qualify before you start a formal application. The screener checks SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and other programs at once. For more information about Texas-specific programs, visit our Texas benefits page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for SNAP in Texas in 2026?
Texas uses a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is higher than most states. For 2026, the monthly gross income limits are $2,878 for a one-person household, $3,894 for two people, $4,910 for three people, and $5,926 for four people. After deductions, your net income must fall at or below 100% FPL.
Does Texas have an asset limit for SNAP?
No, for most households. Texas uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which eliminates the asset test for households under 200% of the FPL. You do not need to spend down savings or sell assets to qualify. The only exception is elderly or disabled households that exceed the 200% gross income limit, who face a $5,000 asset cap.
How do I apply for SNAP in Texas?
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com, create an account, and click "Apply for Benefits." You can complete the full application online in 30 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, call 2-1-1 (option 2) to apply by phone or visit a local HHSC office to apply in person.
How long does it take to get SNAP benefits in Texas?
HHSC has up to 30 days to process standard applications. If your household qualifies for expedited benefits due to very low income or urgent need, you can receive your Lone Star Card within seven days.
Can I get SNAP in Texas if I am undocumented?
Undocumented individuals are not eligible for SNAP benefits for themselves, but they can apply on behalf of eligible household members who are U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants, including U.S.-born children. The immigration status of the adult applicant does not affect the eligible children's benefits.
What happens if my income is above the limit?
If your gross income exceeds 200% FPL, you generally do not qualify unless you are elderly (60+) or disabled. If you are close to the limit, apply anyway and let HHSC calculate your net income after deductions. Many households who appear to exceed the limit qualify once deductions for housing, childcare, and earned income are factored in.
How do I renew my Texas SNAP benefits?
Log in to YourTexasBenefits.com and complete the renewal application before your certification period ends. You can also renew by phone at 1-877-541-7905. Most households recertify every 12 months. HHSC sends a notice before your benefits expire.
What can I buy with SNAP EBT in Texas?
Your Lone Star Card works at most grocery stores, supermarkets, warehouse stores, and many farmers markets across Texas. You can buy most food items including bread, cereals, produce, meat, fish, dairy, and seeds or plants to grow food. You cannot use SNAP for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared foods, or non-food household items.
