If you’re wondering about your SNAP benefits in Texas for August 2025, you’re not alone. Millions of Texans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help buy groceries every month. The good news? Payments are rolling out this week between August 18 and August 24, 2025 depending on your EDG (Eligibility Determination Group) number.
Whether you’re a parent stretching a paycheck, a college student juggling classes and groceries, or a retiree balancing bills, knowing when and how SNAP deposits hit your Lone Star Card helps you plan smarter and stress less.
SNAP Benefits in Texas
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Dates | August 18–24, 2025 (EDG endings 61–85) |
| Texas SNAP Issuance Cycle | 1st–15th (old cases before June 2020); 16th–28th (new cases after June 2020) |
| Total Texans on SNAP (2025) | 3.6 million+ recipients (USDA data) |
| Average Monthly Benefit | $188 per person; $516 per household |
| Upcoming Change | Junk food ban begins April 1, 2026 (no candy/sweetened drinks) |
SNAP benefits in Texas for August 2025 are being issued August 18–24, depending on your EDG number. These benefits aren’t just a safety net—they’re an investment in families, communities, and the Texas economy. With upcoming changes like the 2026 junk food ban, now’s the time to plan smart, budget wisely, and use your SNAP benefits to keep your family healthy and your pantry stocked.
What Are SNAP Benefits and Why Do They Matter?
SNAP, once called “food stamps,” is a federal program run by the USDA that helps low-income families and individuals buy groceries. In Texas, the program is managed by Texas Health and Human Services (HHS).
To get an idea of scale:
- In 2025, more than 3.6 million Texans rely on SNAP.
- The average monthly benefit is about $188 per person or $516 per household.
- Nationally, SNAP helps feed 41 million Americans every month.
That’s not just money for food—it’s a lifeline for families and a boost to local economies.
Texas SNAP Benefits August 2025: Payment Schedule
Here’s when your money hits in August:
| EDG Ending | Deposit Date (August 2025) |
|---|---|
| 61–64 | August 18 |
| 65–67 | August 19 |
| 68–71 | August 20 |
| 72–74 | August 21 |
| 75–78 | August 22 |
| 79–81 | August 23 |
| 82–85 | August 24 |
Example: If your EDG ends in 72, you’ll see your SNAP benefits on August 21.
Pro Tip: For certifications before June 1, 2020, benefits drop between the 1st and 15th of each month. Newer cases get benefits from the 16th through the 28th.
A Quick Look Back: History of SNAP in Texas
SNAP started nationally in the 1960s, but Texas expanded access in the 1970s. Today, Texas ranks in the top three states for SNAP enrollment due to its large population and high poverty rates in certain regions.
Fun fact: SNAP not only helps urban areas like Houston and Dallas, but also rural counties where jobs are seasonal and food deserts are common. Without SNAP, many small Texas towns would struggle even more to keep grocery stores open.
Why Payment Dates Matter
Knowing your payment date means you can:
- Plan grocery trips and avoid running out of food mid-month.
- Skip crowded shopping days (the day benefits hit = long checkout lines).
- Budget meals wisely so your benefits last until the next deposit.
Many families say they shop a day or two after deposits to dodge the rush.
What You Can (and Can’t) Buy With SNAP in Texas
Allowed Purchases:
- Fruits and veggies
- Meat, poultry, fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Seeds and plants that grow food
Not Allowed:
- Alcohol, tobacco, vapes
- Hot/prepared meals (like deli food or fast food)
- Household or pet supplies
- Vitamins and supplements
Big Change Coming: Starting April 1, 2026, Texas will ban candy, sodas, and sweetened beverages from being purchased with SNAP.
How SNAP Helps Communities
SNAP isn’t just about individual families—it impacts whole communities:
- Every $1 in SNAP generates $1.50–$1.80 in local economic activity.
- Grocery stores, especially in rural towns, rely on SNAP shoppers to stay afloat.
- SNAP supports Texas farmers when recipients buy local produce through farmers markets.
So while some critics call it a “handout,” SNAP is really an economic engine that keeps food businesses alive.
August 2024 vs. August 2025 Benefits
While the payment schedule for SNAP benefits remains consistent, the actual amount of benefits you receive can change from year to year. The table below compares the maximum monthly allotments for households of different sizes in 2024 and 2025. These amounts are set by the federal government and are subject to annual adjustments.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit (2024) | Maximum Monthly Benefit (2025) |
| 1 | $291 | $292 |
| 2 | $535 | $536 |
| 3 | $766 | $768 |
| 4 | $973 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,155 | $1,158 |
Practical Tips to Stretch Your SNAP Dollars
- Meal Plan Like a Boss – Build meals around versatile items (rice, beans, chicken).
- Use Farmers Market Programs – Many markets double your SNAP dollars for fruits/veggies.
- Shop Store Brands – Save 20–40% just by ditching name brands.
- Stack Benefits – Use SNAP with WIC, Medicaid, or energy assistance programs.
- Cook in Bulk – Make chili, soups, or casseroles and freeze portions for later.
Nutrition on a Budget
Eating healthy on SNAP is possible. Try:
- Oatmeal breakfasts (cheap and filling).
- Frozen veggies (nutritious and less expensive than fresh).
- Brown rice and beans (Texas staples with protein and fiber).
The USDA even has free meal planning guides for SNAP households.
The Future of SNAP in Texas
Besides the 2026 junk food ban, experts predict:
- More online SNAP options (Amazon, Walmart, H-E-B).
- Possible work requirements being debated in Congress.
- Expansion of nutrition-focused programs to fight obesity and diabetes in Texas.
Tips to Avoid Common SNAP Mistakes
Applying for and using SNAP can feel a bit overwhelming, but you can avoid some common pitfalls.
- Don’t wait to reapply: Reapplying for benefits on time is critical. Texas requires households to re-verify their information periodically. Missing your renewal date can cause a delay in your benefits.
- Don’t ignore mail: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS) will send important notices to you by mail. It’s essential to open and respond to these letters promptly, as they may contain requests for documents or an appointment for an interview.
- Don’t forget to report changes: If your household income, size, or living situation changes, you must report it to HHS. This ensures your benefits are accurate and helps prevent overpayments.
Real-World Case Study
Meet Maria, a single mother of two from Houston. Her job at a local diner provides enough income to cover rent and utilities, but she often struggles to afford enough healthy groceries for her kids. With the help of her monthly SNAP benefits, Maria can fill her cart with fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, and lean protein. “That extra money on my Lone Star Card means my kids can have a decent breakfast and a healthy school lunch,” Maria shares. “It takes a huge weight off my shoulders.”
FAQs
1. What time of day are SNAP benefits deposited in Texas?
Usually after midnight, but it can take until 8 a.m. to appear.
2. Do benefits roll over if I don’t use them?
Yes. Unused SNAP benefits roll over to the next month, but they expire after 9 months of no use.
3. Can immigrants get SNAP?
Only U.S. citizens and certain qualified non-citizens (like refugees or green card holders with 5+ years residency) are eligible.
4. Can I buy groceries online with SNAP?
Yes—Amazon, H-E-B, and Walmart accept SNAP online. You’ll need another payment method for delivery fees.
5. What if my benefits are delayed?
Check your EDG schedule, log in at Your Texas Benefits, or call 877-541-7905.
