Important changes announced for Texas SNAP benefits through the Lone Star Card

According to current figures from the United States Census Department, just over 2.3 million people live in the city of Houston, Texas. This number is approximately 1,000,000 fewer than the number of Texas households receiving monthly subsidies through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

You're probably more familiar with this program by its acronym, SNAP. Or perhaps you’re more familiar with the “Your Texas Benefits via the Lone Star Card” program. Approximately 3,400,000 households in Texas receive monthly benefits through the Your Texas Benefits program, and no, that's not all of them in Houston.

The benefits are used by families to purchase nutritious foods that meet the program's very specific guidelines. If you would like to find out more about who is eligible for the benefits and what exactly they are, click here.

Big changes are coming to your Texas benefits/SNAP payments

As prices for certain items have increased in recent months, it's becoming increasingly difficult for all of us in Texas to make ends meet. We have good news for those who take advantage of the Lone Star Card and whose purchasing power is stagnating. Starting this week, your monthly stipend will increase to help feed your family.

The new adjustments are intended to help offset the rising costs of food and other essential items that SNAP helps people cover. The program changes officially began on Tuesday, October 1st. And thanks to this cost of living adjustment, you now have a little more room on your Lone Star Card to get the things you need for your family.

This is what the adjusted benefits look like until September next year.

• 1 person household – $292
• 2 person household – $536
• 3 person household – $768
• 4 person household – $975
• 5 person household – $1,158
• 6 person household – $1,390
• 7 person household – $1,536
• 8 person household – $1,756
• Each additional person increases the total monthly amount by $220.

This is something we should take note of in Texas almost 12% of the population depends on these services. Our neighbor Louisiana ranks third in the nation for SNAP participation, with only New Mexico and the District of Columbia having higher participation rates.

If you need help with your family's budget, you may be eligible for Your Texas Benefits and the services offered by this agency. Follow this link for eligibility requirements and application details.