How to Renew or Recertify SNAP Benefits in Texas: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Renewing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in Texas is an ongoing part of keeping your food benefits active. If you receive SNAP, you must recertify every so often so the state can confirm that you still qualify.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how SNAP renewal in Texas typically works, what to expect, and how to move forward through official channels. This site is not a government agency, not an application portal, and not able to process or manage your case—but it can help you understand the process so you know what to do next.

SNAP Renewal in Texas: The Basics

In Texas, SNAP is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). When your current certification period is ending, you will usually need to renew or recertify to keep receiving benefits.

Key points about SNAP recertification in Texas:

• You must renew before your current certification period ends to avoid a gap in benefits.
• HHSC normally sends a renewal notice and form before your end date.
• You can usually renew:
  • Online through the state’s official benefits portal,
  • By mail or fax, or
  • In person at a local benefits office.
• Most households must also complete an interview as part of the renewal.

Your own deadlines, forms, and interview requirements should be listed on the official notice from HHSC or visible in your account on the official benefits portal.

When Do You Need to Renew SNAP in Texas?

Each SNAP household in Texas has a “certification period.” That’s the number of months your benefits are approved before you must recertify.

Typical patterns (these are examples; your case may differ):

• Some households: 6‑month certification
• Some elderly/disabled households with stable income: 12–36 months
• Some special cases may have shorter or different periods

You can usually find your certification end date:

• On your SNAP approval or renewal notice
• In your official online benefits account
• By calling the program’s official hotline or contacting your local HHSC office

Why timing matters

If you renew on time and complete any required interview and verifications:

• Your benefits are more likely to continue without interruption.

If you apply late or miss steps:

• Your benefits may stop at the end of your certification period, and you might have to reapply instead of simply renewing.
• You could experience a gap in benefits.

How Texas SNAP Renewal Usually Works: Step‑by‑Step

1. Watch for Your Renewal Notice

Before your certification period ends, HHSC generally sends:

• A renewal notice with:
  • Your due date,
  • How to submit the renewal, and
  • Whether an interview is needed.
• Often a renewal form (sometimes called a periodic review form or recertification form), or instructions to renew online.

If you moved or changed your mailing address and did not update your case, you might not receive the notice, so it’s important to:

• Keep your address, phone number, and email updated with HHSC.
• Check your official benefits portal account periodically for messages or alerts.

2. Choose How You Will Renew

In Texas, many people can renew SNAP using one of several channels. Always follow the options listed on your official notice, because they are specific to your case.

Common renewal options:

1. Online
2. By mail or fax
3. In person

Here’s a quick comparison:

You can usually find your nearest HHSC benefits office by calling the state’s official SNAP/benefits hotline or using the office locator on the Texas Health and Human Services website.

Documents to Gather for Texas SNAP Recertification

During renewal, Texas HHSC will generally want to re-check the same kinds of information you gave when you first applied.

Typical items you may need (depending on your situation):

Identification & Household Details

• Photo ID for the head of household (for interviews or office visits)
• Social Security numbers (or proof of application) for household members applying for benefits
• Proof of immigration status for non‑citizen applicants, if applicable
• Proof of Texas residency, such as:
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Utility bill with your name and address
  • Official mail from a government agency

Income & Employment

• Recent pay stubs (often last 30 days or more)
• Employer statement if pay stubs are not available
• Self‑employment records:
  • Profit/loss statements
  • Invoices or receipts
• Proof of unemployment benefits, Social Security, pensions, or other regular income

Expenses (Can Affect Your Benefit Amount)

• Rent or mortgage statements
• Property tax and homeowner’s insurance bills (if not included in mortgage)
• Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, phone, internet if required by program rules)
• Childcare or dependent care costs if you pay for care so you can work or attend training/school
• For some households, medical expenses for elderly or disabled members

💡 Tip: The renewal form or instructions from HHSC generally list which types of proof they want. When in doubt, it is usually better to include more documentation rather than less, as long as it’s accurate and relevant to your case.

How to Renew SNAP Online in Texas

Many Texas SNAP recipients find the online benefits portal to be the most convenient way to recertify.

Typical steps (exact screens and wording may differ):

1. Log in to your account on the official Texas benefits website.
2. Go to your SNAP case or manage benefits section.
3. Look for an option like “Renew Benefits” or “Recertify” next to your SNAP case.
4. Complete the online renewal form, updating:
   • Household members
   • Income and employment
   • Expenses and housing situation
   • Any changes since your last certification
5. Upload documents:
   • Scan or take clear photos of pay stubs, bills, and other required proofs.
6. Submit the renewal electronically.
7. Save or note any confirmation number or submission date shown on the screen.

If you have trouble with the portal (password issues, navigation, etc.), you can:

• Call the official benefits customer service number listed on the website or on your case notices.
• Visit a local HHSC office for in‑person assistance.

Renewing SNAP by Mail, Fax, or In Person

If you prefer not to renew online or cannot access the portal, you can usually recertify using paper forms.

By mail or fax

1. Complete the renewal form sent by HHSC.
2. Check that your name, case number, and contact information are correct.
3. Answer all questions about:
   • Household members
   • Income
   • Expenses
   • Recent changes
4. Attach copies (not originals) of your supporting documents.
5. Mail or fax the form to the address or fax number listed on your notice.
6. Try to send it well before the due date to allow for mailing time.

In person at a local benefits office

1. Bring your renewal notice and any forms you received.
2. Bring IDs and supporting documents.
3. At the front desk, say you need to renew or recertify SNAP.
4. Complete the renewal form there or submit one you’ve already filled out.
5. Ask staff how to confirm your submission and whether you need an interview that same day or by phone later.

Office hours and procedures can vary by location, so you may want to call your local office ahead of time.

The SNAP Renewal Interview in Texas

Most SNAP renewals in Texas include an interview, similar to the initial application process.

How interviews usually happen

• Often done by phone, at the number you provided to HHSC.
• Can sometimes be done in person at a local office (especially if requested or if you apply in person).
• The date and time may be:
  • Listed on your renewal notice, or
  • Scheduled after your renewal form is submitted.

During the interview, the caseworker typically:

• Reviews your household members and living situation
• Confirms your income and expenses
• Asks about any changes since your last certification
• May request additional documents if something is missing or unclear

If you miss the interview

If you miss your scheduled phone or in-person interview:

• Your case may be delayed or closed if you do not respond.
• Usually, you can contact the local office or hotline promptly to reschedule.
• It is important to do this before your certification period ends to avoid interruption of benefits.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

After you submit your SNAP recertification and complete the interview (if required), HHSC will:

1. Review your information and documents
2. Decide whether you:
   • Still qualify for SNAP
   • Should receive a different benefit amount
   • No longer qualify under current rules
3. Send you a written notice by mail or through your online account stating:
   • Whether your benefits are approved, changed, or denied
   • The new certification period (if approved)
   • Your new monthly SNAP amount, if it changed
   • Your appeal rights if you disagree with the decision

If your renewal is completed and approved before your current certification period ends, your benefits are more likely to continue without a break.

Common Reasons SNAP Renewal Gets Delayed or Denied in Texas

Understanding typical issues can help you avoid them:

1. Missing the Deadline

• Sending the renewal form after the due date
• Not responding to notices until after your certification ends

This can cause a gap in benefits or force you to reapply instead of renewing.

2. Incomplete Renewal Forms

• Leaving required questions blank
• Not signing or dating the form
• Not updating important changes (like new job, loss of job, or changes in household size)

3. Missing or Unclear Documentation

• Not providing proof of income or rent/utility expenses
• Documents that are too old, unreadable, or missing pages
• Providing documents that don’t match what’s listed on the form

4. Not Completing the Interview

• Missing scheduled phone calls and not returning them
• Not rescheduling in time

5. Changes That Affect Eligibility

Sometimes your situation genuinely changes:

• Increase in income
• Decrease in deductible expenses
• Changes in household composition

In those cases, HHSC may lower your benefit amount or determine you are no longer eligible under current rules. If this happens and you disagree, you usually have a right to appeal.

If You’re Denied at Renewal: Understanding Your Options

If your Texas SNAP renewal is denied or your benefits are reduced and you think it’s wrong, you can typically:

1. Review the Decision Notice Carefully

Look for:

• The reason given for the decision
• The effective date of the change or closure
• The deadline and instructions for requesting an appeal or fair hearing

2. Request an Appeal or Fair Hearing

Texas SNAP recipients generally have the right to:

• Request a hearing by the deadline on the notice.
• Explain why they believe the decision is incorrect.
• Present documents or information that support their case.

You can usually request an appeal:

• By calling the official number listed on your notice,
• In writing, or
• At your local HHSC office.

If you request an appeal before the date your benefits are scheduled to end or change, you may be able to keep receiving your previous benefit level while the appeal is pending. This can depend on timing and specific state rules, so check your notice or ask the agency directly.

If You Missed Your Renewal Deadline

If your benefits have already stopped because the renewal was not completed in time:

• You may be told to submit a new application for SNAP.
• In some cases, if you submit the renewal very soon after your certification ends, you might still be processed as a recertification rather than a brand‑new application. This depends on state rules and timing.

To understand your options:

• Call the official SNAP/benefits hotline listed on your card or previous mailings, or
• Visit your local HHSC office and ask what you need to do next.

What If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP?

If, after renewal, you are determined ineligible for SNAP or your benefits are significantly reduced, there may still be other resources:

• Food pantries and food banks
  Many communities in Texas have nonprofit food assistance programs. You can often find them by:

  • Calling 2‑1‑1 (a statewide information and referral line)
  • Contacting local community organizations or faith‑based groups

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
  If you are pregnant, postpartum, or have children under age five, WIC may help with specific foods and nutrition support. WIC has separate eligibility rules from SNAP.

• School meal programs
  If you have school‑age children, ask the school about free or reduced‑price meals and possible summer meal programs.

• Community assistance programs
  Local charities, community action agencies, or churches may have emergency food, rent, or utility help.

These programs are usually separate from SNAP and have their own application processes and rules. Contact each program directly for details.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Texas SNAP Channels

Because benefits programs can be targeted by scams, it’s important to verify that you are dealing only with official sources when renewing your SNAP in Texas.

Here are practical tips:

• Check the website address
  Use Texas government websites that end in “.gov”. Avoid submitting personal information on look‑alike websites with unusual addresses.

• Use phone numbers from official mail or cards
  Call the number printed on:

  • Your Lone Star Card
  • Official HHSC notices or letters
  • The Texas Health and Human Services website

• Be wary of fees
  SNAP applications and renewals through HHSC are generally free. Be cautious if someone asks for payment to:

  • “Guarantee” approval
  • “Expedite” your case
  • Complete your renewal form

• Protect your personal information
  Do not share your:

  • Lone Star Card PIN
  • Full Social Security number
  • Birthdate and address
    with anyone who is not clearly an authorized agency representative.

If you’re unsure whether a number or website is official:

• Call 2‑1‑1 and ask to be connected to Texas Health and Human Services or the SNAP office.
• Visit a local HHSC benefits office in person and ask staff directly.

Quick Checklist: Renewing SNAP in Texas

Use this as a simple guide to stay on track:

1. Find your certification end date and renewal deadline.
2. Watch for your renewal notice from Texas HHSC.
3. Gather documents:
   • ID, Social Security numbers, proof of residency
   • Pay stubs, benefit letters, rent/mortgage, utilities
   • Childcare/medical expenses (if applicable)
4. Choose how to renew:
   • Online portal
   • Mail/fax
   • In‑person at your local HHSC office
5. Submit your renewal early, not at the last minute.
6. Complete your interview (phone or in‑person) if required.
7. Watch for your decision notice:
   • Note your new benefit amount and certification period.
8. If you disagree with a denial or reduction, follow the instructions on your notice to request a hearing by the stated deadline.

By understanding how SNAP recertification in Texas usually works and using the official channels for your case, you can better protect your benefits and reduce the chances of an interruption in assistance.