Texas SNAP recipients will receive their May 2026 benefits on a staggered schedule, with payments issued through the Lone Star Card. SNAP, officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps low-income households buy eligible groceries each month.
In Texas, the program is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, while SNAP is federally funded through the USDA.
Texas does not send all SNAP benefits on one date. Instead, payments are released based on a household’s Eligibility Determination Group number, often called the EDG number.
Texas HHSC states that households receive benefits on a staggered basis from the 1st through the 28th of the month, depending on the last digits of the EDG number.
Where to Find Your Texas SNAP Payment Date
Recipients can find their EDG number on the TF0001 award letter from Texas HHSC. That letter also shows the regular monthly benefit issuance date. If the number is not available, recipients can call the Lone Star Card Help Desk at 800-777-7328 or dial 2-1-1 for assistance.
Payments are usually loaded to the Lone Star Card before 8:00 a.m. on the scheduled deposit date. Recipients can also check benefit information through their YourTexasBenefits account.
May 2026 SNAP Schedule for Benefits Certified After May 1, 2023
For households certified after May 1, 2023, Texas issues SNAP benefits between May 1 and May 28 based on the last two digits of the EDG number:
| Numbers | Date |
|---|---|
| 00–03 | May 1 |
| 04–06 | May 2 |
| 07–10 | May 3 |
| 11–13 | May 4 |
| 14–17 | May 5 |
| 18–20 | May 6 |
| 21–24 | May 7 |
| 25–27 | May 8 |
| 28–31 | May 9 |
| 32–34 | May 10 |
| 35–38 | May 11 |
| 39–41 | May 12 |
| 42–45 | May 13 |
| 46–49 | May 14 |
| 50–53 | May 15 |
| 54–57 | May 16 |
| 58–60 | May 17 |
| 61–64 | May 18 |
| 65–67 | May 19 |
| 68–71 | May 20 |
| 72–74 | May 21 |
| 75–78 | May 22 |
| 79–81 | May 23 |
| 82–85 | May 24 |
| 86–88 | May 25 |
| 89–92 | May 26 |
| 93–95 | May 27 |
| 96–99 | May 28 |
Schedule for Older Texas SNAP Certifications
For households certified after June 1, 2020, but before May 1, 2023, payments are generally issued from the 16th through the 28th of each month.
Households certified before June 1, 2020, follow an older schedule based on the final digit of the EDG number, with benefits sent from the 1st through the 15th.
This means two Texas households can receive SNAP benefits on different days even if they live in the same city. The EDG number and certification period determine the date.
Maximum SNAP Benefits in Texas for 2026
For fiscal year 2026, SNAP maximum allotments are effective from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 |
| 2 people | $546 |
| 3 people | $785 |
| 4 people | $994 |
| 5 people | $1,183 |
| 6 people | $1,421 |
| 7 people | $1,571 |
| 8 people | $1,789 |
| Each additional person | +$218 |
What You Can Buy With SNAP in Texas
SNAP benefits can be used for many grocery items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, snacks, and seeds or plants that produce food.
Federal rules do not allow SNAP to be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, supplements, live animals, hot foods sold at the point of sale, or non-food products.
Texas also has an approved SNAP food restriction waiver beginning April 1, 2026, restricting purchases of sweetened drinks and candy.
Texas SNAP payments for May 2026 will be issued throughout the month based on each household’s EDG number and certification date. Most newer SNAP cases will receive benefits between May 1 and May 28, while older cases may follow a different schedule.
Recipients should check their TF0001 letter, Lone Star Card account, or YourTexasBenefits account to confirm the exact payment date.
Since SNAP rules and eligible items can change, Texas households should also review current guidance before shopping.