Texas offers food stamps through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called the SNAP program. San Antonio residents must meet federal poverty guidelines to qualify for SNAP assistance and must work at least 20 hours a week to remain in the program. SNAP assistance is meant to supplement food purchasing for low-income families; San Antonio families should not rely on it exclusively to meet all their food needs.
Financial Eligibility
To qualify for food stamps, a family's gross monthly income must be less than 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for the family size. Family size does not necessarily refer to blood relatives living in the household; for food stamp purposes, a family consists of all adults in the house who purchase and prepare food together as well as dependent children living in the house. After taking a standard deduction and deducting part of the cost of rent and utilities for the month, the family's net income must be lower than the federal poverty guideline for its family size.
Emergency Benefits
San Antonio residents may get food stamps on an emergency basis in certain circumstances. If the family has monthly income of less than $150 and assets of less than $100, makes less money per month than it owes in rent and utilities, or includes a migrant worker who has assets of less than $100, the family may qualify. Apply for emergency benefits through the Department of Human Services in San Antonio. Tell your caseworker that you need expedited service because of your emergency situation. The DHS will process your application as quickly as possible.
Work Requirement
Applicants who do not have children in the home must work for at least 20 hours per week unless they are disabled or pregnant. If an applicant does not meet the work requirement, he can only receive food stamps for a three-month period out of every 36 months. This requirement is designed to encourage applicants to become self-supporting as quickly as possible rather than dependent upon food stamps for an indefinite period of time.
Where to Apply
San Antonio residents can apply for food stamps at one of five Department of Health and Human Services offices. In addition, they can apply at the San Antonio Food Bank. Residents can access and fill out the application online prior to visiting the office of their choice.
