In 2023, more people qualified for SNAP or EBT benefits in Texas than in the last few years. Part of that was due to rising costs, some of it due to eligibility changes.

Just because you qualified in 2023 though, doesn't mean you'll qualify in 2024. There's also the possibility that if you didn't qualify in 2023, you WILL in 2024.

That's due to some changes coming down the pike for the program in the new year, so it definitely won't hurt you to apply.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES TO AGE ELIGIBILITY

Currently, able-bodied individuals between the ages of 51 and 52 have to prove they are actively working, training, or going to school to qualify for SNAP benefits. That age changes to 54 in October 2024.

There will be some exemptions to the rule though. If you're 24 years of age or younger and in foster care when you turn 18, you will be exempt from this rule. Others who are exempt will be homeless individuals if you are pregnant, veterans, and those who have physical or mental limitations.

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I MAKE TO BE ELIGIBLE?

SNAP is based on household income and how many people are living in the household, so these numbers will increase depending on the amount of people living with you. For Texas, this is the maximum amount of money you can make gross (before taxes) per month come October 2024.

ONE PERSON HOUSEHOLD: $1,580
TWO PERSON HOUSEHOLD: $2,137
THREE PERSON HOUSEHOLD: $2,694
FOUR PERSON HOUSEHOLD: $3,250
FIVE PERSON HOUSEHOLD: $3,807
SIX PERSON HOUSEHOLD: $4,364
SEVEN PERSON HOUSEHOLD: $4,921
EIGHT PERSON HOUSEHOLD: $5.478

If you have more than eight people living in your household, each additional member allows you to make $557 more monthly and still be eligible.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM SNAP ALLOTMENT FOR 2024

This amount has been in effect since October of 2023 according to the USDA and will be the max allotment for 2024

HOUSEHOLD SIZE 1: $291
HOUSEHOLD SIZE 2: $535
HOUSEHOLD SIZE 3: $766
HOUSEHOLD SIZE 4: $973
HOUSEHOLD SIZE 5: $1,155
HOUSEHOLD SIZE 6: $1,386
HOUSEHOLD SIZE 7: $1,532
HOUSEHOLD SIZE 8: $1,751
EACH ADDITIONAL PERSON: $219

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Gallery Credit: Madison Troyer