Texas Benefits-applying for SNAP, TANF, healthcare assistance, and WIC
This website offers education regarding SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-“food stamps”), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), financial assistance with the costs of healthcare, and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). The website also offers instruction on applying for these benefits.
- SNAP: This benefit offers financial assistance with the cost of food. In Texas SNAP food benefits are put on the Lone Star Card which can be used just like a credit card anywhere SNAP benefits are accepted. Most adults age 18 to 49 with no children in the home can get SNAP for only 3 months in a 3-year period. An exception might be made for those with children, are working at least 20 hours per week or are in a program to train for a job. The income guidelines and the maximum monthly SNAP amount can be found on the website (click on the “SNAP Food Benefits” link at the bottom of the page. See below for information regarding applying for this benefit.
- TANF: This program offers monthly cash payments to families with children 18 and younger. These payments should be used to assist with the cost of food, clothing, housing, utilities, furniture, transportation, phone, laundry, supplies for the home, medical supplies not paid for by Medicaid, and other basic needs. Upon receiving the TANF benefit the parent or relative caring for the child must agree to be training for a job or looking for work, follow child support rules, not abuse alcohol or drugs, take parenting skills classes, get vaccines for their child, and make sure their child is going to school. The income guidelines and maximum monthly TANF amount can be found on the website (click on the “TANF Cash Help” link at the bottom of the page. See below for information regarding applying for this benefit. (Note: Families in crisis (losing a job, losing a home, or a medical emergency) may qualify for a one-time payment. This help can only be given to a family once a year).
- Healthcare: The website offers education regarding CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), Children’s Medicaid, Medicaid Buy-In for Children, Medicaid for low-income pregnant women, Healthy Texas Women, Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer, and Medicaid for an adult caring for a child. The website also offers some information regarding Medicaid coverage for children in foster care, people with disabilities, and the elderly (65+). Please see the website to access further information regarding these programs (click on the “Health Care” link at the bottom of the page. See below for information regarding applying for this benefit.
- WIC: This program supports a family with children from pregnancy to age 5. WIC offers the family food packages which can also include baby food, formula, and breast pumps. Texas WIC benefits are accessed through a card similar to an ATM card. It is called the Texas WIC Card. Income guidelines can be found on the website (click on “WIC Food Benefits” at the bottom of the page. This link will direct you to a different site that offers the income guidelines and further information about the program). See below for information regarding applying for this benefit.
- Other programs: This website also offers some information regarding help for the elderly, disabled, and those with mental health or substance abuse issues. It also offers information regarding family violence, pregnancy support, premarital classes, and assistance with completing a tax return.
**To apply for SNAP, TANF, healthcare assistance, and WIC click on the “Apply for new benefits” tab. This link allows you to apply for services online. You can also go to the very bottom of the page and click on “Get a Paper Form”. You can either download the needed forms or request to have them mailed to you. The forms provide the information needed to fax or mail the forms. You can also go in person to turn in or receive assistance with completing the forms. To find the location nearest you to turn in the forms click on “Find an Office” at the very bottom of the page.