AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will provide approximately $300 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of February as the state continues its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are grateful for this additional extension of emergency SNAP benefits for the month of February," Abbott said. "We will continue to provide Texas families with the resources they need to put food on the table and provide for their loved ones."
The extension should help needy families provide good food choices, according to Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter.
"These emergency food benefits will provide additional support for Texans to purchase nutritious foods for their families during the ongoing pandemic," Salter said.
HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size. The emergency February allotments are in addition to the more than $2 billion in benefits previously provided to Texans since April 2020.
Recipients will also continue to receive a 15 percent increase in their total benefits, which will continue monthly until June 2021. This additional 15 percent increase and the emergency allotment amount should appear in recipients’ accounts by Feb. 28.
Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.6 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas.
Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.