Your Texas SNAP benefits for January 2026 will arrive between January 1–28, 2026. The exact date depends on your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number and when you were certified.
Quick Answer:
- Certified before June 1, 2020? Benefits arrive January 1–15 (based on last digit of EDG)
- Certified on/after June 1, 2020? Benefits arrive January 16–28 (based on last two digits of EDG)
- All deposits complete by 6 a.m. Central Time on your scheduled date
Note: Each state follows its own SNAP payment schedule. If you’re comparing Texas to other states or recently moved, check the complete SNAP payment schedule by state for January 2026 to see how deposit dates vary nationwide.
This guide shows your exact deposit date, payment amounts, and how to check your balance.
Page Contents
- 1 Who Manages Texas SNAP Benefits?
- 2 January 2026 Texas SNAP Payment Schedule
- 3 How to Find Your EDG Number
- 4 January 2026 SNAP Benefit Amounts
- 5 How SNAP Benefits Work in Texas
- 6 What to Do If Benefits Are Late
- 7 Important Changes for January 2026
- 8 How to Check Your SNAP Balance
- 9 What Affects Your SNAP Payment Amount
- 10 Tips for Managing January 2026 Benefits
- 11 Getting Help with SNAP Questions
- 12 Applying for Texas SNAP Benefits
- 13 Recertification Reminders
- 14 Texas SNAP (Lone Star Card) FAQs: January 2026
- 14.1 1. When will I get my Texas SNAP money in January 2026?
- 14.2 2. Why didn’t my Texas SNAP benefits arrive on New Year’s Day?
- 14.3 3. How much is the most a family can get from Texas SNAP in 2026?
- 14.4 4. Can I still buy soda and candy with Texas SNAP in January 2026?
- 14.5 5. What are the new 2026 Texas SNAP work rules?
- 14.6 6. How do I find my Texas EDG number for my 2026 schedule?
- 15 Summary
Who Manages Texas SNAP Benefits?
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) runs the SNAP program.
Benefits load onto your Lone Star Card each month.
Deposits happen automatically based on your EDG number.
You don’t need to do anything to receive your benefits.
January 2026 Texas SNAP Payment Schedule
Texas deposits SNAP benefits over 28 days. Your payment date depends on when you were certified.
Group A: Certified Before June 1, 2020
Benefits arrive between January 1 and January 15.
Your last EDG digit determines your date:
- EDG ends in 0: January 1
- EDG ends in 1: January 3
- EDG ends in 2: January 5
- EDG ends in 3: January 6
- EDG ends in 4: January 7
- EDG ends in 5: January 9
- EDG ends in 6: January 11
- EDG ends in 7: January 12
- EDG ends in 8: January 13
- EDG ends in 9: January 15
Group B: Certified On or After June 1, 2020
Benefits arrive between January 16 and January 28.
Your last two EDG digits determine your date:
- 00–03 or 54–57: January 16
- 04–06 or 58–60: January 17
- 07–10 or 61–64: January 18
- 11–13 or 65–67: January 19
- 14–17 or 68–71: January 20
- 18–20 or 72–74: January 21
- 21–24 or 75–78: January 22
- 25–27 or 79–81: January 23
- 28–31 or 82–85: January 24
- 32–34 or 86–88: January 25
- 35–38 or 89–92: January 26
- 39–41, 46–49, or 93–95: January 27
- 42–45, 50–53, or 96–99: January 28
Important: Benefits deposit by 6 a.m. Central Time on your scheduled date.
How to Find Your EDG Number
Your EDG number appears in several places.
Check your SNAP approval letter from Texas HHS. The number is printed near the top.
Log into your YourTexasBenefits account online. Your EDG number shows on your case summary.
Call Texas SNAP customer service at 2-1-1. They can tell you your EDG number.
The EDG number never changes. Once you know it, you’ll always know your payment date.
January 2026 SNAP Benefit Amounts
Texas SNAP benefits vary by household size.
Here are the maximum monthly amounts for 2026:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 |
| 2 people | $546 |
| 3 people | $785 |
| 4 people | $994 |
| 5 people | $1,183 |
| Each additional person | +$218 |
Your actual benefit amount depends on your income. Not everyone receives the maximum amount.
Texas HHS calculates your benefit based on household income and expenses.
How SNAP Benefits Work in Texas
Benefits load automatically onto your Lone Star Card.
The Lone Star Card works like a debit card.
Where You Can Use Your Lone Star Card
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Convenience stores with food items
- Superstores like Walmart and Target
- Farmers markets across Texas
- Online at Amazon and Walmart
You cannot use SNAP for hot foods or restaurant meals.
SNAP does not cover non-food items like soap or paper products.
What to Do If Benefits Are Late
Sometimes benefits don’t arrive on schedule.
First Steps
Wait until 8 p.m. on your deposit date. Some deposits process throughout the day.
Check your Lone Star Card balance online at YourTexasBenefits.com.
Call the Lone Star helpline at 1-800-777-7328.
When to Contact Texas HHS
Contact Texas HHS if benefits are missing after your deposit date.
Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905 for help.
You may need to contact them if:
- Your case is under review
- You missed a recertification deadline
- Your household information changed
- You received a notice about your case
Keep your case number ready when calling. This helps workers find your information faster.
Important Changes for January 2026
Several SNAP policy changes took effect in 2026.
New Work Requirements
Starting January 1, 2026, more adults must work or train.
Able-bodied adults without dependents need 80 hours monthly of:
- Employment at a job
- Job training programs
- Community service work
- Workfare programs approved by Texas HHS
Exemptions apply for people with disabilities, caretakers, and those medically unable to work.
Upcoming Food Restrictions (April 2026)
Texas will restrict certain purchases starting April 1, 2026.
Candy and soda will no longer be SNAP-eligible.
This change doesn’t affect January 2026 benefits. You can still buy these items through March 2026.
Income and Asset Limits
Texas SNAP income limits may adjust throughout 2026.
Check with Texas HHS for current eligibility guidelines.
Most households must have gross income below 165% of poverty level.
How to Check Your SNAP Balance
You have several ways to check your balance.
Online
Visit YourTexasBenefits.com and log into your account.
Your current balance shows on your dashboard.
You can also see recent purchases and transactions.
Mobile App
Download the Your Texas Benefits app. It’s free for iPhone and Android.
The app shows your balance and deposit schedule.
Phone
Call the Lone Star Card helpline at 1-800-777-7328.
This automated line is available 24/7.
You’ll need your card number to check balance.
What Affects Your SNAP Payment Amount
Several factors can change your monthly benefit.
Household Size Changes
Adding or removing household members changes your benefit amount.
Report changes within 10 days to Texas HHS.
New babies, marriages, and people moving in all count.
Income Changes
Getting a new job or raise affects SNAP benefits.
Report income changes within 10 days.
Your benefits may increase or decrease based on new income.
Missed Recertification
Texas requires periodic recertification for SNAP.
You’ll receive a notice before your recertification deadline.
Missing this deadline stops your benefits.
Address or Contact Changes
Always update your address with Texas HHS.
They mail important notices about your case.
Missing notices can lead to benefit interruptions.
Tips for Managing January 2026 Benefits
Plan your grocery shopping around your deposit date.
Many stores run sales early in the month.
Make Benefits Last All Month
Create a monthly meal plan before shopping.
Buy frozen vegetables and meats for longer storage.
Stock up on staples like rice, beans, and pasta.
Cook larger portions and freeze leftovers.
Save Money on Groceries
Compare prices at different stores in your area.
Use store loyalty programs and coupons with SNAP.
Buy store brands instead of name brands.
Shop farmers markets for fresh produce deals.
Getting Help with SNAP Questions
Texas offers several resources for SNAP recipients.
Texas Health and Human Services
- Main helpline: 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905
- Online: YourTexasBenefits.com
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central
Lone Star Card Support
- Customer service: 1-800-777-7328
- Available 24 hours a day
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately
Local Benefits Offices
Texas has SNAP offices in every county.
Visit in person for application help or case reviews.
Find your nearest office at HHS.Texas.gov.
Bring photo ID and proof of income when visiting.
Applying for Texas SNAP Benefits
New applicants can apply anytime during the month.
Application Process
Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com. This is the fastest method.
You can also apply by phone at 2-1-1.
Paper applications are available at local HHS offices.
Documents You’ll Need
- Photo identification for all adults
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, award letters)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease)
- Immigration documents if applicable
Application Timeline
Texas HHS has 30 days to process applications.
Expedited service is available for households with urgent needs.
You may qualify for emergency benefits in 7 days if:
- Your household has less than $150 monthly income
- Your rent and utilities exceed your income and cash
- You’re a migrant or seasonal farm worker
Recertification Reminders
Texas sends notices before your recertification is due.
Most households recertify every 6 or 12 months.
Complete Recertification on Time
Log into YourTexasBenefits.com when you receive notice.
Answer all questions completely and truthfully.
Upload required documents through the website.
Submit at least 10 days before deadline.
What Happens If You Miss Deadline
Your benefits will stop if recertification is late.
You must reapply to get benefits again.
This creates a gap in your food assistance.
Texas SNAP (Lone Star Card) FAQs: January 2026
1. When will I get my Texas SNAP money in January 2026?
2. Why didn’t my Texas SNAP benefits arrive on New Year’s Day?
3. How much is the most a family can get from Texas SNAP in 2026?
4. Can I still buy soda and candy with Texas SNAP in January 2026?
5. What are the new 2026 Texas SNAP work rules?
6. How do I find my Texas EDG number for my 2026 schedule?
Summary
January 2026 SNAP benefits deposit between January 1 and January 28.
Your EDG number determines your exact deposit date.
Benefits arrive by 6 a.m. Central Time on your scheduled day.
Check YourTexasBenefits.com or call 1-800-777-7328 for balance information.
New work requirements started January 1, 2026.
Report all household changes within 10 days.
Contact Texas HHS at 2-1-1 with questions about your case.
