San Antonio residents living on a low-income may be able to receive help covering the cost of their food through the Texas Department of Health and Health and Human Services. The department manages the Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federally funded and state run program that provides monthly benefit assistance to needy families. Any resident who meets income and general eligibility requirements can receive monthly food assistance.
Texas SNAP Program
The Texas SNAP Program provides needy residents with monthly benefits they can use to buy food. Typically, recipients receive benefits for six months, but some cases last one to three years. The amount of benefits a family receives each month depends on the size of their household. Individuals can receive $200 a month and every additional family member who applies for SNAP benefits can receive another $150 a month, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Income Requirements
The SNAP program is primarily designed to assist low-income families and San Antonio residents must meet federal income requirements to receive benefits. The amount of monthly income a family can have to qualify depends on household size. For example, a family of four can make no more than $ 2,389 in gross monthly income, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. However, applicants who exceed the income allotment can receive deductions that may allow them to qualify. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, families receive a 20 percent deduction off earned income, a standard deduction up to $153 per month and other deductions based on excess shelter costs, medical payments or child support payments.
General Eligibility
Beyond income, families can have no more than $2,000 in other resources including money saved in a bank account, 401k accounts, privately held stocks and some real estate. However, families with senior citizens can have up to $3000 in resources, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Applicants must be Texas residents and be able to provide proof of residency. Applicants must also have a Social Security number for everyone in their families who will use the SNAP program.
Applying
Applicants can apply for SNAP benefits online through the My Texas Benefits Website. They can also apply in person at their local Texas Department of Health and Human Services Office. All applicants will be assigned a caseworker who will complete an interview with them. Applicants may need to provide the caseworker with documentation including identity information, rental agreements, utility bills, pay stubs or copies of bank statements to verify their income, resources and residency.
