Texas Benefits – SNAP, Medicaid, Housing & TANF Help
🥕 SNAP in Texas
What Is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Texas helps low-income families buy groceries using a Lone Star Card (EBT) at approved stores and farmers markets.
Who Qualifies?
You may qualify if you:
- Live in Texas
- Meet income limits (see below)
- Are a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- Have children, are elderly, or have a disability
- Are working or have low/no income
2025 Monthly Income Limits (Texas SNAP)
These are the maximum gross monthly income limits to qualify for SNAP in Texas. Actual approval may depend on your household expenses, age, and disability status.
Household Size – Max Monthly Gross Income
• 1 person — $1,580
• 2 people — $2,137
• 3 people — $2,694
• 4 people — $3,250
• 5 people — $3,807
• Each additional person — add ~$557
✅ Note: Seniors and people with disabilities may qualify even if their income is slightly above the limit due to deductions.
How to Apply
🌐 Apply Online
The fastest and easiest way:
🔗 YourTexasBenefits.com
Steps:
- Create an account or log in
- Click "Apply for Benefits"
- Fill out the application
- Upload proof of ID, income, rent, and household size
- Submit and track your status online
☎️ Apply by Phone
Call the Texas Health and Human Services helpline:
📞 2-1-1 (choose Option 2)
📞 Or toll-free: 1-877-541-7905
A representative can:
- Start an application for you
- Answer questions about eligibility
- Help you submit documents
🏢 Apply In Person
Visit your local HHSC benefits office.
Find a location near you:
🔗 HHSC Office Locator
Bring with you:
- Photo ID
- Proof of address
- Proof of income (if any)
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Rent or utility bills (if available)
✅ After applying, you may be asked to complete an interview (phone or in-person). If approved, your Lone Star EBT card will be mailed to you.
💊 Medicaid in Texas
🩺 What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income Texans. It helps cover the cost
✅ Who Can Get Medicaid in Texas?
You may qualify if you are:
- A child under 19
- A pregnant woman
- A parent or caretaker of a child under 18
- A senior age 65 or older
- A person with a disability
- A former foster youth under 26
- A very low-income adult who meets special rules
📌 Texas does not provide Medicaid to all adults unless they are pregnant, disabled, or elderly.
💵 Texas Medicaid Income Limits (2025 Sample)
Income limits depend on your age, household size, and health needs.
Example (pregnant woman, 2-person household): ~$2,900/month
For children under 19: Higher income limits apply.
➡️ To check your exact eligibility, go to:
🔗 https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com
📝 How to Apply for Medicaid in Texas
🌐 Apply Online
The fastest and easiest way:
Steps:
- Log in or create an account
- Click "Apply for Benefits"
- Select Medicaid and complete the form
- Upload proof of income, ID, and other documents
- Submit the application and track your status
☎️ Apply by Phone
Call the Texas Medicaid Helpline:
📞 1-800-252-8263
A representative can:
- Help you apply
- Answer eligibility questions
- Guide you through the process
🏢 Apply In Person
Visit a Texas HHSC benefits office near you:
🔗 Find Office Location
Bring:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security numbers (or immigration status)
- Proof of income (paystubs, tax forms)
- Proof of address
- Pregnancy verification (if applicable)
📬 After You Apply
- You may be asked to do a phone interview
- If approved, you’ll get a Medicaid ID card in the mail
- You’ll be able to pick a health plan and doctor
📌 Important Notes
- CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) is available if your child doesn’t qualify for Medicaid but still needs coverage.
- If denied, you can appeal the decision or reapply if your situation changes.
🏠 Section 8 Housing in Texas
🏘️ What Is Section 8?
Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, helps low-income individuals and families in Texas afford safe and decent housing in the private market — including apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes.
✅ Who Can Get Section 8 in Texas?
You may qualify for Section 8 if you:
- Live in Texas
- Are a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
- Have low income (usually at or below 50% of the Area Median Income for your county)
- Pass a background check (no recent evictions, drug-related, or violent criminal history)
📌 Priority is often given to:
- Families with children
- Seniors (age 62+)
- People with disabilities
- Domestic violence survivors
- Veterans
- Homeless or displaced families
These are example income limits for qualifying for Section 8 housing in Texas. Limits may vary by county.
Household Size – Max Annual Income (50% AMI)
• 1 person — ~$30,000
• 2 people — ~$34,000
• 3 people — ~$38,000
• 4 people — ~$42,000
• 5 people — ~$45,000
• Each additional person — add ~$4,500
✅ These limits may be higher in cities like Dallas, Austin, or Houston.
✅ Check exact income limits at:
🔗 huduser.gov – Income Limits
📝 How to Apply for Section 8 in Texas
📍 Step 1: Find a Local Housing Authority (PHA)
Texas has over 400 Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Each one manages its own waitlist and application process.
Search here:
🔗 Texas PHA Directory – HUD.gov
📋 Step 2: Check Waitlist Status
- Some PHAs keep their Section 8 waitlist open year-round
- Others open only during specific enrollment periods
- You can apply to multiple PHAs at once to increase your chances
📂 Step 3: Apply
You’ll typically need:
- Photo ID
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of income (paystubs, SSI, etc.)
- Current lease or utility bill (if housed)
- Disability or veteran status documents (if applicable)
Applications may be submitted:
- Online (where available)
- By mail
- In person at your local housing authority
⏳ After You Apply
- If approved, you’ll be added to the waitlist
- When your name comes up, you’ll receive a voucher
- Then you can search for eligible housing units in your area
Try:
🔗 affordablehousing.com
🔗 texashousingsearch.org
📞 Need Help?
Call HUD's Texas Field Office:
📞 (817) 978-5600
Or your local housing authority listed on HUD’s website.
💵 TANF / Cash Assistance in Texas
💰 What Is TANF?
TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is a state-run program that provides monthly cash payments to low-income families with children. In Texas, this program is called TANF Cash Help and is managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
✅ Who Can Get TANF in Texas?
You may qualify if you:
- Live in Texas
- Are a U.S. citizen or eligible legal immigrant
- Have a child under 18 (or are pregnant)
- Have low or no income
- Have very limited resources (like money in the bank or a car)
- Cooperate with job training or work programs (unless exempt)
📌 TANF is not available to most childless adults. Exceptions apply to pregnant women in their final trimester or teens under special care.
📊 Texas TANF Income Limits (Sample – 2025)
These are estimated maximum monthly income limits to qualify for TANF Cash Help in Texas. Actual amounts may vary slightly by case.
Household Size – Max Monthly Gross Income
• 1 person — ~$300
• 2 people — ~$400
• 3 people — ~$500
• 4 people — ~$600
• 5 people — ~$700
• Each additional person — add ~$100
✅ You must also have limited assets (usually less than $1,000 in savings or resources). One car is usually allowed.
📌 These are general estimates. Texas Health & Human Services will evaluate your full situation including income, expenses, and family status.
📝 How to Apply for TANF in Texas
🌐 Apply Online
Go to the official Texas benefits portal:
🔗 YourTexasBenefits.com
Steps:
- Log in or create an account
- Click "Apply for Benefits"
- Select TANF Cash Help
- Fill out the form and upload required documents
- Submit and track status online
☎️ Apply by Phone
Call the Texas Help Line:
📞 2-1-1 or
📞 1-877-541-7905 (toll-free)
Agents can help you apply, answer questions, or update your case.
🏢 Apply In Person
Visit your local HHSC office:
🔗 Find a location
Bring:
- Photo ID
- Proof of income and expenses
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
📬 What Happens Next?
- You may need to complete an interview
- If approved, cash benefits will be loaded onto your Lone Star EBT card each month
- You may be required to attend a Choices Work Program for job training and employment support
🧠 Extra Help with TANF
In addition to monthly cash, families may qualify for:
- Emergency assistance
- One-time TANF payment (for short-term needs)
- Childcare assistance while working
- Job training and education support
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