Texas Benefits & Assistance Programs
Discover trusted Texas benefit programs designed to support individuals and families with food assistance, healthcare coverage, housing help, and financial relief. Access official resources for Texas SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid and CHIP health services, rental and housing support, and cash assistance programs available statewide.
🍎 Food Assistance in Texas (SNAP)
Texas residents who need help affording groceries may qualify for the Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program provides monthly benefits to help individuals and families purchase nutritious food and reduce food insecurity.
Texas SNAP benefits are administered by the state and can be used at participating grocery stores, supermarkets, and approved retailers across Texas. Eligibility is determined by factors such as household income, family size, and allowable expenses. Applications can be submitted online or through local assistance offices.
🍎 Food Stamps (SNAP) & Food Assistance in Texas
Texas provides grocery assistance to eligible residents through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program helps individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford healthy food during periods of financial hardship.
SNAP benefits in Texas are issued monthly on an EBT card (Lone Star Card) and can be used at approved grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and participating retailers across the state.
What Texas SNAP Helps With
- Monthly grocery benefits loaded onto an EBT (Lone Star) card
- Food assistance for low-income households, seniors, and people with disabilities
- Access to nutritious food at approved stores, markets, and online retailers
- Support during job loss, reduced work hours, or emergencies
Estimated SNAP Income Limits in Texas (Monthly Gross Income)
| Household Size | Estimated Monthly Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510 |
| 2 | $3,400 |
| 3 | $4,290 |
| 4 | $5,180 |
| 5 | $6,070 |
| 6 | $6,960 |
| 7 | $7,850 |
| 8 | $8,740 |
| Each additional member | + ~$890 |
*Income limits shown are estimates and may change. Actual eligibility depends on household expenses, deductions, immigration status, and special circumstances. Always verify with official Texas sources.
How to Apply for SNAP in Texas
- Online: Apply through the Your Texas Benefits website.
- By phone: Call Texas Health and Human Services for assistance.
- In person: Visit a local HHSC benefits office.
Major Food Banks & Emergency Food Help in Texas
1. Feeding Texas (Statewide Network)
Feeding Texas supports a statewide network of food banks that distribute groceries through local pantries, shelters, and community programs.
- Website: Visit Feeding Texas
- Find Food: Locate food banks and pantries by ZIP code.
2. North Texas Food Bank
Serves the Dallas–Fort Worth region through partner pantries, mobile food distributions, and community programs.
- Website: Visit North Texas Food Bank
3. Houston Food Bank
One of the largest food banks in the country, serving millions of meals annually across southeast Texas.
- Website: Visit Houston Food Bank
4. Local & Community Food Pantries
Many Texas cities and counties offer food assistance through churches, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.
📝 Official Texas SNAP Resources
- Texas SNAP (HHSC) — eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and program updates.
- Your Texas Benefits — apply for and manage SNAP benefits online.
📍 Find Food Near You
- Feeding America Food Finder
- Search your ZIP code + “food pantry” or “free groceries.”
- Check local churches, schools, and community centers.
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Program availability, income limits, and rules may change—always confirm details through official Texas government sources.
🏥 Medical & Health Coverage in Texas (Medicaid / CHIP)
Texas offers low-cost or free health coverage for eligible residents through Texas Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs can help families, children, pregnant individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities access essential healthcare services.
Depending on eligibility, coverage may include doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, prenatal care, mental health services, preventive screenings, and more. Many Texans apply and manage benefits through the state’s official benefits system.
🏥 Medical & Health Coverage in Texas (Medicaid / CHIP)
Texas Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) help eligible Texans get free or low-cost healthcare coverage. These programs are administered by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC). Official information is available at: Texas Medicaid & CHIP (Official Site) .
🩺 What Texas Medicaid / CHIP May Cover
Covered services vary by program and eligibility group, but commonly include:
- Doctor visits, checkups, and primary care
- Hospital care and emergency services
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and behavioral health services
- Pregnancy, prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care (eligible groups)
- Preventive care, immunizations, and health screenings
- Dental and vision benefits (often for children; some adult coverage may be limited)
👨👩👧 Who May Qualify in Texas
You may qualify for Texas Medicaid or CHIP if you:
- Live in Texas and meet program income and eligibility rules
- Are a child or teen (CHIP or Medicaid, depending on income)
- Are pregnant or a parent/caretaker of a child
- Are age 65 or older
- Have a disability or need long-term services and supports
- Receive SSI or certain other qualifying assistance
- Meet immigration/citizenship requirements for the program you apply for
📊 Income Guidelines
Texas eligibility limits depend on the program (children, pregnancy, disability/elderly, etc.). Because rules and limits can change and depend on your situation, it’s best to check your options using: YourTexasBenefits.com .
🧾 Documents You May Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax documents)
- Social Security Number (if applicable)
- Proof of Texas residency (lease, utility bill, mail, etc.)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Health insurance information (if you currently have any coverage)
🖥️ How to Apply for Texas Medicaid / CHIP
Online:
- Apply through the official portal: Your Texas Benefits (Apply / Manage Benefits)
By Phone:
- Call 2-1-1 (or 877-541-7905), select your language, then choose the option for state benefits assistance. 2-1-1 Texas Contact Info
In Person:
- Visit a local HHSC benefits office or a community partner for application help
By Mail:
- Request or print an application and submit it by mail (help available through 2-1-1 / local offices)
⏳ Application Processing Time
Many Medicaid/CHIP applications are typically processed within about 45 days. If a disability determination is required, a decision can take up to 90 days. Timelines can vary based on case complexity and requested documents.
💡 If You Don’t Qualify for Medicaid / CHIP
- Health Insurance Marketplace: Compare subsidized health plans
- Look for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and low-cost community clinics near you
- Ask local hospitals about charity care / financial assistance policies
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) or any government agency. Program rules, coverage, and eligibility may change—always verify details using official Texas websites.
🏡 Housing Assistance in Texas
Texas offers a range of housing assistance, rental support, and emergency housing options to help individuals and families secure safe and affordable places to live. These programs may assist with rent payments, public housing, or temporary shelter during housing crises.
Most housing assistance in Texas is managed through local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), nonprofit housing agencies, and community organizations, with funding and oversight from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Availability, eligibility rules, and waitlists vary by city and county.
🏘️ Main Housing Programs in Texas
1. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program helps eligible low-income households afford rental housing in the private market. If approved, the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) pays part of the rent directly to the landlord, and the household pays the remaining portion based on income.
Who May Qualify- Low-income households (income limits depend on your county/metro area)
- U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
- Families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities
- Must meet local PHA rules and pass screening requirements
- Apply through your local Texas Public Housing Authority (PHA)
- Waitlists may be long; some PHAs open/close lists based on demand
- Use the voucher at an approved rental unit that meets program standards
👉 Find your local Texas PHA: Texas Public Housing Authority Directory (HUD PDF)
2. Public Housing
Public Housing offers affordable apartments owned or managed by local housing authorities. Rent is typically calculated as a percentage of household income, and availability depends on local funding and open units.
- Low-income individuals and families
- Seniors and people with disabilities (some properties are designated)
- Applicants must meet PHA eligibility and documentation requirements
3. Rental Assistance & Eviction Help (Texas Resources)
Texas has offered statewide rental assistance programs in the past, but availability can change over time. Many areas still provide local rental help, eviction prevention, utility support, and housing counseling through nonprofits, cities/counties, and community partners.
- Emergency rent/utility help (local programs vary by county/city)
- Eviction prevention resources and tenant support
- Reduced-rent apartment search tools and housing referrals
👉 Start here for current Texas housing help: TDHCA Help for Texans (Official Resources)
4. Emergency & Transitional Housing (Homeless Services)
If you are facing homelessness or need emergency shelter, assistance is usually coordinated through a local Continuum of Care (CoC) network and partner agencies (shelters, outreach teams, rapid rehousing, and supportive housing providers).
- Emergency shelters (short-term stays)
- Transitional housing and supportive housing programs
- Rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention services
👉 Learn about CoC networks in Texas: Texas Continuum of Care (Official Info)
📊 Income Limits
HUD sets annual income limits for housing assistance programs. Limits vary by Texas county/metro area and household size (called Area Median Income – AMI).
- Extremely Low Income: 30% of AMI
- Very Low Income: 50% of AMI
- Low Income: 80% of AMI
*Always confirm county-specific income limits and rules with your local PHA.
🧾 Documents You May Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Texas residency
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax documents)
- Social Security numbers for household members (if applicable)
- Birth certificates or legal documents for household members (if required)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
📝 How to Apply
1. Apply Through Your Local PHA- Check whether the waitlist is open (many lists open for limited times)
- Submit an online or paper application (depends on the PHA)
👉 Texas PHA Directory: HUD Texas PHA List (PDF)
2. Use Official Texas Resource Hubs- Find reduced-rent apartments, eviction help, and housing resources: TDHCA Help for Texans
- Find your local public housing agency using HUD’s PHA contact finder: HUD PHA Contact Finder
- Call 2-1-1 Texas for local housing and emergency resources: 2-1-1 Texas (Contact Info)
☎ Helpful Housing Contacts
-
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
Visit TDHCA (Official Website) -
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Visit HUD.gov
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by HUD, TDHCA, Texas Public Housing Authorities, or any government agency. Housing programs, waitlists, and eligibility rules may change—always verify details with official sources.
💵 Cash Assistance in Texas
Texas offers several cash assistance and financial support programs to help eligible individuals and families meet essential living expenses. These programs are intended to provide short-term or ongoing support during periods of financial hardship.
Major cash and income-support programs available to Texans may include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other state or federally administered assistance programs.
Depending on eligibility, cash benefits can help cover rent, utilities, food, clothing, transportation, childcare, and other basic household needs.
📋 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Texas
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is Texas’s main cash assistance program for eligible families with children. TANF provides limited monthly cash payments and support services to help families meet basic needs while working toward employment and self-sufficiency.
👨👩👧 Who May Qualify for Texas TANF
You may be eligible if you:
- Live in Texas
- Are pregnant or caring for a child under age 18 (or under 19 in some cases)
- Have low income and limited financial resources
- Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Agree to participate in required work, training, or employment activities
TANF is primarily for families with children. Adults without children generally do not qualify for TANF cash benefits in Texas.
📊 TANF Benefit Amounts (General Information)
TANF cash benefit amounts in Texas depend on household size, income, and individual circumstances. Payments are modest and intended as short-term assistance.
- Benefit amounts increase with household size
- Payments are typically issued monthly
- Exact amounts vary and are determined by Texas Health and Human Services
*Benefit amounts and eligibility rules can change. Always verify current details through official Texas sources.
💵 What Texas TANF May Include
- Monthly cash assistance (usually issued on the Lone Star EBT card)
- Employment and job-readiness programs
- Education, training, and work experience opportunities
- Support services such as childcare or transportation assistance
- Referrals to food, housing, and medical assistance programs
🧾 How to Apply for TANF in Texas
- Online: Apply through the official Your Texas Benefits website.
- By phone: Call 2-1-1 (or 877-541-7905) for application help.
- In person: Visit a local Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) benefits office or community partner.
Most TANF applications are reviewed within about 45 days. An interview and participation in a work plan are usually required.
📌 Other Cash & Income Support Programs (SSI / SSDI)
In addition to TANF, Texans may qualify for federal disability or retirement-related benefits:
-
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — federal cash assistance for seniors (65+)
and people with disabilities with limited income/resources.
Learn about SSI (Social Security) -
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) — benefits for eligible workers
who have a disability and sufficient work history.
Learn about SSDI (Social Security Disability) - Apply for SSI or SSDI: Start an application online
📞 Emergency or Crisis Financial Help
- Call 2-1-1 Texas to find local emergency financial assistance, utility help, rent support, and community resources: 2-1-1 Texas (Contact Info)
- Community action agencies and charities may offer one-time assistance for urgent needs.
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with Texas Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration, or any government agency. Program rules, benefit amounts, and eligibility requirements may change. Always verify details with official Texas government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (Texas Benefits)
Texas provides food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additional help is available from food banks, pantries, and emergency meal programs across the state.
You can apply online through the official Your Texas Benefits website, by phone through 2-1-1 Texas, or in person at a Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) office.
Texas offers health coverage through Texas Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs serve children, pregnant individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Income limits vary by program and household size and may change each year. Eligibility depends on factors such as age, pregnancy, disability, and family status. Always verify current limits through YourTexasBenefits.com.
Housing help in Texas may include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing, local rental assistance programs, emergency shelters, and homelessness prevention services administered by local agencies.
Applications are handled by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Many programs use waitlists that open and close based on demand. Availability varies by city and county.
Texas offers cash assistance primarily through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Other income support programs include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and limited local emergency assistance.
Emergency assistance from local charities or community agencies may be available the same day or within a few days. Standard benefit programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF usually take several weeks to process.
Yes. Many Texans qualify for more than one program at the same time, such as SNAP, Medicaid or CHIP, housing assistance, and cash assistance, as long as eligibility rules are met.
No. OBenefitFinder does not determine eligibility, process applications, or approve benefits. We provide informational guidance only and are not affiliated with Texas Health and Human Services or any government agency.