Texas SNAP Calculator (FY 2026)

Estimate your eligibility and benefits for the Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program based on Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026 guidelines.

Update: Starting April 1, 2026, new Texas rules prohibit using SNAP benefits for candy, sweets, and sweetened drinks with 5g+ added sugar.
Texas Eligibility Rules & Instructions

Financial Rules (Oct 2025 - Sep 2026):

  • Gross Income: Most households must make less than 165% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  • Net Income: Income after deductions must be below 100% of the poverty level. Households with elderly/disabled members only need to pass this Net test.
  • Asset Limits:
    • Standard: $5,000 limit.
    • Elderly/Disabled: $4,500 limit (if not meeting gross income rules).
  • Vehicle Rules:
    • 1st Vehicle: Value over $22,500 counts as an asset.
    • Add'l Vehicles: Value over $8,700 counts as an asset.
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Wages, salaries, self-employment before taxes.
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Social Security, SSI, child support, unemployment.
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Rent/mortgage + electricity, gas, water, trash.
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Paid for child/adult care to allow you to work.

Elderly/Disabled Specifics

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Out-of-pocket costs greater than $35/month.
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Cash on hand, bank accounts. Plus Vehicle Value: Add amount over $22,500 for primary car, and over $8,700 for other cars.
Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not an official application. Results are estimates based on Texas Health and Human Services data for FY 2026 (Oct 1, 2025 - Sep 30, 2026). Final eligibility is determined by the state.

To apply officially, visit Your Texas Benefits.

What Is SNAP in Texas?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, helps low-income individuals and families in Texas afford nutritious food each month. SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that can be used at approved grocery stores and retailers.

In Texas, SNAP is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Eligibility rules are based on federal SNAP guidelines, with certain state-specific policies such as higher income limits under Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE).

SNAP benefits are not cash and can only be used to purchase eligible food items. Starting April 1, 2026, Texas will also enforce new purchase restrictions on certain candy, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Texas SNAP Eligibility Rules for 2026

Texas SNAP Eligibility 

To qualify for SNAP benefits in Texas during Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026), households must meet several requirements:

1. Income Limits

Most Texas households must meet both:

  • Gross income limit (165% of the Federal Poverty Level)

  • Net income limit (100% of the Federal Poverty Level)

Households that include an elderly (age 60+) or disabled member are only required to meet the net income test, not the gross income test.

2. Asset (Resource) Limits

Texas SNAP considers certain assets, such as:

  • Cash

  • Checking and savings accounts

  • Excess vehicle value

Asset limits for 2026:

  • Standard households: $5,000

  • Elderly or disabled households: $4,500 (in limited cases)

Your home, most retirement accounts, and certain vehicles are excluded.

⚠️ Texas uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, which means many households may qualify even if their assets exceed standard limits.

3. Residency and Citizenship

Applicants must:

  • Live in Texas

  • Be U.S. citizens or meet specific non-citizen eligibility requirements (such as lawful permanent residents)

How SNAP Benefits Are Calculated

SNAP benefit amounts are calculated using a federal formula, even though income limits vary by state.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Total gross monthly income is calculated

  2. Allowable deductions are subtracted, including:

    • 20% earned income deduction

    • Standard household deduction

    • Dependent care expenses

    • Medical expenses (elderly/disabled households only)

    • Excess shelter and utility costs

  3. The result is your net income

  4. SNAP assumes households contribute 30% of net income toward food

  5. That amount is subtracted from the maximum SNAP allotment

The remainder is your estimated monthly SNAP benefit

Maximum Texas SNAP Benefits (2026)

The maximum monthly SNAP benefit depends on household size:

  • 1 person: $298

  • 2 people: $546

  • 3 people: $785

  • 4 people: $994

  • Each additional person: +$218

Actual benefit amounts may be lower depending on household income and deductions.

Work Requirements and ABAWD Rules

Texas SNAP Work Requirements Explained

Most adults between the ages of 16 and 59 must follow general SNAP work rules, including:

  • Registering for work

  • Accepting suitable job offers

  • Participating in employment or training programs if assigned

ABAWD Rules (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents)

Adults aged 18–54 without dependents are generally limited to 3 months of SNAP benefits in a 3-year period unless they:

  • Work at least 20 hours per week, or

  • Participate in a qualifying work or training program

Some counties and individuals may qualify for exemptions.

How to Apply for SNAP in Texas

You can apply for SNAP benefits online, by phone, or in person.

Online Application:
Apply through the official Your Texas Benefits website.

After applying, Texas HHSC will:

  • Review your application

  • Request verification documents

  • Schedule an interview if required

  • Send you a written eligibility decision

If approved, benefits are usually issued within 30 days, or 7 days for emergency cases.

Important Disclaimer 

This Texas SNAP Calculator is an informational tool only. It does not determine official eligibility or guarantee benefit approval. SNAP rules can change, and individual circumstances may affect final eligibility.

Only the Texas Health and Human Services Commission can make an official SNAP eligibility determination. Always apply to receive an accurate decision based on your full situation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Texas SNAP 2026

1. What are the Texas SNAP income limits for 2026?

Most households must have a gross monthly income at or below 165% of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2026, this is $2,152 for one person, $2,909 for two, and $4,421 for a family of four. You can compare these requirements with other SNAP income limits by state to see how Texas guidelines differ.

2. What is the maximum monthly SNAP payment in Texas for 2026?

The maximum monthly allotment is $298 for a 1-person household, $546 for 2 people, $785 for 3, and $994 for 4. Each additional person adds $218. Most families receive an average based on their specific income and expenses.

3. Does Texas have a vehicle or asset limit for SNAP in 2026?

Yes. Texas counts the value of vehicles. The first vehicle is exempt up to $22,500 of its fair market value. Additional vehicles are exempt up to $8,700. Liquid assets like cash and savings are generally limited to $5,000 for most households.

4. Can I buy candy or soda with Texas SNAP in 2026?

Beginning April 1, 2026, new federal regulations prohibit using SNAP benefits for "unhealthy items," including candy, sweets, and sweetened beverages with 5g or more of added sugar. These items will be automatically blocked at the register.

5. What are the work requirements for "ABAWD" adults in Texas?

Able-bodied adults without dependents (ages 18–54) must work or participate in a job training program for at least 20 hours per week. Failure to meet this requirement limits benefits to only three months within a three-year period.

6. How do I apply for Texas SNAP in 2026?

The fastest way to learn how to apply for SNAP in Texas is through the Your Texas Benefits online portal. You can also apply via the mobile app, by calling 2-1-1 (option 2), or by visiting a local office in person.

7. How long does it take to get Texas SNAP benefits approved?

Standard applications are usually processed within 30 days. If you have very little money (less than $150 monthly income and $100 in cash), you may qualify for Expedited SNAP, which provides benefits within 24 to 72 hours.

8. When is my Texas SNAP deposited on my Lone Star Card?

Texas distributes benefits over the first 15 days of the month. Your specific deposit date is determined by the last digit of your SNAP case number.

9. Are college students eligible for SNAP in Texas in 2026?

Students aged 18–49 enrolled at least half-time qualify only if they meet specific exemptions: working 20+ hours weekly, participating in federal work-study, receiving TANF, or caring for a young child.

10. How do I report a change in income or household size?

You must report changes (like a new job or someone moving out) within 10 days. This can be done through the Your Texas Benefits portal or app. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments.
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