SNAP Users in Texas: Miss This June Deadline and Say Goodbye to Your Benefits

If you or your family are using SNAP (also known as food stamps) in Texas, there’s something important coming up this June — your recertification.

It might sound like a fancy government word, but all it really means is: the state wants to make sure you’re still eligible to keep getting help with groceries. And if you don’t take care of it on time, your benefits can stop — even if you still qualify.

So let’s walk through what’s happening, what to do, and how to make sure you don’t miss out on anything.

When Should You Renew?

The rule of thumb? Try to get your renewal done by mid-June.

Technically, Texas asks you to renew about 30 days before your current benefits end, which for most people will mean sometime around June 15. Don’t wait until the last week of the month — things get backed up, and delays can pause your benefits.

If your current SNAP benefits end on June 30, make it a goal to have everything submitted by the 15th. That way you give yourself a cushion if anything comes up.

How Will You Know It’s Time?

Texas will usually send you a renewal notice about 10–11 days before your current benefits end. That notice will tell you everything you need:

• The last day your current benefits are active

• What info or documents they need from you

• If a phone interview is required

• The exact date your renewal is due

You might get this notice by mail or see it in your YourTexasBenefits.com account. But here’s the catch — if your address or phone number changed recently, make sure it’s updated in the system. Otherwise, you could miss that notice entirely.

How Do You Renew?

You’ve got options — use whichever is easiest for you:

• Online at YourTexasBenefits.com

• Through the Your Texas Benefits app

• Mail or fax the paperwork you receive

• Or walk into your local HHS office and do it in person

In some cases, you’ll also need to complete a short phone interview. If that applies to you, the notice you receive will include instructions.

When Will You Get Your SNAP Benefits in June?

Texas spreads out SNAP payments across the month. Your deposit date depends on something called your EDG number (Eligibility Determination Group number), which is listed on your case paperwork or online account.

Here’s how it works:

• If you were approved before June 2020, your benefits usually arrive between June 1 and June 15

• If you were approved after that, you’ll probably get them between June 16 and June 28

Each person’s date is tied to the last few digits of their EDG number. So if yours ends in “00,” you might see your funds hit the Lone Star card on June 1. If it ends in “09,” that could mean June 10, and so on. It’s staggered so not everyone gets their money on the same day.

If you’re not sure when your card is reloaded, just log in to your account and check your deposit history. That usually gives you a good idea of what to expect.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Honestly? It’s not great.

If you miss the recertification deadline, your benefits will stop — no questions asked. And even if it was an accident or a small delay, you might have to start over with a brand new application. That can take a couple of weeks (sometimes longer), which means a gap in your benefits.

Even just missing the interview or forgetting to send in one piece of paperwork can hold things up.

The safest move? Get it done early, breathe easy.

A Quick To-Do List

Here’s a simple checklist so you don’t miss a step:

• Keep an eye out for your renewal notice in early June

• Submit your renewal — ideally by June 15

• Complete the interview (if one’s required)

• Make sure your address and phone number are up to date

• Check your Lone Star card for your deposit date

Renewing your SNAP benefits doesn’t have to be stressful — but it can be easy to forget when life gets busy. Set a reminder, take 15 minutes to knock it out, and keep that support coming for you and your family.

If you’re unsure about your deadline or how to renew, don’t wait. Log in to YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1. There are people who can walk you through it.

And if you want, I can help write this up in a version you can text or email to someone — just let me know.