Texas Government Benefits Guide 2025: SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and More
Texas offers a range of government assistance programs to help residents meet their basic needs. This comprehensive guide covers all the major state-specific benefits available to Texas residents in 2025, including SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, housing assistance, and more.
Texas Benefits Overview
Texas provides essential government assistance programs to help low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. While Texas has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, the state still offers various programs to support residents in need.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) administers most state benefits programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and other assistance programs. The state also has local programs and initiatives to help residents access the support they need.
Texas SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Texas provides monthly food benefits to eligible households:
Texas SNAP Features
- Lone Star Card: Electronic benefit transfer card for easy access
- Online Application: Apply online through YourTexasBenefits.com
- Telephone Interviews: Conduct eligibility interviews by phone
- Recertification: Annual recertification required to maintain benefits
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents must work or participate in training
Texas Medicaid Program
Texas Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible low-income residents:
Medicaid Coverage Groups
- • Children: Comprehensive coverage for children under 19
- • Pregnant Women: Coverage during pregnancy and postpartum period
- • Parents: Limited coverage for parents with dependent children
- • Seniors: Coverage for seniors 65 and older
- • People with Disabilities: Coverage for individuals with disabilities
- • Breast and Cervical Cancer: Treatment for eligible women
Medicaid Services
- • Doctor Visits: Primary care and specialist appointments
- • Hospital Care: Inpatient and outpatient services
- • Prescription Drugs: Covered medications with low copays
- • Mental Health: Counseling and psychiatric services
- • Dental Care: Basic dental services for children
- • Vision Care: Eye exams and glasses for children
- • Long-Term Care: Nursing home and home health care
Texas TANF Program
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Texas provides cash assistance and employment services:
Texas TANF Benefits
- Cash Assistance: Monthly cash payments to help with basic needs
- Employment Services: Job training, education, and employment assistance
- Child Care: Subsidized child care while working or in training
- Transportation: Bus passes and gas vouchers for work-related travel
- Work Clothing: Vouchers for appropriate work attire
- Housing Assistance: Help with rent and utility payments
- Time Limits: Maximum of 60 months of benefits in a lifetime
2025 Texas TANF Maximum Benefits
| Family Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $290 |
| 2 People | $345 |
| 3 People | $430 |
| 4 People | $515 |
| 5 People | $600 |
Texas Housing Assistance Programs
Texas offers several housing assistance programs to help residents find and maintain affordable housing:
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
- • Rental Assistance: Helps pay for private market housing
- • Local Administration: Administered by local housing authorities
- • Waiting Lists: Many areas have waiting lists (apply early)
- • Portability: Vouchers can be used throughout Texas
- • Income Limits: Based on area median income
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
- • Low-Income Housing: Affordable housing developments
- • Rental Assistance: Various rental assistance programs
- • Homebuyer Assistance: Help for first-time homebuyers
- • Weatherization: Energy efficiency improvements
- • Emergency Repairs: Critical home repairs for low-income homeowners
Texas Utility Assistance Programs
Texas provides several programs to help with utility costs:
LITE-UP Texas
- • Discount: 10-20% discount on electricity bills
- • Eligibility: Household income at or below 125% of federal poverty level
- • Automatic Enrollment: SNAP and TANF recipients may be automatically eligible
- • Application: Apply through your electric utility
- • Renewal: Must recertify annually
Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
- • Energy Assistance: Help with heating and cooling costs
- • Crisis Assistance: Emergency help for utility shut-offs
- • Weatherization: Home energy efficiency improvements
- • Eligibility: Based on income and household size
- • Application: Apply through local community action agencies
Texas WIC Program
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Texas:
Texas WIC Benefits
- Healthy Food: Specific nutritious foods for participants
- Nutrition Education: Classes and counseling on healthy eating
- Breastfeeding Support: Lactation consultants and peer counselors
- Health Referrals: Connections to healthcare and other services
- Breast Pumps: Electric breast pumps for working mothers
- Eligibility: Pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5
How to Apply for Texas Benefits
Texas has streamlined the application process for many benefits:
Online Application Options
- • YourTexasBenefits.com: Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF
- • Healthcare.gov: Apply for health insurance and Medicaid
- • Local Housing Authorities: Apply for Section 8 housing
- • Utility Companies: Apply for utility assistance programs
- • WIC Offices: Apply for WIC benefits
Required Documents
- • Identification: Driver's license, birth certificates, Social Security cards
- • Proof of Income: Pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements
- • Proof of Residency: Utility bills, lease agreement
- • Citizenship Proof: Birth certificates, passports, naturalization papers
- • Bank Statements: Recent bank account information
- • Medical Expenses: Bills for medical costs (for some programs)
Check Your Texas Benefits Eligibility
Use our eligibility calculator to see which Texas government benefits you qualify for.
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