Texas Benefits

Advocates Urge Delay on SNAP Cost-Sharing Changes Impacting Texas Families Public health experts and advocates are calling on Congress to implement a two-year delay on new requirements that would make Texas—and other states—responsible for a portion of the costs associated with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These changes, set to take effect in October … Read more

SNAP Replacement Benefits Available for Bexar County Residents Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to extend the deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Bexar County to apply for replacement benefits. This extension comes in the wake of recent severe weather and … Read more

Major Changes in Texas Unemployment Benefits This week marks the first without the enhanced unemployment benefits that many Texans have relied on during the pandemic. Approximately 500,000 individuals in Texas lost their boosted unemployment assistance when the federal benefits, which provided an additional $300 weekly, were discontinued earlier than expected. Governor Greg Abbott ended these … Read more

New Federal Housing Legislation Impacts Texas Economy Congress has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aimed at improving housing supply by reducing regulatory barriers and modernizing policies. This legislation, significant in scope, stands to affect workforce recruitment, economic development, and infrastructure across Texas. Why It Matters for Texas Residents The implications of the … Read more

Changes to SNAP Program Could Impact Texas Benefit Recipients Recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enacted through H.R. 1 could lead to significant costs for states, potentially impacting Texas benefit recipients. The civic tech nonprofit Code for America is stepping in to help states minimize error rates associated with benefit distribution, which … Read more

Lone Star Tick Linked to Meat Allergy in North Texas Residents A tiny tick, aptly named the Lone Star tick, prevalent in North Texas, is now recognized for causing an unexpected food allergy: a significant aversion to red meat, including beef, lamb, and pork. This highlights an ironic twist in a state known for its … Read more

Texas Launches WIC Smart Card Program for Improved Benefits Access The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is rolling out an electronic benefits smart card program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) that promises enhanced speed and convenience for participants. The initiative, which follows a successful pilot program in El Paso, replaces the traditional … Read more

SNAP Delays Impacting Texas Families and Students Student parents in Texas are facing mounting challenges as delays in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) create barriers to completing their education and achieving financial independence. As Armstrong noted, “When those are taken away, we’re at risk of not being able to focus on our goals.” This … Read more

Deadline Extended for SNAP Replacement Benefits in Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced an extension for SNAP recipients to apply for assistance following recent floods. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to extend the deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients affected by flooding in several counties. Those … Read more

Recommendations for Texas Health and Human Services Commission Funding Every Texan has put forth critical recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2028–2029 Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) aimed at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (TXHHSC). These proposals are designed to enhance support for benefit recipients across the state, addressing pressing needs that affect Texas families. … Read more