How to Report Changes to SNAP Benefits in Texas

If you get SNAP food benefits in Texas, you are required to tell the state when certain parts of your situation change. Reporting changes on time can help you avoid overpayments, benefit cuts, or interruptions.

This guide explains, in plain language, what changes to report, when to report them, and how to do it through official Texas channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and does not accept applications or change reports. This article is only to help you understand the typical process so you can work with official Texas SNAP offices.

SNAP in Texas: Who Runs It and Why Reporting Matters

In Texas, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

When you apply for SNAP, you agree to:

• Give accurate information, and
• Report certain changes in your household within required timeframes.

Reporting changes helps HHSC:

• Recalculate your SNAP benefit amount
• Confirm that you are still eligible
• Prevent overpayments, which you may have to pay back later

Failing to report required changes can lead to:

• Reduced or stopped benefits
• Overpayment debts
• In serious cases, fraud investigations or penalties

Which Changes Do You Have to Report for SNAP in Texas?

The exact rules can vary by case, but most Texas SNAP households must report certain “household changes”. When in doubt, report it or contact your local office to ask.

Here are the most common changes you usually need to report:

1. Changes in Household Members

You typically must report if:

• Someone moves into your home
• Someone moves out of your home
• A household member dies
• A child turns 18 or another age that changes their status
• You get married, separate, or divorce

These changes can affect:

• Your household size
• Your income
• Your SNAP benefit amount

2. Changes in Income

Income changes are some of the most important to report. This includes:

• Starting or ending a job
• Changes in hours worked (for example, moving from part-time to full-time)
• Pay raises or pay cuts
• Receiving unemployment benefits
• Starting or stopping self-employment
• Spousal or child support starting, ending, or changing amounts

You generally need to report income changes when:

• Your total household income goes over a certain limit (found in your SNAP approval or renewal notice), or
• Your HHSC notice specifically lists “mandatory income changes” to report

If you are not sure whether an income change is “big enough” to report, it is safer to contact the official SNAP hotline or your local office to ask.

3. Changes in Expenses

Some expenses affect how much SNAP you receive, especially for:

• People who are age 60 or older
• People with a disability
• Households with high housing or utility costs

You may need to report:

• Rent or mortgage going up or down
• Property taxes or homeowners insurance changing
• Utility costs changing (for example, if you start paying for utilities separately or move to a place where utilities are included)
• Childcare costs going up or down
• Child support you pay changing amounts
• Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members if they are used as deductions

4. Changes in Where You Live

You may need to report if:

• You move to a new address
• Your mailing address changes
• Your housing status changes (for example, you become homeless or start paying rent)

Address updates matter because:

• SNAP mail notices go to your listed address
• Your shelter costs (rent, utilities) can affect your benefit amount

5. Changes in Legal or Work Status

You may need to report if:

• Your immigration status changes
• A household member starts or stops attending school
• A member required to work under SNAP rules stops meeting work requirements, or starts a qualifying job/training program

If you are unsure, contact the HHSC office or SNAP hotline and ask what applies to your case.

When Do You Have to Report Changes in Texas?

The deadline to report can depend on your specific case and the type of change.

Most Texas SNAP recipients are expected to:

• Report certain changes within 10 days of when the change happens or when you become aware of it

Important notes:

• The 10-day clock usually starts from the date of the change (for example, last day at a job or first paycheck at a new job).
• Some households are on simplified reporting, where you only report when your income goes over a specific limit listed on your approval letter.

Your SNAP approval notice or recertification letter often explains exactly:

• Which changes you must report, and
• How quickly you must report them

If you are unsure, you can:

• Call the HHSC benefits hotline, or
• Visit a local HHSC office and ask about your reporting rules

How to Report SNAP Changes in Texas

You cannot report changes through HowToGetAssistance.org. All changes must be reported directly through official Texas HHSC channels.

Most people in Texas can report SNAP changes in several ways:

1. Online Through the Official Texas Benefits Portal

Texas operates an official online benefits portal where many people:

• Apply for SNAP
• Check benefit status
• Report changes to their case

Typical process (may vary):

1. Go to the official Texas benefits website for HHSC.
2. Log in with your username and password.
3. Go to your SNAP case or “Manage benefits” area.
4. Look for an option like “Report a change” or “Update my information.”
5. Enter the changed information (income, address, household members, etc.).
6. Upload supporting documents if the portal allows it.
7. Submit and keep any confirmation number for your records.

If you are not sure you are at the official site, you can:

• Call the HHSC benefits hotline and ask them to confirm the correct web address, or
• Visit a local office to get the official address in writing

2. By Phone

You can usually report changes by calling the official Texas HHSC benefits hotline. This number is commonly listed:

• On your SNAP approval or renewal letters
• On the back of your Lone Star Card
• On the HHSC or SNAP informational materials

Typical steps:

1. Call the HHSC hotline during business hours.
2. Select the option for SNAP or general benefits.
3. Tell the agent you need to report a change.
4. Be prepared to verify your identity with:
   • Name
   • Date of birth
   • Case number or Social Security number (if requested)
5. Explain the change clearly (for example: new job, moved, someone left the home).
6. Ask if you need to mail, upload, or bring in documents.
7. Write down the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with, if possible.

3. In Person at a Local HHSC Office

You can also report changes in person at a local Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) benefits office.

To find the correct office:

• Check your benefit letters for a listed office
• Call the HHSC hotline and ask which office serves your area
• Look for a “Health and Human Services Commission” benefits office in your county

At the office, you may be able to:

• Fill out a change report form
• Speak with a caseworker or staff member
• Turn in copies of documents (pay stubs, leases, etc.)

Some locations may use drop boxes where you can submit documents and written change reports. If you use a drop box, include:

• Your full name
• Your case number
• A phone number where you can be reached
• A clear description of the changes you are reporting

4. By Mail or Fax

Some Texans choose to report changes by mail or fax, especially when sending copies of documents.

If you do this:

• Use the mailing address or fax number printed on your SNAP letters or denials, or given to you by HHSC.
• Include:
  • Your full name
  • Your case number
  • Your date of birth
  • A brief written explanation of the change
  • Copies (not originals) of supporting documents

It is a good idea to:

• Keep copies of everything you send
• Note the date you mailed or faxed the information

Documents You May Need When Reporting Changes

The exact documents depend on the type of change. Below is a general guide:

HHSC may request more or fewer documents depending on the situation. If you cannot get a specific document, tell the office why and ask what other proof you can use.

What Happens After You Report a Change?

After you report a change to SNAP in Texas, HHSC typically:

1. Reviews your information and verifies documents if needed.
2. Recalculates your eligibility and benefit amount.
3. Sends you a written notice explaining:
   • Whether your benefits will go up, go down, or stay the same
   • The effective date of any change
   • Your rights to appeal if you disagree

Depending on the type of change and where you are in your certification period, one of these may happen:

• Your monthly SNAP amount increases or decreases
• Your case is closed if you are no longer eligible
• HHSC asks you for more information before they can decide

If you do not get a notice or are unsure what happened with your report, you can:

• Call the HHSC hotline and ask for a status update, or
• Visit your local office with your case number

If You Disagree With a SNAP Change or Decision

If your Texas SNAP benefits are:

• Reduced
• Closed
• Or you believe they miscalculated your amount

You usually have the right to ask for:

• An explanation, and
• A formal appeal or fair hearing

Typical steps:

1. Read the notice you received carefully. It should list the reason for the decision and a deadline to appeal.
2. Contact your local HHSC office or hotline and say you want to request a hearing.
3. Follow the instructions they give, which may include:
   • Filling out a hearing request form, or
   • Writing a signed statement that you want to appeal
4. Submit the request before the deadline listed on your notice.

In some cases, if you appeal before the effective date of the change, your benefits may be continued at the current level until the hearing decision. However, if HHSC’s decision is upheld, you might owe an overpayment. Ask the official office how this works in your situation.

If you need help with an appeal, you can:

• Contact legal aid organizations in Texas
• Call 2-1-1 to be connected with local assistance resources

Common Mistakes That Can Delay or Harm Your Benefits

People often run into problems when they:

• Assume small changes do not matter and never report them
• Miss the 10-day reporting window listed in their notice
• Move and do not update their address, then miss important mail
• Forget to send documents after reporting a change
• Report on unofficial websites that are not connected to HHSC

To protect your benefits:

• Report changes as soon as you can
• Use official HHSC channels only
• Keep copies and notes (dates, names, confirmation numbers)
• Read every notice you get from HHSC

How to Make Sure You Are Using an Official Texas SNAP Channel

To avoid scams and confusion, keep these tips in mind:

• Official Texas SNAP is run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• The Lone Star Card is Texas’s official EBT card for SNAP and cash benefits.
• Use phone numbers, addresses, and website information from:
  • HHSC letters and forms
  • The back of your Lone Star Card
  • Information provided by local HHSC offices

Be cautious if:

• A website asks you to pay a fee to report changes or apply for SNAP
• Someone promises “guaranteed approvals” or faster benefits for a fee
• A person or website asks for your EBT card number and PIN together

You can always verify:

• By calling the HHSC benefits hotline directly
• By visiting a local HHSC office in person

HowToGetAssistance.org can help you understand the process, but only official Texas HHSC offices and portals can update your SNAP case, process change reports, or decide your eligibility and benefit amount.