The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides crucial food assistance to millions of low-income Americans. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing widespread economic hardship, emergency SNAP allotments have helped many families in need access food. As emergency allotments wind down across most states, SNAP recipients are wondering if their benefits will be extended in Texas.
Background on SNAP in Texas
Texas has one of the largest SNAP programs in the U.S., serving around 3.4 million residents per month as of August 2022. SNAP is administered at the federal level by the USDA but implemented by each state. In Texas, SNAP is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
To qualify for SNAP in Texas, households must meet income and asset limits. For example, the gross monthly income limit for a family of 3 is $2,158. Benefit amounts depend on household size and income but average around $450 per household in Texas.
At the onset of the pandemic, many states like Texas began issuing emergency SNAP allotments to bring all households up to the maximum benefit amount. These supplementary benefits have helped feed millions of struggling families, but are now phasing out in most states.
Are emergency SNAP allotments being extended in Texas?
Texas stopped issuing emergency SNAP supplements after the October 2022 benefits, which were deposited by October 31, 2022. So unfortunately, emergency SNAP allotments are not being extended in Texas at this time.
Here are some key details on the end of emergency SNAP benefits in Texas:
- October 2022 was the final month Texas issued emergency SNAP allotments to eligible households.
- Starting November 2022, SNAP recipients will only receive their regular SNAP benefit amounts based on income and eligibility.
- No extra emergency monthly payments will be added to SNAP accounts moving forward.
- While Texas is no longer providing supplementary benefits, it will maintain basic SNAP eligibility and benefits.
This means Texas SNAP recipients will need to rely on their regular benefit allotments for food assistance, which will likely stretch budgets for many families.
Why are emergency SNAP benefits ending in Texas?
Emergency SNAP supplements were always intended as temporary pandemic relief. The federal authorization and funding for emergency allotments ended nationwide on September 30, 2022. States can only provide extra benefits through October 2022.
While some advocates and legislators pushed for an extension of emergency SNAP, no additional relief packages have been passed at this time. As a result, states like Texas are obliged to end emergency benefit issuances.
Here are some reasons why emergency SNAP aid is stopping in Texas and most other states:
- The federal emergency SNAP authorization expired on 9/30/2022.
- No new COVID relief packages have extended emergency benefit funding.
- States cannot provide extra allotments without federal approval and reimbursement.
- The economic picture has improved compared to earlier phases of the pandemic.
- Emergency benefits were never intended as a permanent expansion of SNAP.
What other food assistance is available in Texas?
While emergency SNAP allotments have ended, Texas residents in need still have options to access nutritious food, including:
- SNAP: Eligible low-income households will continue receiving their regular SNAP benefits based on income and family size guidelines.
- Food banks/pantries: Texas food banks provide free grocery items and meals to those in need on a short-term basis.
- WIC: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and other services to qualifying pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5.
- School meals: Public schools provide free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches to eligible children.
- Summer meal programs: When school is out, sites across Texas serve free meals to children and teens 18 and under through the Summer Food Service Program.
- Other assistance: Additional local resources like food pantries, meal services, and nonprofit programs can provide hunger relief in many communities.
Connecting with a local food bank, public school, welfare office, or community organizations can help identify supplemental food resources. dialing 2-1-1 will also connect you with local assistance programs.
Potential changes and updates to SNAP in Texas
While emergency allotments have ended, there are some possible SNAP changes on the horizon in Texas and nationwide:
- Congress could potentially approve more COVID relief funding that includes SNAP benefit extensions, but there are no guarantees.
- Some advocacy groups continue urging state and federal policymakers to extend SNAP emergency allotments given ongoing needs.
- Separate from emergency allotments, Texas applied for a AAABD SNAP waiver to permanently increase regular SNAP benefits by 15% for recipients over age 65 or with a disability. If approved by the USDA, around 500,000 households could see higher monthly benefits.
- The Texas HHSC recently announced that it will start issuing SNAP benefits on a staggered schedule each month starting in March 2023. This is expected to allow for improved administration of SNAP.
While SNAP emergency allotments have ceased for now, modifications and improvements to SNAP may still be forthcoming. Texas food assistance advocates continue pushing officials to strengthen SNAP and other nutrition programs to combat food insecurity.
Conclusion
Texas has stopped providing emergency SNAP supplements as of November 2022, following the nationwide phase-out of expanded pandemic nutrition assistance. SNAP recipients in Texas will need to rely on their regular benefit allotments based on income and household size moving forward. While no more emergency funds are available at this time, advocates continue urging expanded support to help address ongoing food insecurity. Texans in need of food aid can still apply for programs like regular SNAP benefits, WIC, school meals, food banks, and other local assistance.