Texas Benefits

Texas Health and Human Services Commission Promotes Breastfeeding Support During National Breastfeeding Month AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) highlights resources for mothers this August during National Breastfeeding Month. The initiative aligns with this year’s theme, “Breastfeeding Support Anytime, Anywhere,” and emphasizes making trusted guidance readily available to families. For many … Read more

Texas Department of Housing Holds Training for Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Compliance staff recently held a virtual training session focusing on the required certification types for the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program. This program plays a crucial role for Texans with disabilities, … 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

The Latest on SNAP Benefits in Texas The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is currently preparing to issue full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to recipients in the state. This comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided updated guidance regarding benefit distribution following the recent government shutdown. This news … 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

Texas Unemployment Drug Testing: Current Status and Implications In 2013, Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 21, designed to implement drug testing for certain unemployed individuals applying for benefits. Despite this legislation, the program has yet to be enacted. According to Republican lawmakers, the delay is tied to the anticipation of new federal guidelines from the … 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

Increased Demand at Pleasant Grove Food Pantry Amid Federal Government Shutdown Residents of North Texas are facing heightened food insecurity as a result of recent disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Pleasant Grove Food Pantry reported that the number of families seeking assistance has surged since the federal government shut down last … Read more

Texas Ends Extended Unemployment Benefits Due to Lower Jobless Rate The Texas Workforce Commission announced that the state will discontinue extended unemployment benefits effective the week ending September 11, following a decline in the unemployment rate to 6.2%. This shift means that Texans who have been relying on the additional 13 weeks of benefits during … Read more