Texas, TX

Texas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) #

The purpose of TANF is to provide temporary cash assistance to needy dependent children and the parents or relatives with whom they are living.

For example, a single mother of two may get a monthly cash benefit of up to $312.

In Texas, cash benefits are issued on a monthly basis through the Lone Star Card that works like a debit card, allowing you to use the card at authorized retailers or to get cash from an ATM.

How do I apply for TANF in Texas?

Application for benefits is easy. If you live in Texas, go to YourTexasBenefits.com — the one-stop portal for all Texas residents to apply for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, CHIP, as well as TANF.

How do I get a one time TANF in Texas?

One-time TANF of up to $1,000 in cash is also available for families in crisis — including losing a job, losing a home, or a medical emergency. However, it can be given only once in a 12-month period to those who qualify.

Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) #

Texas SNAP helps low-income people and families in Texas with cash assistance to buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. Eligibility is determined by certain factors, mainly your income and household size.

As a condition of eligibility, all SNAP recipients who aren’t disabled or raising children must meet the general SNAP work rules or the ABAWD work rules unless otherwise exempt.

How do I sign up for food stamps in Texas?

Texas Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) #

WIC is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy.

All applicants must be income eligible — incomes not exceeding 185% FPL, and be individually determined by a health professional to be “at nutrition risk”.

It provides special checks or vouchers for buying healthy foods to supplement their diet. Other benefits include nutrition education, breastfeeding support, free screening and referral to health care.

How do I apply for WIC in Texas?

Call 800-942-3678. You will be asked a few simple questions and see if you qualify. If you are eligible, you will be connected with a WIC office near you to schedule an appointment.

Texas Medicaid #

Texas Medicaid serves primarily children from low-income families, pregnant women, people age 65+ and people with disabilities who could not otherwise afford private insurance coverage.

As Texas is not expanding Medicaid coverage, eligibility for non-disabled adults is limited to parents with incomes below 16% of federal poverty level whose child is enrolled in Medicaid.

For a single mother with two kids, the parent is only eligible for Medicaid if the kids are on Medicaid and her total household income doesn’t exceed $307 per month.

Is there Medicaid for adults in Texas?

No, adults without minor children are ineligible for Medicaid regardless of how low their income is, unless they’re disabled, in which they have the option to “buy-in” to Medicaid coverage by making monthly payments.

Texas Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) #

Texas CHIP is designed for children whose families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, yet cannot afford to buy private insurance.

With CHIP, kids from low-income families can receive free health coverage for various medical services such as routine check-ups, dental and vision care, prescription drugs, hospital visits and lab tests.

In Texas, children with family incomes up to 206% of federal poverty level, or about $47,440 for a single mother of two are eligible for CHIP or Medicaid.

Healthy Texas Women #

Healthy Texas Women (HTW) is a program dedicated to offering women’s health and family planning at no cost to eligible women in Texas who meet income guidelines — no more than 200% of the federal poverty level.

Pregnant women or those enrolled in Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare Parts A or B are not eligible for Healthy Texas Women. Those who are pregnant will be referred to a program such as Medicaid for Pregnant Women.

Under the program, eligible low-income women can get preventive health screenings, women’s health exams, and family planning, including contraception, at little or no cost.

How do I apply for Healthy Texas women?

You can apply for Healthy Texas Women over the phone by calling 2-1-1 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday to Friday or apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com.

Texas Child Care Assistance Program #

Parents in Texas who work, attend school or participate in job training may be eligible for financial assistance to cover a portion or, in some cases, all of the cost of child care.

Eligibility criteria may vary in different regions of the state but generally, families with incomes not exceeding 85 of the state median income will qualify.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Texas?

Eligibility requirements may vary by providers. Depending on what part of the state you live in, find your local Workforce Solutions office to access the availability of assistance.

Texas Section 8 #

Texas residents who need housing assistance may apply for the Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. The program offers rental subsidies that allows eligible low-income families to rent a home of their choice on the private market.

Eligibility is based on several factors, including the household’s income, size and composition, citizenship status, assets, medical and childcare expenses. Priority is given to extremely low-income families with children.

Eligibility guidelines define a “extremely low-income family” as one with a total annual gross household income that is equal to or less than 30% of the local area median income.

How do I apply for Section 8 housing in Texas?

To apply for subsidized housing assistance and to find out if you qualify, please contact one of these HUD Regional Offices:

Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) #

The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a utility assistance program available to help eligible Texas households with their utility bills, particularly those with the lowest incomes and the highest home energy costs.

The program targets low income households with income not more than 150% of the poverty level. As funding is limited, households that include young children, elderly or disabled members are given first priority.

How can I get help with my electric bill in Texas?

CEAP is available in each of the 254 Texas counties. If you need assistance with utility bills, call (877) 399-8939 to find the local CEAP service provider nearest you.

Texas Unemployment Insurance #

Unemployment insurance offers temporary financial assistance to employees who lost their jobs through no fault of their own; providing a safety net for them and their families during times of unemployment.

How much is unemployment insurance in Texas?

Depending upon your previous earnings, your weekly benefit amount will be between $69 and $549. Most Texans receive jobless benefits for up to 26 extended weeks through September 6, 2021.

How do I file for unemployment in Texas?

You may submit an application for unemployment benefits online or if you wish to file by phone, call a Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 to speak to a customer service representative.

Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) #

Administered by the state of Texas, TPEG provides assistance to students with financial need who are seeking a first Bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree or professional degree.

Texas residents and out of state residents who meet the priority deadline of March 15th are eligible. Award amounts may vary based on availability of funds and number of eligible applicants.

Since each institution set its own priorities in making awards to students, it’s best that you contact your college financial aid office for additional information on eligibility or availability of fund.

Texas State Tution Grant (TSTG) #

This institutional grant is awarded to Texas residents based on their financial need. Typically, this grant is awarded to eligible students once Texas Public Educational Grant funds are exhausted.

The current maximum award for TSTG is $6,000.

TSTG is, however, contingent upon the availability of state funds and will be cancelled or reduced in the event state funds are no longer available.

TEXAS Grant #

To be eligible for TEXAS (Towards EXcellence, Access and Success) Grant, you must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA — that is, a 9 month EFC of no more than $5,430, and be enrolled at least three-quarter time.

Eligible students who are working on their first undergraduate degree, may receive up to $5,387 per academic year, contingent upon the availability of state funds.

Since funding is limited, you must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) by March 15th for priority consideration.