Great news for Texas residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Starting March 1, 2025, deposits of up to $1,756 will be made to Lone Star cards. These payments help low-income families and individuals purchase nutritious food. Understanding how the system works and when to expect your funds can make budgeting and meal planning easier.
How SNAP Works in Texas
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that assists eligible individuals and families in buying food. In Texas, benefits are loaded onto the Lone Star card, which functions like a regular debit card. You can use it at any store that accepts Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), making grocery shopping straightforward.
Applying for SNAP Benefits
If you haven’t already applied for SNAP benefits, you can do so online, in person, or by calling 1-877-541-7905. A social worker will review your application to determine your eligibility. Once approved, your Lone Star card will be mailed to you, allowing you to start using your benefits promptly.
March 2025 Payment Schedule
SNAP payments in Texas are distributed between the 1st and 28th of each month. For households certified before June 1, 2020, benefits are assigned based on the last digit of your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. Here’s the payment schedule for March 2025:
- EDG Ending in 0: March 1
- EDG Ending in 1: March 3
- EDG Ending in 2: March 5
- EDG Ending in 3: March 6
- EDG Ending in 4: March 7
- EDG Ending in 5: March 9
- EDG Ending in 6: March 11
- EDG Ending in 7: March 12
- EDG Ending in 8: March 13
- EDG Ending in 9: March 15
For households certified after June 1, 2020, benefits are assigned based on the last two digits of your EDG number, with payments scheduled from March 16 to 28.
Benefit Amounts
The maximum SNAP benefit amounts vary based on household size. For the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, the maximum amounts are as follows:
- 1 Person: $292
- 2 People: $536
- 3 People: $768
- 4 People: $975
- 5 People: $1,158
- 6 People: $1,390
- 7 People: $1,536
- 8 People: $1,756
For each additional person beyond eight, $220 is added to the maximum amount. These figures reflect cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), calculated annually in June and effective since October, to account for changes in the economy.
Additional Considerations
It’s important to note that SNAP benefit amounts can vary based on geographic location. For example, in Alaska, the maximum amounts for a household of four range from $1,258 to $1,953, depending on the region. In Hawaii, the maximum amount for a household of four is $1,723, which has decreased from previous years. Benefits in Guam are $1,437, and in the US Virgin Islands, they are $1,254.
Staying Informed
To ensure you receive your benefits on time, it’s essential to stay informed about the payment schedule and any changes that may occur. Regularly checking your Lone Star card balance and monitoring communications from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission can help you manage your benefits effectively.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your SNAP benefits, don’t hesitate to contact your local human services office. They can provide personalized information based on your situation and help you navigate the application and payment processes.
By understanding the SNAP payment schedule and benefit amounts, you can better plan your grocery shopping and ensure your family has access to nutritious food throughout the month.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
