$158/month

1. Submit your SNAP application. (anywhere from 30-45 minutes)
2. Answer any follow-up questions to complete your application and get prepared for your SNAP interview. (up to 30 days to process)
3. Conduct your SNAP interview. (within 6 to 9 weeks after submitting your application)
4. Await your SNAP benefits decision (within 6 to 9 weeks after submitting your application)
5. Use your EBT card to purchase food at grocery stories, qualifying online retailers, and at farmer's markets. (after getting your SNAP benefits decision)

• Money you get from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
• How many people live with you
• Any assets you have (for example, cash or property)

How do I prepare to apply?

Before you start, be sure to gather the following to make your Texas SNAP application process easier:

• Documentation that may be required:
  • Identification
  • Social Security
  • Paystubs
  • Pension
  • Immigration status
  • Proof you live in Texas (utility bill, etc.)
• Other information you may need to provide:
  • Life insurance information
  • Bank statements
  • Living expenses, such as what you pay for housing (rent or mortgage), natural gas, water, phone (showing that your basic living expenses are 50% or more of your income)
  • Medical expenses that are more than $35 per month (these expenses could help you if you receive more benefits through medical deductions)

How do I apply for SNAP in Texas?

For online applications it can take 35 minutes to an hour to complete your SNAP application.

This process includes:

• Creating your online account: Though not required (there is an “apply without an account” option), it’s highly recommended to create an online account so you can easily log in to check your application status, report changes to your case, renew your benefits, among other important tasks. This part takes 5 to 10 minutes.
• Filling out your online application: During this step of the process, you’ll fill in important information including uploading documents that are required for eligibility. This part takes 30 to 45 minutes.

• Receive a phone call from the Commission, where you’ll be asked follow-up questions.
• Receive a letter from the Commission with requests for additional information or documentation.
• Receive a letter notifying you that you have been approved and included will be your award amount.

• Downloading the application here on BenefitsCheckUp.
• Completing the application on paper. Note that you only need to complete sections labeled for “SNAP Food Benefits”.
• Gathering related documentation.

• Mailing it in. Note that we recommend using certified mail.

• Confirming that you are eligible to submit the simplified SNAP application. This application is for people who are 60 or older and live with people who are 60 or older, or if you’re living with a disability. 
• Downloading the simplified application.
• Completing the application on paper. 
• Gathering related documentation.

• Mailing it in. Note that we recommend using certified mail.

How can I get help with my application?

• Call 211, or 877-541-7905.
• Call the Dallas County Department of HHS at 214-819-1860.
• Go to YourTexasBenefits.com, where you can find a local office or community partners that can help you enroll in SNAP. 
• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center, if there's one near you. See if there’s one in your area.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Texas?

• What is your full name and birthday?
• What is your Social Security number?
• Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
• Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
• What is your monthly income?
• Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
• What other regular bills do you have?

• Review all correspondence in a timely manner. Watch your mail for correspondence from HHS and be sure to reply quickly enough to meet deadlines.
• Make sure to follow-up on the requests you receive for documentation.
• Report changes to your address, phone number, or income within 10 days of the change. You can do this by updating it online or by calling 211. 

• If you applied through a ‘simplified’ application, it renews every 3 years, so plan ahead.
• If you’re employed, you might have to renew your SNAP benefits every 3 months. To do this, you should expect to receive a renewal form in the mail or in your account online.
• If you are disabled, but not receiving Social Security, you may need to provide a doctor’s statement. A form will be mailed to you or the doctor to complete.
• If you receive assistance paying your living expenses, you may need to provide information on who provides the assistance and the amounts of payments.