Texas EBT Card Basics: What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Use It

If you live in Texas and qualify for certain food or cash assistance programs, you may receive your benefits on a Texas Lone Star Card. This card is Texas’s version of an EBT card (Electronic Benefit Transfer).

This guide walks through the basics of the Texas EBT card—what it is, who typically gets one, how it works, and what to watch out for—so you can navigate official channels more confidently.

What Is an EBT Card in Texas?

In Texas, the Lone Star Card is the EBT card used to access:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food benefits
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash benefits

Instead of paper coupons or checks, your benefits are loaded electronically onto the card every month. You then:

• Swipe the card at participating stores or ATMs (for cash benefits), and
• Enter your PIN (Personal Identification Number) to confirm the purchase or withdrawal.

You can think of the Texas EBT card as a debit card specifically for approved benefits.

Programs That Typically Use the Texas EBT Card

Most people who have a Texas Lone Star Card are receiving one or both of these programs:

SNAP Food Benefits

SNAP helps eligible households buy food. SNAP benefits can generally be used for:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Bread, cereal, and grains
• Dairy products
• Some snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
• Seeds and plants that grow food for the household

SNAP benefits cannot be used for items such as:

• Alcohol or tobacco
• Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
• Hot foods or meals ready to eat (with limited exceptions)
• Non-food items like pet food, soap, or paper goods

TANF Cash Benefits

TANF offers cash assistance for families with children who have very low income and limited assets. TANF benefits come on the same Lone Star Card, but they are treated like cash:

• Can be withdrawn at ATMs that accept the card
• Can be used for essential needs like clothing, utilities, or transportation, subject to program rules

Who Typically Qualifies for a Texas EBT Card?

You don’t apply for a “Texas EBT card” by itself. Instead, you apply for SNAP or TANF (or both). If approved, you receive a Lone Star Card.

Common SNAP Eligibility Factors

While only the official state agency can decide eligibility, these factors usually matter for SNAP:

• Where you live: You must live in Texas.
• Citizenship/immigration status: Typically U.S. citizens and certain non‑citizens may qualify.
• Household income: Your gross and net income usually must be under specific limits based on household size.
• Resources: Some assets may count, especially for certain households.
• Student/Work status: Adults may need to meet work requirements, and college students have special rules.

Common TANF Eligibility Factors

TANF rules are often stricter than SNAP. Typically:

• You must live in Texas.
• There must be a child in the home (or a pregnant person close to delivery, based on program rules).
• Household income and resources must be very limited.
• Adults may have to meet work or job search requirements.
• There may be limits on how long you can receive TANF.

Because rules can change and individual situations differ, it’s important to check with:

• The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), or
• Your local benefits office

to understand current eligibility guidelines.

What Documents You May Need to Apply

When applying for SNAP or TANF in Texas, you will usually be asked to provide proof of identity, income, and household situation. Requirements can vary, but common documents include:

• Identity

  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • Passport
  • Birth certificate (sometimes along with another document)

• Texas residency

  • Lease, rental agreement, or mortgage statement
  • Utility bill with your name and address
  • Official mail from a government agency

• Income

  • Recent pay stubs
  • Letter from an employer showing hours and pay
  • Documentation of self‑employment income
  • Benefit letters (Social Security, unemployment, etc.)

• Household composition

  • Birth certificates for children
  • School or medical records showing children live with you
  • Marriage or divorce documents if relevant

• Immigration status (if applicable)

  • Permanent resident card
  • Other official immigration documents

If you are missing certain documents, the local office or caseworker may suggest alternate proofs, but only the official agency can tell you exactly what is acceptable for your case.

How to Apply for SNAP or TANF in Texas

You must apply for benefits through official Texas channels, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.

In Texas, people typically apply in one of these ways:

1. Online

Many households use the official Texas benefits portal to:

• Create an account
• Fill out the application for SNAP, TANF, and other benefits
• Upload documents
• Check messages from the agency

To find the correct portal, search online for “Texas benefits official website” or visit the Texas Health and Human Services website and look for benefits information.

2. By Phone

You can usually:

• Call the state’s benefits hotline to ask questions
• Request help starting an application or having forms mailed
• Get information about local offices

Look for the current phone number on the Texas Health and Human Services site or in state informational materials. Phone numbers can change, so it’s best to verify you’re on an official government site before calling.

3. In Person

Many people apply by visiting a local benefits office. There, you can:

• Pick up and return paper applications
• Ask questions about documents
• Complete an interview if needed

To find the right office:

1. Look for a “find an office” or “office locator” on the Texas HHS website.
2. Call the state benefits hotline and ask for the nearest HHSC benefits office.

What Happens After You Apply

After you submit your application through an official channel, several steps usually follow:

1. Application Review

The agency will:

• Review your form for completeness
• Check the documents you provided
• Look at your income, household size, and expenses according to program rules

2. Interview

Most SNAP and TANF applicants must complete an interview:

• This may be by phone or in person, depending on policy and your situation.
• You can often reschedule if you miss the first appointment, but that may delay your case.
• During the interview, they may:
  • Confirm information on your application
  • Ask for details about income, housing costs, and who lives in your home
  • Tell you what additional documents (if any) are needed

3. Decision Notice

Once a decision is made, you should receive an official notice that tells you:

• If you were approved or denied
• Your benefit amount and start date, if approved
• Your certification period (how long benefits will last before renewal)
• Your appeal rights if you disagree

If approved for SNAP or TANF and you don’t already have one, a Lone Star Card should be mailed to you or provided following current procedures.

Getting and Activating Your Texas EBT (Lone Star) Card

If you are newly approved, you typically receive:

• A Lone Star Card in the mail with instructions, and
• A separate mailing with information like your rights and responsibilities, if required

To use your card, you usually must:

1. Call the official EBT customer service number listed in the materials that come with your card.
2. Set your PIN (a 4‑digit number you choose).
3. Sign the back of your card.

Once activated and loaded with benefits, you can begin using it at participating stores, farmers markets, or ATMs (for cash benefits) that accept the card.

How and Where You Can Use Your Texas EBT Card

Using SNAP Benefits

You can typically use your card:

• At grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers markets that display a sign that they accept SNAP/EBT
• At some online retailers that are approved to take SNAP (rules can change, so check official information for current options)

At checkout:

1. Swipe or insert your Lone Star Card.
2. Select “EBT” or “Food” when prompted.
3. Enter your PIN.
4. Make sure only eligible food items are charged to SNAP. Non-food items must be paid with another form of payment.

Using TANF Cash Benefits

If you receive TANF:

• You may withdraw cash at ATMs that accept the card (fees may apply, depending on the ATM).
• You can usually run the card as debit at participating stores and get cash back, up to store limits.

TANF cash can be more flexible than SNAP, but there are still rules and expectations about using funds to support the family’s basic needs.

Checking Your Balance and Recent Transactions

You generally have several options:

• Call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card.
• Check receipts from your most recent purchases or ATM withdrawals.
• Use the official website or EBT app, if Texas provides one, to view your balance and transaction history.

When using online tools or apps, always verify you’re on an official site or official app, not a third‑party claiming to handle your benefits.

Common Problems, Delays, and Denials

People often run into a few common issues during the process. Understanding them can help you respond quickly or avoid problems.

Common Reasons for Delays

• Missing documents: Not turning in pay stubs, ID, or other requested proof on time.
• Missed interview: Not answering the phone at the scheduled time or missing an in‑person appointment.
• Incomplete application: Leaving important sections blank.
• Mail issues: Notices going to an old address if you moved and didn’t update the agency.

If something is missing, the agency typically sends a letter or message explaining what they need and by what deadline. Responding before the deadline can help keep your case moving.

Common Reasons for Denials

• Income too high based on program rules.
• Not meeting citizenship or immigration requirements.
• Not living in Texas or unclear residency.
• Household information not matching other records, such as who lives in the home or income details.
• Failure to complete the interview or provide proof requested by the agency.

Only the official notice you receive from the agency can tell you the exact reason your case was denied or closed.

How Reviews, Renewals, and Recertification Usually Work

SNAP and TANF are not permanent; they require periodic reviews.

SNAP Recertification

SNAP is usually approved for a set certification period (for example, several months). Before that period ends:

• You should receive a recertification form or notice.
• You may need to:
  • Turn in updated income and household information
  • Provide new documents (recent pay stubs, rent changes, etc.)
  • Complete another interview

Missing recertification deadlines can cause benefits to stop, even if you are still eligible.

TANF Reviews

TANF often requires:

• Frequent contact with the agency
• Participation in work or job training activities, if required
• Reporting changes in your situation (income, who lives in the home, etc.)

Failure to follow TANF requirements may lead to sanctions (lower benefits) or case closure, depending on state rules.

What to Do if You Disagree With a Decision (Appeals)

If you believe a decision about your case is wrong—for example, a denial, reduction, or termination of benefits—you usually have the right to:

• Request a fair hearing or appeal within a set time frame.
• Present information and documents at the hearing.
• Explain why you believe the decision should be changed.

Steps to request an appeal are typically explained in the notice you receive from the agency. Pay attention to:

• Deadlines for requesting a hearing
• How to request (phone, mail, online, or in person)

If you miss the deadline, you may lose the chance to appeal that decision, so it’s best to act quickly if you intend to challenge it.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Texas EBT Cards

If your Lone Star Card is lost, stolen, or damaged:

1. Immediately call the official EBT customer service number listed on prior materials or on the Texas HHS website.
2. Follow the prompts to report the card.
3. Request a replacement card.

In many cases:

• The old card will be deactivated to prevent further use.
• Remaining benefits should be transferred to your new card once issued.

Benefits that are spent with your PIN may be harder or impossible to replace, so it’s critical to protect your PIN and report issues quickly.

Protecting Yourself From Scams and Card Theft

Unfortunately, EBT users can be targeted by scams. A few safety tips:

• Never share your PIN with anyone, including friends, family, or people claiming to be from the agency.
• Be cautious of texts, emails, or calls that:
  • Ask for your card number or PIN
  • Claim you must “verify” your account through a link
  • Offer benefits in exchange for your login details

To verify contact is official:

• Check that phone numbers come from state agency materials or the back of your card.
• Manually type the official Texas HHS web address into your browser instead of clicking unknown links.
• If unsure, hang up and call the official hotline yourself.

If you suspect your benefits were stolen, contact:

• The EBT customer service number, and
• Your local benefits office

right away to report the issue and ask about next steps.

If You Don’t Qualify for a Texas EBT Card

If you are denied for SNAP or TANF, or your income is just above the limits, there may still be other resources to explore:

• Local food banks and pantries: Many communities have free food distributions, often found by calling 211 or checking local community organizations.
• School meal programs: Children may qualify for free or reduced‑price school meals.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Provides specific foods, nutrition education, and support for eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children.
• Community assistance programs: Nonprofits, churches, and community groups may help with food, utilities, or rent on a limited basis.

Each program has its own rules and application process, and most require contact through official offices or verified organizations, not through general information sites.

Quick Reference: Texas EBT Card Basics

For any step involving applications, decisions, or card management, the next move is to contact the official Texas benefits office, use the official benefits website, or call the program’s official hotline.