The Propel Guide To EBT In Texas

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, usually shortened to SNAP and often just called food stamps, is a crucial benefit program that helps millions of American families afford groceries each month.

In Texas, once you apply and get approved for SNAP benefits, you'll receive your Lone Star Card in the mail—your monthly SNAP deposits will go straight to your card and you can use them on eligible groceries.

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What is the Lone Star Card?#what-is-the-lone-star-card

The Lone Star Card is just Texas’s version of an EBT card. It looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps (also known as SNAP benefits) and cash benefits. You can use it at any stores that accept EBT.

Once you have your Lone Star Card, you should download a mobile app like Propel to check your EBT balance and stay on top of your spending and transactions.

Texas’s EBT customer service number is 1-800-777-7328.

How do I apply for food stamps in Texas?#how-do-i-apply-for-food-stamps-in-texas

The easiest way to apply for food stamps in Texas is online. If you’d rather apply in person, call your local office or the Texas SNAP hotline (1-877-541-7905) to find out how.

In orcer to qualify for food stamps in Texas you need to meet certain eligibility criteria, like income limits— learn if you’re eligible for food stamps here.

If need help with your SNAP application, your local food bank can help.

How do I renew my food stamps?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps

You’ll have to renew your food stamps before your certification period (the amount of time you’ll get food stamps) ends.

That period is 6 months for most Texas households. You can renew your benefits online with a Your Texas Benefits account.

You’ll get a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

Here's what the different SNAP case statuses on Your Texas Benefits mean:

• Started: You started a renewal, but you haven’t sent it in.
• Sent: You sent the renewal.
• In Review: You sent the renewal, and they're looking it over.
• Reviewed: They're done looking over the renewal you sent.
• Approved: Your benefits are renewed.

If you’d rather renew your food stamps in person, call your caseworker, local office or the Texas SNAP hotline (at 1-877-541-7905) to find out how.

When will I get my food stamps in Texas?#when-will-i-get-my-food-stamps-in-texas

Texas sends out SNAP benefits over 15 days, beginning on the 1st and based on the last digit of your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number.

Check the full Texas SNAP deposit schedule to find out which day you’ll get your food stamps.

What household changes do I have to report and when?#what-household-changes-do-i-have-to-report-and-when

It's important to keep your caseworker updated about any household changes that might affect your SNAP benefits. You should report:

• If anyone moves in or out of your household
• Financial changes like income, rent, savings, or child support
• Work changes—does your household include an adult who doesn’t have a disability or a child (what the government calls an ABAWD)? Is this person required to work or train 20 hours per week? Then you should report if this person starts working or training less than the required amount

Most SNAP households in Texas have to report all changes no more than 10 days after they happen, but some don’t.

Your caseworker can confirm which rules apply to your household. If you are moving, you should report your new address as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss any important letters.

You can report changes online with a Your Texas Benefits account.

How do I replace a lost or stolen Lone Star Card in Texas?#how-do-i-replace-a-lost-or-stolen-lone-star-card-in-texas

If you can’t find your Lone Star Card, call the Texas EBT hotline as soon as you can: The number is 1-800-777-7328. They'll cancel your card and issue you a new one with a new number, so no one can use your benefits.

My benefits were stolen off my EBT card. What can I do?#my-benefits-were-stolen-off-my-ebt-card-what-can-i-do

If your EBT benefits were stolen, call the Texas EBT hotline number at 1-800-777-7328. Your state may require you to change your EBT PIN, report your card stolen, and request a new card.

If your benefits were electronically stolen (like through skimming or phishing) between October 2022–December 20, 2024, you may be eligible to apply for reimbursement.

Unfortunately benefits stolen after that aren't eligible for reimbursement. Learn more here.

What can I buy with EBT in Texas?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-texas

You can use your food stamps to buy any SNAP-eligible groceries, which includes most things at the grocery store, like:

• Fruits and vegetables, either fresh, frozen, dried or canned
• Beans and grains
• Snacks like chips, popcorn, nuts, and crackers
• Drinks like juice, milk and water
• Cheese and yogurt
• Bread and tortillas
• Meat and seafood, either frozen or refrigerated

You can’t use food stamps to buy ineligible items alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins and medicine, live animals, hot foods, or any non-food household items—that includes paper towels, diapers, and wipes.

WIC food packages in Texas typically include cereal, juice, eggs, milk, peanut butter, dried and canned beans, tofu, fruits and vegetables, and whole-wheat bread.

WIC packages also include canned fish and cheese for breastfeeding moms, and baby food for families with infants.

Which stores and restaurants take EBT food stamps in Texas?#which-stores-and-restaurants-take-ebt-food-stamps-in-texas

Download Propel to see nearby stores and farmer’s markets that take EBT across Texas. You don’t need an account to use the map.

Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-ebt-card

Yes, your EBT card can get you discounted or free admission to museums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and more.

Can I get more food stamps in Texas if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-in-texas-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Yes, once your child is born, your household size will increase. More household members means more benefits.

While you are still pregnant, you can’t get more food stamps yet, but you can apply for WIC benefits.

WIC provides food and resources for pregnant people, new parents, and children up to 5 years old.

My family can’t afford other basic needs besides food#my-family-cant-afford-other-basic-needs-besides-food

If you're in Texas and you have a child who’s 18 or younger, you may qualify for cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

TANF provides monthly cash assistance to help families with children get by during tough times, it's sometimes referred to as EBT cash.

Am I eligible for other benefits in Texas?#am-i-eligible-for-other-benefits-in-texas

You might be—check out this benefit finder tool and find out.