Next month, SNAP will deliver automated additional payments to eligible receivers across Texas. For so many families, the last period has been challenging. This article shall look into who qualifies for additional perks and what that may mean to individuals receiving SNAP assistance.
Overview of SNAP in Texas
SNAP—formerly food stamps—is a federal program to help low-income individuals and families buy food. In Texas, HHSC administers SNAP and provides the monthly benefits on a Lone Star Card, which is used like a debit card. The amount one receives is based on household size and income. Benefits are intended to support families in obtaining nutritionally adequate food.
Automatic extra benefits for August
In response to the recent events and Hurricane Beryl, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that SNAP recipients in 18 counties will automatically receive extra benefits to replace food lost or destroyed by the hurricane. This is an initiative driven by the government at large in supporting families who suffer from natural disasters and economic misfortunes.
Eligible counties
Counties eligible for these automatic extra benefits include the following:
- Austin
- Brazoria
- Chambers
- Colorado
- Galveston
- Grimes
- Harris
- Liberty
- Madison
- Matagorda
- Montgomery
- Polk
- San Jacinto
- Trinity
- Tyler
- Walker
- Waller
- Wharton
Up to a percentage of the July benefit allotment will be provided on the Lone Star Card by July 16, 2024, for beneficiaries in these counties. Recipients do not need to take any action to receive the supplemental benefits, as this replacement is done automatically. This allows for immediate relief to households in need.
How to request additional benefits
Though the automated replacements will aid those individuals whose counties were declared a disaster due to Hurricane Beryl, all other SNAP recipients still have an avenue to request replacement benefits if they lost food due to this event. They can do this by calling 2-1-1 and choosing Option 8, or by downloading Form H1855, Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits. The completed forms must be mailed or faxed to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Implications for recipients
The additional SNAP benefits are most vital to families who cannot afford good nutrition, especially after disasters. With such benefits, families can purchase basic foodstuffs and compensate for some of the economic losses experienced.
This makes the process easy on the recipient side because such an automated system ensures that benefits go to those who require them the most and eliminate the hassle of applying in times of misery.
Broader context of SNAP benefits
Additional SNAP benefits could reflect new interest in food security, which increased because of the economic implications of events of late. With inflation and inflationary pressures hitting most homes, a program like SNAP was a godsend to low-income families.
In the state of Texas, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit varies by household size. For example, a family of four could receive up to $835 per month; a family of two would be eligible for $459. These benefits can stretch a family’s budget to make sure that access to health-promoting food is maintained.
