Saturday, April 20, 2024

Food Stamps For Seniors In Texas

State Passes Bill Making It Easier For Seniors People With Disabilities To Receive Snap Benefits

Food stamp cuts could impact Houston Food Bank

AMARILLO, Texas – The Texas Legislature passed State Bill 224 this week, which creates a simplified application and recertification process for those in need of SNAP benefits.

After the year that we just came out of, where food access was a big deal, with our seniors, its huge, said Zack Wislon, executive director of the High Plains Food Bank

In the past, seniors were discouraged from applying for benefits due to a certification process Wilson described as difficult.

The application is burdensome, said Wislon. A lot of our seniors have expressed, not going to really just hop online and maybe dont have access in rural area to broadband.

Wilson said the application process was particularly difficult on seniors living in rural areas.

About 75% of our food leaves Potter and Randall County going into our rural counties, said Wilson. Another comment we hear is, wish had more, had something else to help supplement…and this bill will hopefully do that and be a tool that they can use to help move forward.

State Bill 224 creates a shortened application process for first-time beneficiaries.

For those enrolled, the bill extends the recertificaiton time from 12 months to 36 months and eliminates the yearly interview requirement.

The bill also enacts a data-matching software that notifies medicaid beneficiaries that they are eligible for SNAP benefits.

Wilson says he is already seeing the affects of this bill on seniors.

Copyright 2021 KFDA. All rights reserved.

Most Read

New $1 Billion Program To Help Texas Families With Kids Afford Groceries

May 13th, 2020

Feeding Texas applauded USDAs approval of a $1 Billion state plan to help some Texas families buy groceries during the health crisis. Households containing children up to 21 years old who received free or low-cost lunch at school this year will be eligible for the new Pandemic EBT program. Families will receive a one-time benefit of

What Is Texas Food Stamps

The Texas SNAP food benefits program provides monetary stipends to enrollees with limited financial resources. In turn, beneficiaries may use these funds to purchase food for themselves and other qualifying members of their households. When petitioners submit their food stamps benefits applications, their claims are valid for a pre-determined period of time. After this time period passes, enrollees are responsible for reapplying for SNAP, should they still need benefits.

Once petitioners are deemed eligible to receive SNAP food benefits in TX, they are provided with a set amount of funding. However, enrollees must remember there is a maximum monthly amount of food assistance benefits in Texas that they may receive. These limits are determined in relation to family sizes and are as follows:

  • One-person families may not receive more than $192.
  • Households with two people cannot collect more than $352.
  • Three-person units are awarded $504 or less.
  • Families with four members may only collect $640 or less.
  • Five-member households can only receive up to $760.

In addition, households with more than five members may also receive SNAP benefits. To calculate these benefit amounts, petitioners who fall into these categories must add an additional $144 for each member of the household to the maximum benefit total of the program.

You May Like: How To Apply For Food Stamps In Hawaii

Mobile Mercado Provides Healthy Options For Texans

Operated by the San Antonio Food Bank and in partnership with SNAP-Ed, the Mobile Mercado brings fresh groceries to people who may have limited access in their own communities. A chef or nutritionist travels with the truck to provide education on healthy eating and demonstrate recipes. Learn more on the San Antonio Food Bank website.

University Of Texas Student E

Help Us Increase SNAP Benefits for Older Adults  Tarrant Area Food Bank

A team of 17 students from The University of Texas at Austin created a donation-based e-cookbook titled A Taste of Austin Through the Lens of Sustainability that showcases local restaurants and businesses focused on sustainability. The students make up this years Coordinated Program in Dietetics , a three-semester pre-professional program in nutritional sciences where those

You May Like: How To Apply For Food Stamps Online In Maryland

How Does Snap Determine Your Eligibility Based On Gross And Net Income

Food stamp eligibility is determined when your net income is subtracted from your gross income.

The food stamp program has income requirements for both gross and net income. Here are a few examples to demonstrate how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program decides whether or not you qualify for food stamps.

Scenario
If your net income falls under the income limits, then you should qualify for food stamps.

Eligibility For The Senior Citizen Texas Food Stamp Application

Here are the requirements for the Texas simplified food stamp application:

  • The people in your household are either 60 years and older, receive a disability check, or are both 60+ and have a disability.
  • Those in your household do not work. This means they have no income from a normal job.
  • Those in your household do not receive the SNAP-Combined Application Project benefits.

Recommended Reading: How To Apply For Food Stamps As A College Student

Your Texas Benefits: Getting Started How To Apply

Related Keyword: State of Texas Printable Food Stamp Application by qvd13806Print Application For SnapThe Texas Food Stamp Program by nyut545e2Community for other forms printable food stamp benefits and envelopeNow!print benefits are given to your 1stCHIP Childrens Medicaid CHIP perinatal coverage Health Insurance by â¦

There are many offices in the state of Texas that provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance . Below we list the SNAP Program Offices. The Texas Health and Human Services Department handles the SNAP Food Benefits program in Texas. In Texas, most adults age 18 to 49 with no children in the home can get SNAP for only 3 months in a 3 year period. YourTexasBenefits.com is the website to check for Lone Star Card/SNAP Benefit help, or call: 877-541-7905. After you pick a language, press 2. Staff can help you Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. If you are just looking for support services and want to be contacted by programs, you need to create an account. With an account, you will also be able to save your support service screening forms and check the status of any you have already filled out.If you do not want to call or go online, you can get free help applying at the local HHSC benefits office . We list all of the offices on this website. See below.

Meeting Specific Dietary Needs

Food Stamps

At Feeding Texas, we aim to support the nutritional needs of every Texan whose circumstances prevent them from accessing enough food for a healthy life. This goal is particularly relevant for households with specific dietary needs for example, those living with diabetes. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Nutritional management is critical for individuals living

Don’t Miss: How To Apply For Food Stamps In Jacksonville Florida

Your Impact On Winter Storm Uri Relief

Thanks to generous support from our donors and partners, Feeding Texas and the statewide network of food banks were able to feed hundreds of thousands of Texans during Winter Storm Uri. Over 56 MILLION MEALS were distributed in response to the winter storm via the Feeding Texas network! Thats a 25% increase during the weeks following the storm. Impact

How Do I Apply For Snap

There are several options for applying. Only one member of the households needs to apply for the total household, but everyone living in the household needs to be included on the application along with their income. Most states provide an online application to start the process. See the States website section for a link to your states website. If your state does not provide an online application or you do not have access to a computer, you can go to your local state or county office to apply.

As part of the application process, you will need to go to your local state or county office for a face-to-face interview. If you are not able to go to the local office or apply online, you can designate an authorized representative. This is someone you give authority to represent you. You have to designate the person in writing to be official. This person can be a friend or relative.

The entire process generally involves filling out an application, going in for a face-to-face interview, and providing verifications for needed information such as income, residency, and expenses. If because of age or disability, an applicant is unable to go to the office and cannot appoint a representative, the interview may be waived at the discretion of the local office. However, if the interview is waived, the applicant will have to have a phone interview or consent to a home visit instead.

Don’t Miss: Apply For Food Stamps Dallas Tx

Covid Supply Chain Problems Winter Storm Uri All Pushed Food Banks To Become More Resilient

This post was originally published on The Dallas Morning News Food banks have always grappled with supply chain problems. We will never forget that just over a year ago millions of Texans suffered from the winter ice storm that covered the state, causing many to lose electricity, hunt for water and sustain damage to their

Food Stamp Eligibility In Texas

How The Simplified Texas Food Stamp Application For Seniors Works

Starting in October 2021, average benefits for food stamps will rise more than 25 percent above pre-pandemic levels. Seth Wenig/AP

Houston Zoo $4.50 per ticket. The Houston Zoo offers a Lone Star Access Program for Texas food stamps recipients. For just $4.50 per ticket , up to two adults and three children can visit the zoo! There is no limit to how many times per year a family can purchase these discounted tickets.

What used to be called Texas Food Stamps is now the SNAP food benefits.Texas SNAP helps people with low incomes buy the food they and their families need to maintain good health. Texas Food Stamps benefits are most often given to a single person â or family â who meets the SNAPâs requirements.

The SNAP E& T program is governed by the following: SNAP Legislation Title 7, C.F.R., Part 273 Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 20, Chapter 813 The Texas Workforce Commission receives a 100 percent federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food and Nutrition Service.

Below is a list of all the Texas food stamp office locations in Houston. If you have any questions about enrolling in SNAP or about your current claim, contact one of these facilities. Generally, you have the option of contacting these facilities by phone or visiting them in person.

Revision 21-2 Effective April 1, 2021

Deductions are allowed for the following medical expenses:

Deductions are not allowed for the following medical expenses:

You May Like: How Do I File For Food Stamps In Florida

How Tsap Makes It Easier For Seniors To Apply For Food Stamps In Texas

The Texas Simplified Application Project helps Texas senior citizens and those with disabilities in three ways:

  • The Texas SNAP application has been reduced to just a few pages.
  • Senior citizens and those with disabilities will have to recertify every 3 years. In the past, they had to recertify every 6 months.
  • Lastly, if you are eligible do not have to do an interview when it is time to renew your Texas food stamp benefits.
  • Proposed Cuts To Snap Would Take Food Away From Millions

    Today the White House unveiled a budget proposal that would slash spending on the needs of low-income Americans. The cuts include a $182 Billion reduction to SNAP, the nations largest nutrition assistance program. While unlikely to become law this year, this proposal signals the presidents priorities for the coming decade. Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding

    Read Also: Can You Buy Mre With Food Stamps

    Statement On Bipartisan Congressional Covid Relief Negotiations

    The following statement is attributable in whole or part to Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas: We are heartened to hear that Congress is back at the negotiation table to pass a COVID relief bill by the end of the year. Many Texas families are near the end of their rope. Unemployment benefits are expiring,

    More Info For Apply For Snap Benefits

    Food stamps, other state assistance seeing more applications during stay home order

    Can someone help me apply for SNAP benefits?

    You can ask someone you trust to apply for you or go food shopping for you. That person is your authorized representative. Tell us who your authorized representative is in your application. You and your authorized representative will need to fill out the Request to Choose Someone to Be My Authorized Representative form.

    I need help because of a disability

    We may be able to help. We can give you extra help called accommodations. Accommodations can make working with us easier. If you think you need extra help, tell a DTA staff member.

    What can I buy?

    Also Check: How Much Food Stamps Will I Get

    What Are Deductions And How Do They Affect Snap Eligibility

    There are seven allowable deductions that you can consider when determining your net pay. To figure out your net income, you have to figure out which allowable deductions apply to your situations and deduct them from your gross income. The difference is your net income.

    Each state outlines employment requirements as part of SNAP eligibility. These requirements include:

    • Registering for work â some states will require you to provide proof that you are actively applying for work on a weekly basis.
    • Not voluntarily quitting your job If you are unemployed, you need to prove that it was not your choice.
    • Not purposely reducing your hours If your hours are cut making you income eligible, you will need to prove that the cut in hours was beyond your control.
    • Taking a job if offered
    • Participating in state-offered employment and training programs.

    SNAP benefits will be discontinued if any of these employment requirements are not followed. There are people exempt from the employment requirements. This includes children, seniors, pregnant women, and individuals that are exempt from working for health reasons.

    Employment requirements apply to applicants determined to be Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents . Under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, ABAWDs are limited to 3 months of SNAP benefits over a 36-month period unless they are doing at least one of the following:

    Read Also: Can You Use Ibotta With Food Stamps

    Governor Says State Extending Emergency Food Stamp Benefits For Texans

    WACO, Texas â Texas Governor Greg Abbott Friday announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is providing approximately $286 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits to Texans for the month of September.

    The decision to extend the emergency benefits comes as the state experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases.

    Millions of Texans have looked to Emergency SNAP benefits to keep food at home throughout the pandemic, and I am happy to work alongside HHSC to continue providing this critical resource to those who need it, said Governor Abbott.

    HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size.

    All households that qualify for SNAP benefits will receive a minimum of $95 in emergency allotments.

    As we continue to navigate through the pandemic, we are pleased to provide this additional support to ensure Texans will be able to keep food on their table for themselves and their families, said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter.

    Abbotts office said the emergency September allotments are in addition to the more than $3.2 billion in benefits previously provided to Texans since April 2020.

    Recipients will also continue to receive a 15 percent increase in their total benefits, which will continue monthly until September 2021.

    Most Read

    Donât Miss: Food Stamp Application San Diego

    Don’t Miss: If I Get Food Stamps Can I Get Medicaid

    Food Stamps For The Elderly & Disabled

    It has been mentioned in the above eligibility requirements that households containing an elderly or disabled individual are held to different requirements. This includes increased limits for both income and resources. In order to fall under the special eligibility requirements, the following definitions are used.

    Elderly:

    • Someone that is 60 years old or older.

    Disabled:

    • Receives benefits through SSI, social security disability, or blindness payments.
    • Receives disability or blindness payments through a state program that follows the rules of SSI.
    • Receives disability retirement benefits through a government agency due to a disability that is deemed permanent according to the Social Security Act.
    • Eligible for Medicare or disabled according to SSI rules and receives annuity payments under the Railroad Retirement Act.
    • A veteran who is disabled, homebound, or in need of consistent aid.
    • The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who is considered permanently disabled and receiving VA benefits.

    SNAP eligibility is extended to many non-citizens based on their immigration status. In order to be eligible for SNAP, you must fit in one of the following qualified alien categories.

    In order for non-citizens to be eligible for SNAP, they must fit into one of the above categories as well as meet one of the following conditions.

    What non-citizen groups are ineligible for SNAP based on their citizenship status? There are five groups that are considered ineligible.

    Excludes all vehicles

    Feeding Texas Stands In Solidarity With Those Fighting Systemic Racism

    Apply for Food Stamps Texas Online

    Feeding Texas stands in solidarity with the Black community in calling for racial justice and mourning the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and the many others before them. We commit to learn from, and act with communities of color and other marginalized people to dismantle the systemic and structural racism that infects

    You May Like: Can I Collect Food Stamps While On Disability

    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    Source: the Center on Budget & Policy Priorities

    Despite record-low unemployment rates, Texas continues to be one of the hungriest states in America. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the first line of defense for 3.7 million low-income Texans who rely on it to help feed their families. One out of every nine Texans receives SNAP.

    Popular Articles
    Related news