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Following Hurricane Beryl, many Houstonians lost power with no idea when it will be restored. With Houston’s unforgiving stifling heat, many had food from their refrigerators spoil.
The financial burden of replacing these spoiled food supplies can be hefty, but the state recently announced disaster relief SNAP and WIC food programs that can provide benefits for food lost or destroyed due to the storm.
On July 12 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Houston Food Bank will host a SNAP Assistance Event to help people fill out applications for SNAP, answer questions about the program, and help provide guidance for those who wish to recover food lost during Hurricane Beryl.
While there have been reports of SNAP/EBT benefit systems being down all over Houston, as of now HHSC has stated all systems related to SNAP/EBT benefits are fully operational. You can use the following Your Texas Benefits Portal to apply.
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions around food and household assistance programs.
What is SNAP?
SNAP is a program that allows you to receive monthly monetary stipends to help cover costs of grocery foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, cereals, milk, and even seeds to grow your own produce. Benefits are then put on a Lone Star Card, that acts just like a credit card at any stores that accept SNAP.
SNAP cannot be used for nonfood items, such as alcohol, prepared hot foods, owed food bills, medicine, and tobacco.
What’s the difference between SNAP and WIC?
SNAP benefit applications are open to anyone, while WIC is a dedicated nutrition program for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children younger than 5. Maximum income levels also differ for WIC. More information can be found at Texas WIC
How can SNAP or WIC recipients receive aid?
For current SNAP recipients, those who live in the following disaster-impacted counties have until Aug. 8 to apply for replacement benefits by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting option 8. You can also apply by mailing an H1855 form to Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX, 78714-9027, or by faxing 877-447-2839.
For current WIC recipients, HHSC is replacing food and formula benefits lost during Hurricane Beryl at WIC offices through July 31. Visit the website or call 800-942-3678, option 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon-Fri to find nearby open WIC locations. WIC also offers 24/7 breastfeeding assistance through its hotline at: 855-550-6667.
How do I sign up for SNAP?
The program is targeted toward individuals in low-income households.
Able-bodied adults between the ages of 16 and 52 without dependents can get SNAP for three months in a three year period. In order to qualify, people who fall under this classification must be in a work or participate in a work program at least 20 hours a week or receive pay equal to the federal minimum wage at 20 hours per week in a month.
The benefits period can be extended for those who work more than 20 hours a week or are in a job training program.
However, SNAP recipients are exempt from the these rules if they are:
- Pregnant.
- Live in a SNAP household where someone is under the age of 18.
- Under the age of 18 or over the age of 53.
- A veteran.
- Homeless.
- A former foster care youth who is under the age of 25.
Family income and size also play a factor in qualifying for snap and maximum possible SNAP benefit amounts.
For each family member in families larger than eight, add $707 for maximum family income, and $219 for maximum possible SNAP benefit. For more information, visit Texas Health and human services.
Households that have adults 60 and older or people with disabilities are also eligible to participate in the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSNAP), which makes the application process easier, as well as providing three years of benefits at a time instead of six months.
What are TANF benefits?
Unlike SNAP, TANF benefits can be used for nonfood items such as clothes, housing, transportation, rent, etc.
This benefit system is limited to families with children ages 18 and younger. Families include parents and their children, or relatives caring for related children.
Applications can be found through the Your Texas Benefits Portal.
Do I qualify for TANF?
Factors such as the amount of money a family has, the value of items owned by the family or are paying for, and amount the family pays for childcare or child support are evaluated when applying for TANF Benefits.
If a child’s parent or relatives do get TANF benefits, they must agree to:
- Train for a job or look for work.
- Follow child support rules.
- Not quit a job.
- Not abuse alcohol or drugs.
- Take parenting skills classes.
- Get required vaccines for their child.
- Make sure their child is going to school.
For more specific information, look on Texas Health and Human Services for specific maximum income limits to qualify for TANF.
What else do I need to know?
SNAP and TANF applications require an interview to determine eligibility. HHSC staff will attempt to contact the household when the application is submitted to conduct an interview. If they're unable to reach the applicant, HHSC will send a notice to call a toll-free number to schedule an interview within seven days.
During the interview process, HHSC staff will review the household’s information submitted on the application and will determine if any additional information is needed to complete an eligibility determination. The interviews are usually conducted by phone but are also available in-person upon request.
As of July 6, 2024, the average time for applicants to receive a determination is 32 days for SNAP applications and 46 days for TANF applications, according to HHSC.
HHSC is also providing crisis counseling for Texans affected by this disaster through local mental health authorities. Visit HHSC for more information
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