Who is Eligibile for Food Stamps in Texas

The need for food stamps in Texas rose 20 percent during 2009-2010, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The food stamp program is actually named SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP helps low-income families and individuals to afford an adequate supply of food. It is funded by the federal government but is managed by the states, who share in administrative costs. Texas' SNAP is overseen by the state Health and Human Services Commission.

Basic Eligibility
To qualify for SNAP, you must be a United States citizen or legal immigrant who has lived in the country for at least five years. All immigrant children are eligible, however, regardless of when they entered the U.S. You must also be a resident of Texas to apply to Texas' food stamp program. Non-citizens who have been admitted to the U.S. for humanitarian purposes or who have been receiving disability benefits may also qualify for SNAP.

Income Limits
Texas SNAP applies income limits in order to determine financial eligibility for the program. Income limits are based on the size of your household and the current federal poverty guidelines. There are two sets of income thresholds for SNAP, gross and net. Gross income is the total of all household income, and net is what remains of your income after approved deductions. SNAP's gross income limit is 130 percent of the federal poverty level and net is 100 percent. Households with members who are 60 years or older or who are disabled are only required to meet the net income threshold.

Assets
Texas households cannot hold assets worth more than a specific amount if they want to qualify for SNAP. As of 2011, this was set at $2,000. The asset limit rises to $3,000 is a member of the household is aged 60 or older or disabled.

Benefit Period
Texas limits the amount of time some people may receive SNAP even if they qualify. Adults between the ages of 18 and 50 who do not have a minor child in their households have a benefit limit of three months per three-year period. This can be extended if the adult is involved in a job training program or works at a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Emergency SNAP
In Texas, emergency, or expedited, SNAP can be given to households in dire financial circumstances. If your household has a monthly income of less than $150 and resources worth less than $100, you are eligible for emergency SNAP. You may also qualify if your household includes a migrant farm worker who has a low income and assets worth less than $100. Households with not enough resources or earnings to meet their rent, mortgage and utility bills may also apply for expedited SNAP.

References
State Health Facts: Texas State Fiscal Distress
http://www.statehealthfacts.org/profileind.jsp?cat=1⊂=151&rgn=45

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant_recipients/eligibility.htm

Texas Health and Human Services Commission: SNAP Food Benefits
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/help/food/foodstamps/index.html

Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Your Texas Benefits
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/ssp/SSPHome/ssphome.jsp

Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Texas SNAP Benefit Estimator
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/programs/foodstamps/estimator/index.html