Texas

This application is designed to provide you with all the necessary information and resources to apply for and obtain your EBT Card in Texas. The EBT Card, also known as the Lone Star Card, is an assistance program that provides food benefits and cash assistance to low-income individuals and families.

In this guide, you'll find detailed information about the Texas Lone Star Card, including how to replace a lost card, how to check your balance online, EBT discounts and benefits you might not know about, restaurants that accept EBT in Texas, how to shop for groceries online with your EBT Card, and much more.

Requirements to use the Lone Star card

To apply for and use the EBT Texas card, you need to meet certain requirements and important elements, such as:

• Activate the card: Call 800-777-7328 to activate your card.
• Choose or change your PIN: The PIN must consist of four numbers. Choose numbers that are easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. If you already have a PIN for your Lone Star card, you can continue to use it or change it.

Important note: Do not write the PIN on your Lone Star card and do not keep your PIN number with the card.

• Sign the back of your card: You will not be able to use the card until you sign it.

Apply for EBT in Texas

If you want to get and apply for the EBT Texas card, you can do it in three different ways:

1. The easiest way to apply for Texas Food Stamps is through the online Texas Benefits portal: yourtexasbenefits.com
2. You can also visit your local Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS) office in person. To do this, come with the necessary documentation.
3. Another option is to call the Texas HHS information line at 1-877-541-7905 to have an application mailed to you, which you can fill out and send to your local HHS county office.

SNAP benefits are deposited into your account once a month. The date you will receive benefits is indicated on the award letter (TF0001).

If you are a Texas SNAP EBT Card holder, you can use it online to buy food that will be delivered to your home. This is possible thanks to a pilot program announced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2017. The program allows EBT Cardholders to make purchases online and have groceries delivered to their home.

Verify Texas EBT Card Balance

Next, we will explain the available options:

• Check your last receipt
• To check the balance on your Texas EBT Card you need to review your last receipt. At the bottom of your receipt you will find the current balance on your EBT Card.
• In the shop
• Another option is to check the balance of your Texas EBT Card at the store, before making any purchases.
• Phone call
• The last option is to call the EBT Customer Service number (1-800-777-7328), which is on the back of your card.
• After calling, enter the sixteen digits of your EBT card and you will be provided with the current balance of your food assistance account.

Mobile App for EBT in Texas

Texas HHS has developed a mobile application called "Your Texas Benefits App", available for Apple devices in the App Store and for Android devices in the Google Play Store. This application is for Texans who have applied for or are receiving SNAP food benefits, health care (Medicaid and CHIP), and TANF cash assistance.

With the "Your Texas Benefits" app, you can access or set up your account, view your case details, report changes in your situation, and find an office near you.

Can someone else get a Lone Star Card to buy items in my name?

If you need help making purchases, you can request a second card to give to someone you trust. Money spent with the add-on card will be deducted from your Lone Star account.

The main card and PIN can only be used by you. The person you give the additional card to will be able to use it, but with their own corresponding PIN.

What should I do if I forget my Lone Star Card PIN?

You can change your PIN using the "Your Texas Benefits" mobile app or by calling the Lone Star Help Line at 800-777-7328 any time of day.

Once you choose a new PIN, the old one will stop working. If you can't select a new PIN through the app or over the phone, you can request a new PIN be mailed to you. It will take about a week to arrive.

What happens if I don't use all my benefits in one month?

If you don't use all of your benefits during the month, you won't lose them. Unused benefits will remain in your account for nine months from the date they were deposited. The next time they deposit benefits in your account, they will be added to the existing benefits.

What should I do if I need to use my benefits outside of Texas?

Take your Lone Star card with you. If you plan to move out of state or do not intend to return to Texas, you must report your change by calling 2-1-1 or logging into your account within 10 days.