If you are applying for food assistance in Texas, knowing what income is countable is important in deciding if you qualify for SNAP benefits or not. In this post, we are going to answer the question “What is countable Income for Texas SNAP?” After reading this article, you will know the difference between countable income and excluded income, earned income, and unearned income and whether your income meets the eligibility guidelines.
Also, we will provide the chart for Texas Income limits, including gross and net income requirements.
Next, we will explain the three ways you can apply for food stamps in Texas.
Lastly, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Texas food stamps.
Table of Contents:
- What is countable income for Texas SNAP?
- Highest income for Texas SNAP
- What Income is Excluded for Texas SNAP?
- How do I apply for SNAP in Texas?
- Texas Food Stamps FAQs
What is Countable Income for Texas SNAP?
When deciding eligibility for Texas SNAP, income is either countable or excluded.
Countable income is income that is considered when determining gross income, net income, and how much you will receive in SNAP benefits.
Under Federal law, all income is counted to determine eligibility for SNAP unless it is explicitly excluded.
For SNAP purposes, “income” includes both earned income and unearned income
What is Earned Income for SNAP?
Earned income includes gross earnings from wages and salaries before payroll taxes are deducted.
Also, gross earnings from self-employment after allowable business expenses are considered earned income.
Additionally, earned income includes short-term disability payments from your employer if you are still an employee.
What is UnEarned Income for SNAP?
Monetary or in-kind compensation that is not received as the direct result of an individual’s own labor or services, such as child support, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and veterans, disability, and death benefits are considered to be unearned income.
What is the highest income for Texas SNAP?
The Texas SNAP Income Limits for 2022 are based on your household’s total income and size.
To find out if your income meets the eligibility requirements, see below for the gross and net income limits.
| Texas SNAP Income Eligibility Standards for Fiscal Year 2022 | |||
| Effective October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 | |||
| Household Size | Texas SNAP Maximum Gross Monthly Income (130% of FPIG) | Maximum Net Monthly Income (100% of FPIG) | Maximum Gross Monthly Income for household with member age 60+ or disabled (165% of FPIG) |
| 1 | $1,396 | $1,074 | $1,771 |
| 2 | $1,888 | $1,452 | $2,396 |
| 3 | $2,379 | $1,830 | $3,020 |
| 4 | $2,871 | $2,209 | $3,644 |
| 5 | $3,363 | $2,587 | $4,268 |
| 6 | $3,855 | $2,965 | $4,893 |
| 7 | $4,347 | $3,344 | $5,517 |
| 8 | $4,839 | $3,722 | $6,141 |
| 9 | $5,331 | $4,101 | $6,766 |
| 10 | $5,823 | $4,480 | $7,391 |
| Each additional person | $492 | $379 | $625 |
What Income is Excluded for Texas SNAP?
Most households must meet both the gross income limit and net income limits to qualify for Texas food stamps.
To arrive at the net income, you must exclude allowable expenses from your gross income.
Below are the allowable SNAP expenses you can deduct from your gross income in order to calculate your net income.
Texas SNAP Allowable Deductions for 2022
To calculate your net monthly income, you must deduct approved household expenses. Here are the expenses that can be deducted from your household’s gross income:
| If the eligible household size is … | then the standard deduction is … |
|---|---|
| Three or less | $177 |
| Four | $184 |
| Five | $215 |
| Six or more | $246 |
SNAP allowable deductions:
Here’s the list of expenses that can count as food stamps deductions.
- Standard medical expense — $170 (minus $35)
- Actual medical expense (minus $35)
- Homeless shelter standard — $159.73
- Maximum excess shelter — $597
- Standard utility allowance — $367
- Basic utility allowance — $345
- Phone standard — $38
How do I apply for SNAP in Texas?
There are four ways to apply for SNAP in Texas:
-
- You can apply for Texas SNAP online at YourTexasBenefits.com.
- If you do not have access to a computer or mobile device, you can call 2-1-1 (or 877-541-7905) and select Option 2 to apply by phone.
- You can also apply for food stamps at a Texas Health and Human Services local office.
- Additionally, you can download a Texas food stamps application, complete it, and mail it back to a local HHSC office.
You can also mail your application to:
HHSC, PO Box 149024,
Austin, TX 78714-9968
Households in which all members are either older adults (age 60 and older) or people with disabilities are eligible to participate in the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP).
To apply for emergency SNAP in Texas, visit an HHSC benefits office or call 2-1-1.
Texas Food Stamps FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Texas EBT benefits.
How do Food Banks In Texas Help with SNAP Applications?
Many food banks in Texas provide assistance to the public with SNAP applications.
In most locations, staff experts provide phone and in-person consultations in English and Spanish.
They work in partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) department to provide the following services free of charge:
- explaining how the Texas SNAP application process works and what to expect
- completing and submitting your application packet completely and correctly to HHSC
- convenient and private personal consultations
- providing information on additional resources as needed
Can I get SNAP if I get SSI or Unemployment Benefits?
Yes, you may be eligible for Texas SNAP even if you currently receive Social Security or unemployment benefits.
I don’t Qualify for Food Stamps but My Kids Do. What Should I do?
You can apply for Texas SNAP benefits for your kids, without risking your application for legal residency.
You can help your children born in the U.S. have a healthier future by applying for food stamps on their behalf.
Applying does not hurt your chances of becoming a legal resident of the United States.
Most Food Banks or Legal Aid Offices have representatives that can help you complete an application for SNAP for your kids.
How Long do Texas SNAP Benefits Last?
How long you will receive SNAP benefits in Texas vary from household to household.
Several factors determine the length of your benefits, including:
- The number of people within a household
- The employment status of the recipient(s)
- Age and health of the recipient(s), etc.
For most healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 50 (without children), SNAP benefits are limited to a 3-month period, at which point the recipient will have to submit a renewal application.
Also, most households under the SNAP program receive benefits for a 6-month period before requiring renewal.
However, generally, benefit periods can range from 1 month to 3 years.
How do I report SNAP EBT fraud in Texas?
You can report EBT fraud in Texas in two ways: online here or by calling the toll-free fraud hotline at 1-800-436-6184.
If you wish to remain anonymous, do not provide your name as it may be subject to public disclosure.
If you choose not to remain anonymous, please provide your name and phone number so OIG investigators may contact you if any additional information is needed.
What is Countable Income for Texas SNAP? Summary
We hope our answer to the question “What is countable Income for Texas SNAP?” was helpful to you!
If you have more questions about your EBT or SNAP Benefits, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Texas SNAP and Texas EBT, including:
What can I buy with the Texas Food Stamps card?
Texas Food Stamps EBT Phone Number
Where You Can Use Texas EBT card
How to use Texas SNAP on Amazon for Delivery
Get 50% OFF Amazon Prime with Texas EBT Card
