The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Texas provides crucial support to families facing financial hardship. Through an Electronic Banking Transfer (EBT) card known as the Lone Star Card, eligible individuals can purchase nutritious food each month.
Previously known as food stamps, these benefits are part of a federal program managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), but each state, including Texas, operates the program independently through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
If you’re a SNAP recipient in Texas, it’s essential to know when your benefits will be deposited and how your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number affects your payment schedule. Let’s break it all down.
Payment Schedule
Your SNAP benefits are deposited based on when you were certified and the last two digits of your EDG number. Here’s how it works:
Certified Before June 1, 2020
- Benefits are deposited between the 1st and 15th of each month.
- The exact date is based on the last digit of your EDG number.
Certified On or After June 1, 2020
- Benefits are deposited between the 16th and 28th of each month.
- The exact date depends on the last two digits of your EDG number.
Payment Schedule
| Last Digit(s) of EDG Number | Benefit Deposit Date |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1st of the month |
| 1 | 3rd of the month |
| 2 | 5th of the month |
| 3 | 6th of the month |
| 4 | 7th of the month |
| 5 | 9th of the month |
| 6 | 11th of the month |
| 7 | 12th of the month |
| 8 | 13th of the month |
| 9 | 15th of the month |
| 10-13 | 19th of the month |
| 14-17 | 20th of the month |
| 18-20 | 21st of the month |
| 22-24 | 22nd of the month |
| 25-27 | 23rd of the month |
| 28-31 | 24th of the month |
| 32-34 | 25th of the month |
| 35-36 | 26th of the month |
If you don’t know your EDG number, you can check your Lone Star Card account online, call the SNAP hotline, or review your SNAP approval letter.
Use Your Lone Star Card
Once your benefits are deposited, you can use your Lone Star Card just like a debit card to buy groceries at approved retailers, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and some farmers’ markets.
- What You Can Buy: Fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, bread, and other essential food items.
- What You Cannot Buy: Alcohol, tobacco, pet food, household supplies, or hot/prepared foods.
Recipients
- Mark your calendar with your payment date based on your EDG number.
- Keep your Lone Star Card safe and check your balance regularly.
- Use your benefits wisely to stretch your food budget throughout the month.
- Stay updated on SNAP policies by checking the Texas HHSC website or calling customer service.
By knowing when and how your SNAP benefits are distributed, you can better plan your grocery shopping and manage your food budget efficiently.
FAQs
How do I find my EDG number?
Check your SNAP approval letter or call the Texas SNAP hotline.
When will my SNAP benefits be deposited?
It depends on your EDG number; deposits occur between the 1st and 28th.
Can I use my Lone Star Card for hot food?
No, SNAP benefits cannot be used for hot or prepared foods.
Where can I check my Lone Star Card balance?
You can check online, via the mobile app, or by calling the number on the card.
Who manages SNAP benefits in Texas?
Texas SNAP is managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
