Documents You’ll Usually Need to Apply for Texas SNAP (Food Stamps)

Applying for Texas SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) usually goes more smoothly when you know exactly which documents to gather before you start. This guide walks through the most common documents Texas households are asked for, why they matter, and what to do if you can’t find something.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government office or application portal. You can’t apply or check your case here, but this article can help you prepare before you go to the official Texas benefits website, local office, or phone line.

Quick Overview: What Texas SNAP Is and Who Typically Qualifies

Texas SNAP helps eligible low-income households buy food using a Lone Star Card (an EBT card). The program is run at the state level, but funded in part by the federal government.

People who commonly qualify include:

• Low-income families with children
• Single adults with limited income
• Older adults (usually age 60+) on fixed incomes
• People with disabilities and their caregivers
• Working adults whose wages are not enough to cover food and basic bills

Eligibility usually depends on:

• Household size
• Income (earned and some unearned)
• Certain expenses (like rent, utilities, child care, and in some cases medical costs)
• Immigration status and citizenship
• Where you live (must be in Texas)

Each case is reviewed individually by Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) or the related state agency. The documents below help that agency confirm the information on your application.

The Core Documents Texas SNAP Usually Requires

While every case is different, most Texas SNAP applicants are asked to provide documents in these main categories:

1. Identity
2. Texas residency
3. Social Security numbers (if available)
4. Citizenship or immigration status
5. Household composition
6. Income (earned and unearned)
7. Expenses (like rent, utilities, child care, support payments, medical costs in some cases)

You don’t always need every document listed here, but this gives you a strong starting checklist.

1. Proof of Identity

The state agency must confirm at least one adult’s identity in the household (usually the person applying).

Commonly accepted proof of identity includes:

• State driver’s license (Texas or another state)
• State-issued ID card
• U.S. passport
• Military ID
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Tribal ID
• School ID (in some situations)
• Birth certificate (often used together with another document)

If you don’t have traditional photo ID, the agency may accept other documents combined, or may use identity verification questions. This varies by case, so you may need to ask your local office or official SNAP hotline what alternatives are acceptable.

2. Proof You Live in Texas

You generally must show that you live in Texas to get Texas SNAP.

Documents that are commonly used for proof of residency:

• Lease, rental agreement, or mortgage statement
• Recent utility bill (electric, water, gas, internet, landline phone)
• Property tax bill
• Official mail from a government agency with your name and address
  (for example, Social Security, Texas HHS letters, jury duty notice)
• Pay stub that shows your address
• School records showing your address

If you are experiencing homelessness or staying with friends/family, you may not have traditional bills. Some offices accept:

• A signed statement from a person you stay with, confirming you live there
• A shelter letter or document from a service provider

Because the details can vary by office, it’s often best to call your local office and ask what they will accept if you don’t have a lease or bills in your name.

3. Social Security Numbers (If Available)

Texas SNAP typically asks for a Social Security number (SSN) for each household member who is applying for benefits.

You may be asked to provide:

• Social Security card, or
• A document showing the SSN, such as:
  • A pay stub with your SSN
  • A tax form (like a W-2)
  • An official letter from the Social Security Administration

If someone does not have an SSN, do not make one up. The agency will usually ask additional questions or provide instructions, especially in households with non-citizens or children born outside the U.S. Ask the official SNAP office or hotline how to proceed for those household members.

4. Citizenship or Immigration Status Documents

SNAP can be open to U.S. citizens and many lawfully present non-citizens. Exact rules for non-citizens can be complex and may involve waiting periods and other conditions.

You may be asked for:

For U.S. Citizens

• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. passport
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad

For Non-Citizens

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Arrival/Departure Record (I-94)
• Immigrant visa
• Other official DHS or USCIS immigration documents

Important:

• Not everyone in the household has to apply. For example, a non-citizen parent may apply only for their U.S. citizen children.
• The state agency generally uses these documents only for eligibility, not for immigration enforcement. If you have concerns, you can ask the official SNAP hotline or a legal aid organization about your specific situation.

5. Proof of Household Members (Who Lives and Eats Together)

SNAP is based on your household, which usually means people who buy and prepare food together, not just everyone who shares the same address.

You may be asked for documents that show:

• Names and ages of each household member
• Relationship to the person applying
• That they live at the same address

Common documents include:

• Birth certificates (especially for children)
• Marriage license
• Adoption papers or legal guardianship documents
• School or daycare records with the child’s name and address
• Court documents for custody or placement
• Letters from shelters or group homes, if applicable

If your living arrangement is complex (for example, roommates who don’t share food, shared custody of children, or people moving in and out recently), the caseworker may ask additional questions during the SNAP interview.

6. Proof of Income

Income is usually one of the most important factors in Texas SNAP eligibility. You typically need to show all income sources for everyone in your SNAP household.

Earned Income (job wages)

Common documents:

• Recent pay stubs (often last 30 days, but the office may request a different period)
• Employer statement or letter with:
  • Your name
  • Employer’s name
  • Rate of pay
  • Hours worked
  • How often you are paid
• Work schedule (if hours vary a lot)
• Self-employment records, such as:
  • Invoices
  • Receipts
  • Business bank statements
  • Tax returns or profit-and-loss statements

Unearned Income

Include documents for any non-wage income, such as:

• Social Security benefits (award letter or benefit verification)
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) notice
• Unemployment benefits letter or online printout
• Workers’ compensation statements
• Pension or retirement payments
• Child support received (court order or payment history)
• Alimony/spousal support received
• Veterans’ benefits letters
• Rental income records

If you recently lost a job, had your hours cut, or your income changed significantly, it can help to provide:

• Severance letter
• Termination or layoff notice
• Letter from employer explaining the change in hours or pay

7. Proof of Certain Expenses

Some expenses can either increase your SNAP benefit or affect eligibility. The state agency often asks for proof of:

Housing Costs

• Lease or rental agreement
• Rent receipts
• Mortgage statement
• Property tax bill
• Homeowners or renters insurance bill

Utility Costs

• Electric, gas, or oil bills
• Water/sewer bill
• Trash collection bill
• Telephone or internet bill (rules can vary)
• Heating or cooling fuel bills

If utilities are included in your rent, note that clearly on your application or provide a lease that states this.

Child Care and Dependent Care

If someone in your household pays for child care or care for another dependent to be able to work, look for:

• Child care invoices or receipts
• Statement from the provider showing:
  • Name of child
  • Amount paid
  • How often you pay
• Contracts with care providers

Child Support or Alimony Paid Out

If you pay court-ordered child support or alimony, you may be able to claim that as an expense.

Typical documents:

• Court order showing the required amount
• Payment history or printouts from the payment system
• Receipts or bank statements showing payments made

Medical Expenses (for Certain Households)

For Texas SNAP, older adults (usually 60+) and some people with disabilities may be asked about out-of-pocket medical expenses.

These can include:

• Prescription receipts
• Doctor or hospital bills
• Health insurance premiums you pay (not taken out pre-tax by an employer)
• Medical equipment or supplies receipts
• Transportation costs to medical appointments (if accepted — ask your local office)

Not all medical costs count, and rules can change, so it’s a good idea to ask your caseworker or local office what to provide if this applies to your household.

Document Cheat Sheet: What to Gather Before You Apply

Here’s a simple summary you can use as a pre-application checklist. Not every household will need every item, but this table shows typical examples.

How and Where to Submit Documents for Texas SNAP

When you apply for Texas SNAP, you typically have several ways to get your documents to the state agency. The exact options can change, so always confirm with the official Texas benefits portal or your local office.

Typical methods include:

1. Online upload

   • When you apply through the official Texas benefits website, there is usually an option to upload scanned documents or clear photos from your phone or computer.

2. In person at a local office

   • You can usually bring copies (and sometimes originals) to a local Texas Health and Human Services office.
   • Many offices have a drop box where you can leave copies.

3. By mail or fax

   • The application or interview letter usually lists a mailing address or fax number where you can send copies.
   • If you mail, it can help to write your name and case number (if known) on every page.

4. During your interview

   • In some cases, you can show or submit documents at the same time as an in-person interview, or send them right after a phone interview.

If you’re not sure which method is best, you can:

• Call the official Texas SNAP or Texas HHS phone line on your application or appointment letter.
• Ask staff at your local benefits office.

What Happens After You Submit Your Documents

After your Texas SNAP application and documents are received, a common process looks like this:

1. Application review

   • The agency checks that your application is complete enough to start processing.

2. SNAP interview

   • Most applicants complete an interview by phone or in person.
   • During the interview, a worker may:
     • Ask for more details about your income, household, or expenses
     • Tell you which additional documents you still need to submit
     • Give you a deadline to turn them in

3. Verification of documents

   • Staff review your documents to verify the information you gave.
   • They may contact employers or other agencies if needed, usually with your permission.

4. Eligibility decision

   • Once everything is verified, they decide whether you qualify and, if so, how much SNAP your household can receive and for how long (your certification period).

5. Notice of decision

   • You usually get a notice by mail and/or online through the state’s benefits portal with:
     • Approval or denial
     • Your monthly benefit amount (if approved)
     • The period your benefits are authorized for
     • Any next steps or reporting requirements

If anything is unclear, you can call the number listed on your notice or contact your local office for clarification.

Common Reasons SNAP Cases Get Delayed or Denied in Texas

Knowing the common pitfalls can help you avoid them.

Frequent Causes of Delays

• Missing documents

  • Not turning in requested pay stubs, ID, or proof of expenses by the deadline.

• Unreadable images

  • Blurry photos or scans that the worker can’t read.

• Incomplete information

  • Leaving sections of the application blank or not answering follow-up questions.

• Mail or portal issues

  • Not checking your mail or online messages, so you miss a request for more information.

Frequent Causes of Denials

• Income above the limit

  • After reviewing your income and allowable deductions, your income may be too high for SNAP.

• Non-cooperation with verification

  • Not completing the interview or not turning in required evidence at all.

• Household misreporting

  • Not listing all members of your household who buy and prepare food together, or leaving out a significant income source.

If you’re denied, your notice usually explains the reason and your right to appeal.

If You Can’t Find a Required Document

If you’re missing something the Texas SNAP office requested, don’t give up. Often there are alternatives:

• Lost ID

  • Ask if they can accept other documents together (for example, a birth certificate plus a school or health record).
  • You may also start the process of getting a new ID and ask the caseworker what to send in the meantime.

• No pay stubs

  • Request a letter from your employer with your pay rate, hours, and how often you’re paid.
  • For self-employment, gather receipts, invoices, or bank statements.

• No lease or formal housing documents

  • Ask whether they can accept a signed statement from the property owner, landlord, or the person you stay with.

Because policies and flexibility can vary, the safest step is to call your local office or the official Texas SNAP hotline listed on your paperwork and ask what they will accept instead.

How Appeals and Reviews Usually Work

If you disagree with a decision about your Texas SNAP case:

1. Read your notice carefully

   • It typically explains why you were denied or had benefits reduced, and gives a deadline to appeal (also called a fair hearing).

2. Request a hearing

   • You can usually ask for a hearing by:
     • Calling the number on your notice
     • Writing to the address listed on the notice
     • Visiting your local office
   • Follow the instructions exactly and keep a copy of anything you send.

3. Prepare for the hearing

   • Gather:
     • Your notice
     • Any documents you believe were misunderstood or missing
     • New proof of income, expenses, or household status if something changed
   • You may be able to bring a friend, family member, or advocate with you, or get help from legal aid (if available in your area).

4. Ongoing reviews (recertification)

   • If you are approved, you generally must renew (recertify) after a certain period.
   • Near the end of your certification period, you should receive a renewal notice explaining how to update your information and which documents are needed again.

Always watch for mail or online messages from the official Texas benefits system so you don’t miss deadlines.

If You Don’t Qualify or Need More Immediate Help

If you’re not eligible for Texas SNAP or your benefits are too low to cover all your food needs, other resources may be available:

• Local food banks and pantries

  • These can sometimes provide emergency food with minimal documentation.
  • You can usually find them by calling 211 or asking community centers, faith-based groups, or local nonprofits.

• Free or reduced-price school meals

  • Families with school-age children may qualify for meal programs through their school district.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

  • If you are pregnant, just had a baby, or have a child under 5, WIC may help with specific foods and nutrition support.

• Community outreach programs

  • Some charities, churches, and community groups offer meal services or grocery assistance.

Each program has its own eligibility rules and documentation requirements, so it’s best to contact each provider directly for details.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels (Avoiding Scams)

When you’re dealing with benefits like SNAP, it’s important to be sure you’re working with the real Texas SNAP office, not a scammer.

Here are basic safety tips:

• Look for .gov

  • The main state and federal government websites usually end in “.gov”.

• Be cautious with fees

  • Applying for SNAP through the state should not require a fee. If a site or person wants payment just to submit a SNAP application, be cautious.

• Confirm phone numbers

  • Use phone numbers listed on:
    • Official Texas state websites
    • Pamphlets from Texas Health and Human Services
    • Letters you received after you applied

• Protect your EBT/Lone Star Card information

  • Do not share your card number or PIN with anyone who is not a confirmed state worker or the official card service line.

• When in doubt, call 211

  • In many Texas communities, dialing 211 can connect you to local information and referral services, which can help you identify the correct official agencies.

Remember, HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. To apply, submit documents, or manage your case, you’ll need to use the official Texas benefits portal, local offices, or state phone lines.

By gathering the documents listed above and understanding what the state office typically looks for, you can approach the Texas SNAP process more prepared and confident through those official channels.