SNAP and food help for older adults in Texas

SNAP rules for people 60 and over

SNAP (food benefits) in Texas is run by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC). If someone in your home is 60 or older, or disabled, these rules apply:

What counts and what does not

• Counted income: Social Security, SSI, pensions, VA benefits and other money you get each month.
• Medical costs paid by a member who is 60 or older or disabled can lower your countable income. The costs of all older and disabled members in your home are added together before the $35 amount is taken off. Keep your bills and receipts and bring them.
• Shelter costs such as rent or mortgage and utilities can also lower your countable income. HHSC first takes off your other deductions. Then any shelter costs above half of what is left can be deducted in full, with no cap.

The Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP)

TSAP is a simpler way to get and keep SNAP for older and disabled Texans.

Who can use it:

• Everyone in your home is 60 or older, gets disability payments at any age, or a mix of both, and
• No one in your home has earnings from a job, and
• No one in your home gets food benefits through SNAP-CAP (the combined SSI and SNAP program).

What is different:

• A shorter application than regular SNAP.
• You are approved for three years at a time, not six months.
• No interview at renewal if you still qualify.
• If you already get SNAP, HHSC checks at your next renewal whether you can switch to TSAP. You do not need to ask.

Papers to have ready for TSAP:

• Recent medical bills or pharmacy statements, to count your medical costs
• Award letters or statements for pensions, retirement or disability income
• Current bank statements

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) gives vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables at some farmers markets. It is not offered statewide.

• Federal rules limit it to people 60 and over with income up to 185% of the poverty level, about $29,526 a year for one person (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027).
• To ask if it runs near you, call TDA at 877-TEX-MEAL (877-839-6325).

Senior meals

Area Agencies on Aging offer group meals and home-delivered meals for people 60 and over. Call 800-252-9240 to reach yours.

How to apply for SNAP or TSAP

1. Online: YourTexasBenefits.com.
2. By phone: call 2-1-1.
3. Have ready: the papers listed above for TSAP, plus proof of rent or mortgage and utilities.

After you apply

• Renewals: TSAP homes renew every three years with no interview. Other homes renew when HHSC tells you.
• Report changes in income, address or household members to HHSC.
• Appeals: You have 90 days from the date of the denial notice to ask for a fair hearing. Ask in person, by phone or by mail as your notice explains. HHSC Appeals Division: 512-231-5701.

Things people miss

• Older adults often do not list medical costs. They can raise your benefit.
• TSAP only fits homes with no job earnings. If someone in your home works, you use regular SNAP.
• Farmers market vouchers are separate from SNAP. Ask about them even if you do not get SNAP.

Free help

• Area Agencies on Aging: 800-252-9240
• 2-1-1: local food pantries and benefits help
• HICAP (Medicare counseling): 800-252-9240

See all benefits in Texas and Extra Help.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Texas agencies

Check what you may qualify for