Awe SNAP! Gov. Abbott Announce Apr Extension of Emergency Benefit

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott has announced that SNAP benefits have been extended through April.

Corridor News reports that $318 million is being provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and will benefit the more that 1.5 million households that use the federal program known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.

Abbott released a statement reading, “Emergency SNAP benefits have played an important role in our efforts over the past two years to ensure that every Texan has access to nutritious food. We are grateful to HHSC and USDA for helping families across Texas remain safe and healthy.”

HHSC got approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the emergency use of the funds needed.

Wayne Salter, the Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner, said. “We continue to do our best to support Texans who need a helping hand. These benefits assist families throughout the state to provide nutritious meals to their loved ones.”

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Texas households using SNAP benefits will get a minimum of $95 in emergency allotments with the additional allotments coming by April 30. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the maximum allowable amount for SNAP users based on family size.

The SNAP benefits will be loaded onto your Lone Star card and can be used just like a debit or credit card. The Lone Star card is accepted anywhere that accepts SNAP.

As a reminder, alcohol and tobacco are not purchases you are allowed to make with the Lone Star card.

Need the additional help? Applying for SNAP benefits is easy but you'll need to qualify to get accepted, click the link to see if you can qualify.

Many Texas households suffer from food insecurities but may be unaware of the programs that are set up to help. SNAP is not a permanent solution, but does offer temporary relief for those that qualify.

The amount you are approved for is based on family size and income. Since April 2020, Texans have received more than $6.4 billion in benefits.

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