A cash rain is heading for Texans, with up to $1,751 in assistance being made available by Sunday, May 11, under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
It comes at a time of most need for families battling rising grocery and living costs, and it’s part of a series of measures the state is implementing to fight rising food insecurity.
How SNAP amounts are calculated for Texans
Eligibility for SNAP is determined by income, expenses, and family size. In Texas, the maximum benefit of $1,751 in SNAP is provided to families that consist of eight or more members. The amount decreases with fewer members, but it still offers significant aid. For example:
- 1-person household: Up to $291
- 2-person household: Up to $535
- 4-person household: Up to $973
- 6-person household: Up to $1,386
Who gets the SNAP payment before May 11?
Not all Texans qualify for the full amount, but eight categories of Texans have been identified as eligible to receive their SNAP payment before May 11.
They are identified on the Eligibility Determination Group schedule used by the state. Payments are made within the first 10 business days of the month based on the last digit of your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number.
The EDG groups that will be receiving SNAP benefit payments by May 11 are those ending in 0 through 9. This would be all regular SNAP recipients who have payments due between the 1st and 10th business days of the month.
What else to know if you’re new to SNAP
If you’re new to the SNAP program, it’s helpful to understand that benefits aren’t issued in a single payment for everything. Instead, Texas uses a staggered schedule to synchronize payments and assist on a timely basis. The schedule is based on your EDG number, and families certified before or after June 2020 may have slightly different payment timelines.
For new applicants, it’s also useful to remember that SNAP benefits can be expedited if you’re in a special time-sensitive financial situation, for instance, very low income or very high costs relative to income.
Where to check if you qualify and how to apply
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If you do not know whether you qualify for SNAP benefits or need to find out your payment schedule, visit the official Texas Health and Human Services website. There, you will be able to find full eligibility guidelines, application forms, and benefit calculators.
The applicants should meet income and asset requirements, reside in Texas, and provide documentation of identity and expenses. Families that include elderly or disabled members may also qualify for expedited processing.
Why this funding is important
Even as grocery bills remain elevated throughout the U.S., Texans are relying increasingly on SNAP to help close food access gaps. Recent economic studies find that inflation remains stuck in core categories such as dairy, produce, and protein. These checks, especially for bigger families, can be the difference between being able to pay for healthy meals or not.
Effective management of your SNAP benefits
SNAP recipients can make their money go further with a few smart tips:
- Shop from a list and avoid impulse buys.
- Buy in bulk when they’re available, especially on non-perishables.
- Use double-up food programs offered at local farmers’ markets.
- Use store loyalty programs and digital coupons.
Being frugal about where and how you spend can make your $1,751 subsidy stretch, especially in larger families.
Those who have yet to get their benefits by May 11 could still be eligible for June benefits if their claims are still in process or they’ve recently checked their data. It should also be noted that benefit amounts will differ based on household circumstances and regular redetermination checks.
With more Texans being enrolled in the program, SNAP remains a valuable aid in Texas’ war on hunger as well as economic security.
