If you’re a SNAP recipient in Texas, knowing exactly when your benefits will be available can help you plan your grocery trips and budget your expenses. SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, are distributed each month based on a set schedule determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Here’s a breakdown of when you can expect your funds to be deposited and how to check your balance.
How SNAP Benefits Are Distributed in Texas
Instead of sending out all benefits on the same day, Texas follows a staggered schedule to distribute funds over the first 28 days of each month. The day your benefits are deposited depends on the last two digits of your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number.
For example, if your EDG number ends in:
- 00-03 → Benefits arrive on the 1st of the month
- 04-06 → Benefits arrive on the 2nd of the month
- 07-10 → Benefits arrive on the 3rd of the month
This pattern continues all the way up to EDG numbers ending in 96-99, which receive benefits on the 28th of the month.
What Time Are SNAP Benefits Deposited?
The exact time of the deposit can vary slightly, but in most cases, funds are available by 11:59 p.m. on your scheduled date. However, some recipients have reported seeing their benefits appear earlier in the evening.
If your deposit is delayed, don’t panic—there are a few possible reasons:
- Banking holidays or weekends could cause minor delays.
- System maintenance may temporarily hold up deposits.
- New applications or renewals might take extra time to process.
How to Check Your SNAP Balance
To find out if your benefits have been deposited, you can:
- Call the Lone Star Help Desk at 800-777-7328
- Check your balance on the Your Texas Benefits mobile app
- Log into the Your Texas Benefits website
What to Do If Your Benefits Don’t Arrive
If your benefits aren’t showing up when expected, double-check your EDG number to confirm your deposit date. If there’s still an issue, reach out to Texas HHSC or the Lone Star Help Desk for assistance.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Texas’ SNAP deposit schedule can help you stay prepared each month. By knowing when your benefits will be available and how to check your balance, you can ensure you’re ready to shop for groceries without any surprises. If you ever have questions or concerns, the Texas SNAP support system is there to help.
