Texas Financial Benefits:

TEXAS PUBLIC BENEFITS – BY TYPE OF SERVICE

FOOD BENEFITS

Who it’s for:
- Low‑income individuals and families.
- U.S. citizens and some eligible non‑citizens.
- People who are working, unemployed, seniors, or disabled may qualify.
Basic eligibility:
- Household income must be under state SNAP income limits (varies by household size).
- Some households must meet asset/resource limits (higher limits for seniors/people with disabilities).
- Must live in Texas and apply in Texas.
- Some adults without children must meet work requirements (work, job training, or exemptions).
Main uses:
- Monthly benefits on an EBT/Lone Star Card to buy food at approved stores.

Who it’s for:
- Pregnant people, new parents, and caregivers with infants or children under age 5.
Basic eligibility:
- Live in Texas.
- Meet WIC income guidelines (higher than SNAP limits in many cases).
- Have a nutritional risk as determined by WIC staff (usually found at appointment).
Main uses:
- Specific foods (formula, milk, eggs, whole grains, produce, etc.).
- Nutrition education and breastfeeding support.

Who it’s for:
- Children in K‑12 public schools and some private schools.
Basic eligibility:
- Free/reduced‑price meals based on family income OR community eligibility (some schools serve free to all students).
Main uses:
- Free or reduced‑price breakfast and lunch during the school year.
- Free meals at summer meal sites (no cost; often no paperwork).

CASH & BASIC INCOME SUPPORT
4) TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – “welfare”)

Who it’s for:
- Very low‑income families with children under age 18 (or under 19 if still in school).
Basic eligibility:
- Texas resident.
- U.S. citizen or qualified non‑citizen (with some exceptions).
- Very low income and very limited resources.
- Must cooperate with child support enforcement if applicable.
- Work requirements apply for many adults (job search, work, training).
Main uses:
- Monthly cash assistance.
- Referrals to work and training programs.

Who it’s for:
- Workers who lost their job through no fault of their own (layoff, reduction in force, some types of discharge).
Basic eligibility:
- Worked enough in the “base period” and earned sufficient wages.
- Separated through no fault of your own (not quitting without good cause or fired for misconduct).
- Able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work.
- Must register with WorkInTexas and request payments weekly/biweekly.
Main uses:
- Temporary weekly cash payments to replace part of lost wages while looking for work.

DISABILITY & RELATED BENEFITS
6) SSI (Supplemental Security Income) – federal

Who it’s for:
- Adults and children with a disability and very low income/resources.
- Adults age 65+ with very low income/resources.
Basic eligibility:
- Disability that meets Social Security rules OR age 65+.
- Very low income and limited assets (federal limits).
- U.S. citizen or certain lawful statuses.
Main uses:
- Monthly federal cash payment.
- In Texas, SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid and often SNAP.

Who it’s for:
- Workers with a qualifying disability who have enough work credits.
Basic eligibility:
- Disability that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Enough work history under Social Security.
Main uses:
- Monthly cash benefits.
- After a waiting period, Medicare eligibility.

HEALTH COVERAGE
8) Medicaid (Texas)

Who it’s for:
- Very low‑income children, some low‑income parents/caretakers, pregnant people, some seniors and people with disabilities (often tied to SSI), and certain special categories.
Basic eligibility:
- Income under specific Medicaid limits for your group (child, parent, pregnancy, disability, etc.).
- Texas resident, U.S. citizen or eligible non‑citizen (with some special rules).
Main uses:
- Doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital care, mental health services, and more.

Who it’s for:
- Children under 19 in families that earn too much for Medicaid but still have limited income.
Basic eligibility:
- Texas resident.
- Under 19.
- Family income within CHIP limits.
Main uses:
- Low‑cost or free health coverage for kids.

Who it’s for:
- Pregnant Texans and unborn children in certain income ranges.
Basic eligibility:
- Income under program limits.
- Texas residency and citizenship/qualified status (or eligible under perinatal rules).
Main uses:
- Prenatal care, delivery, and short‑term postpartum care (rules can change; check current policy).

HOUSING & UTILITIES (STATEWIDE PROGRAM TYPES)
11) Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing (local housing authorities)

Who it’s for:
- Very low‑income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Basic eligibility:
- Income below local limits (usually ≤50% of Area Median Income; priority to ≤30%).
- U.S. citizen or eligible immigration status for assisted household members.
Main uses:
- Pay about 30% of income toward rent; voucher or subsidized unit covers the rest.
Note:
- Waitlists open and close by region (city/county housing authority).

Who it’s for:
- Low‑income households struggling with electric, gas, or cooling bills.
Basic eligibility:
- Income under LIHEAP limits.
- Texas resident; utility in your name (or documentation of responsibility for the bill).
Main uses:
- Help with past‑due bills, disconnection notices, or high‑usage months.

Who it’s for:
- Renters behind on rent or at risk of eviction.
Basic eligibility:
- Income limits (often tied to Area Median Income).
- Proof of hardship and late rent/eviction notice.
Main uses:
- One‑time or short‑term rent payment to keep you housed.
Note:
- Run by local housing departments, nonprofits, or Continuums of Care; availability changes.

OTHER COMMON TEXAS PROGRAMS
14) EBT / Lone Star Card (Delivery Mechanism)

Who it’s for:
- Low‑income parents who are working or in approved training/education.
Basic eligibility:
- Income under local limits.
- Child must be under age limit (usually 13, or 19 with disability in some cases).
Main uses:
- Subsidized child care at approved providers.

Who it’s for:
- Varies (seniors, disabled, low‑income workers, veterans).
Basic eligibility:
- Local rules—may require age, disability, or income documentation.
Main uses:
- Reduced‑fare transit passes, ride programs to medical visits, etc.

HOW TO APPLY / FIND LOCAL OFFICES (FOR ANY REGION OF TEXAS)