Texas SNAP Eligibility in 2026: Income Limits, Work Rules, and New Purchase Bans

Texas SNAP eligibility in 2026 depends on your household size, income, and assets. Most single-person households qualify with a gross monthly income under $2,152. Larger households can earn more and still qualify.

Two big changes affect Texas SNAP this year. New work rules started February 1, 2026, adding older adults to the list of people who must work to keep benefits. Then, starting April 1, 2026, Texas banned candy and sugary drinks from SNAP purchases under Senate Bill 379.

This guide breaks down the 2026 income limits, work rules, purchase bans, asset limits, and how to apply. All figures below reflect current Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) guidance.

Article Summary

• Gross income limit for one person: $2,152/month; add $757 per extra household member.
• New work rule as of Feb. 1, 2026: adults ages 55–64 without dependents must work or train 80 hours a month.
• New purchase ban as of April 1, 2026: no candy, gum, or sugary drinks (5g+ added sugar) with SNAP funds.
• Asset limit: $5,000 in countable cash or bank funds for most households.
• First vehicle exempt up to $22,500 in value.
• Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com or by phone at 2-1-1.

SNAP Eligibility in Texas: 2026 Overview

SNAP, sometimes called food stamps, helps low-income households buy groceries. In Texas, HHSC runs the program using federal rules, plus a few state-specific add-ons.

To qualify in 2026, most households must pass three tests: gross income, net income, and countable assets. Households with a member age 60 or older, or a member with a disability, get some relief from these rules, which we cover below.

Monthly Income Limits for Texas SNAP in 2026

Income limits decide who can get SNAP and how much they receive. Texas uses a gross income test set at 165% of the federal poverty level, plus a separate net income test.

Gross Income Limit (165% of Federal Poverty Level)

The gross income limit starts at $2,152 a month for a household of one. It grows by $757 for each extra person in the home. This is your total income before any deductions.

Household Size	Gross Monthly Income Limit (approx.)
1 Person	$2,152
2 People	$2,909
3 People	$3,666
4 People	$4,423
Each Additional Person	+$757

Net Income Limit

Net income is your income after allowed deductions, such as housing costs and childcare. Texas sets this limit at 100% of the federal poverty level. Households must meet both the gross and net tests, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Exemptions for Seniors and People With Disabilities

If your household includes a member age 60 or older, or a person with a disability, you may skip the gross income test. You would only need to meet the net income limit. This exemption helps seniors and disabled Texans qualify even with higher gross earnings.

If you want to compare these numbers against other states, check SNAP income limits by state in 2026 for a full state-by-state breakdown.

New Work Requirements Starting February 2026

Starting February 1, 2026, Texas expanded who must meet work requirements to keep SNAP benefits. This change affects older adults who were previously exempt.

Expanded Age Requirements (55–64)

Able-bodied adults ages 55 to 64 without dependents must now work, volunteer, or join a job training program for at least 80 hours a month. Before this change, many older adults in this age range were not required to work for benefits.

Time Limits for Adults Without Dependents

Adults ages 18–64 without children under age 14 are generally limited to three months of benefits in a three-year period. This limit does not apply if you work at least 20 hours a week or meet another qualifying activity.

Who Is Exempt

Some groups are exempt from these new work rules. This includes veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults up to age 24 who are aging out of foster care. If you fall into one of these groups, your caseworker can confirm your exemption status.

New Purchase Restrictions Starting April 2026

Starting April 1, 2026, Texas SNAP benefits can no longer buy certain sugary items. This change comes from Senate Bill 379 and aims to encourage healthier food choices.

Items You Can No Longer Buy

SNAP funds can no longer be used for candy, gum, or sweetened beverages. Sweetened beverages include any drink with 5 grams or more of added sugar. This rule applies at checkout on your Lone Star Card.

Items Still Allowed

Your SNAP benefits still cover staple foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and cereal. Everyday grocery staples are not affected by the new restriction.

Asset and Resource Limits

Beyond income, Texas also looks at your countable resources, like cash and bank balances, when deciding SNAP eligibility.

Standard Asset Limit

Most households cannot have more than $5,000 in countable liquid assets. This includes cash on hand and money in checking or savings accounts.

Vehicle Rule

Your first vehicle is exempt up to a fair market value of $22,500. Any value above that amount counts toward your resource limit. Additional vehicles may count differently depending on how your household uses them, such as commuting to work.

Home Exemption

Your primary home and the land it sits on do not count as a resource. This means owning your home will not affect your SNAP eligibility.

How to Apply for SNAP in Texas

Applying for Texas SNAP is free and can be done online, by phone, or by mail through HHSC. Before you apply, gather proof of identity, income, residency, and any expenses like rent or childcare.

Steps to Apply Online

1. Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and create an account.
2. Complete the SNAP application with your household details.
3. Upload proof of income and identity documents.
4. Complete a phone interview with an HHSC caseworker.
5. Wait for your eligibility decision, typically within 30 days.

Apply by Phone

You can also apply by calling Texas HHSC at 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905. A representative can walk you through the application over the phone.

Before you apply, it helps to estimate your benefit amount. A SNAP eligibility calculator 2026 can give you a quick idea of whether you qualify and how much you might receive.

Federal vs. Texas State Rules: What’s Different

SNAP is a federal program, so the basic income formulas come from Washington. Texas administers the program locally through HHSC and has added its own rules on top of the federal baseline.

The candy and sugary drink ban is a Texas-only rule, approved through a state law and a USDA waiver. The expanded work requirements for older adults follow federal welfare law changes but are enforced through Texas HHSC.

Other states may handle income limits, exemptions, and applications differently, so always check your state’s own SNAP agency for local rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Texas Health and Human Services Commission, SNAP program page: hhs.texas.gov/services/food/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP eligibility: fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
• The Texas Tribune, “What Texans need to know about upcoming SNAP restrictions” (March 18, 2026)
• YourTexasBenefits.com, official Texas benefits application portal

This article was last updated in July 2026 to reflect current Texas HHSC guidance. SNAP rules can change, so always confirm final numbers with HHSC before applying.

What to Do Next

Check your household income against the limits above, then start your application at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1 today. Getting your application in early helps you avoid delays in receiving your benefits.