Food Stamp Changes May Benefit Many Ike Victims

Emergency Food Stamps for Texas Ike Victims

Emergency food stamps are now available for qualified individuals and families in Texas disaster areas.  On Sept. 26, the state changed the policy for emergency food stamp applications related to Hurricane Ike. Some people who applied and didn’t get food stamps might be able to get food stamps now.

What counties are in the Texas Disaster Areas?

Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Washington.

What if I already get food stamps?

If you already get food stamps, and live in a Texas disaster area, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will automatically replace a portion of your September benefits.  If you do not already get the maximum amount for your family size, you will get extra food stamps in October.  This will be done to help people in areas where people lost food supplies because of power outages and flooding.  

Recipients in the disaster areas do not need to visit an HHSC office for the replacement benefits. They automatically will be placed on their Lone Star cards. You will get two deposits at two different times on your Lone Star card, one for your regular amount, and one for your extra amount.  Most people will get the extra amount put on their card by Friday October 10th.  To check your Lone Star Card balance, call 1-800-777-7328.

In addition, you can use your food stamps to purchase hot, ready-to-eat foods until the end of October.  As always, you can only use your food stamps at stores that accept the Lone Star card.

What if I don't usually get food stamps, but now I need some help?

If you are eligible, then you need to bring a completed food stamp application form a HHSC benefits office by Oct. 15.  At the bottom of this page, you will find links for the food stamp application forms in English and Spanish. Download them now and fill them out right on your computer.

You can find the closest benefits office by calling 2-1-1 or at: http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/IkeOfficeLocator.asp

When you bring your completed application for to the HHSC benefits office, be sure to bring proof of your identity and home address, such as a driver license, and be prepared to answers questions about your family’s income and resources.

If you can’t get to a HHSC benefits office, you can call 2-1-1 to get help. After you dial 2-1-1, press 1 for English or press 2 for Spanish. Then press 2 for information about food stamps. If you can’t call 2-1-1 on your phone, call 1-877-541-7905. Both numbers are toll-free.

Those who can get food stamps will get up to 2 months of benefits. If you can give more proof of income and resources, you might get benefits for a longer period.

What if I applied for emergency food stamps between Sept. 12 and Sept. 26 and was denied benefits?

On Sept. 26, the state changed the policy for emergency food stamp applications related to Hurricane Ike. Some people who applied and didn’t get food stamps might be able to get food stamps now. 

If you:

• applied for food stamps between Sept. 12 and Sept. 26, but were denied benefits,
• live in one of the Texas Disaster Areas
• have a eligible income

you may now qualify for food stamps. 

If you live in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, or Waller County, call 1-800-500-4266 to have someone look at your case again.  If you live in any other county, call the benefits office nearest you (http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/IkeOfficeLocator.asp).

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible for emergency food stamps, your monthly gross income must be less than the amounts on the table below.  Monthly gross income is the amount of money that you earn before taxes and other deductions are taken out.  Depending on your situation, the qualifying amount may be lower than listed.

Family size  and  Maximum Monthly Gross Income

1. $1,430
2. $1,925
3. $2,420
4. $2,915
5. $3,410
6. $3,905
7. $4,400
8. $4,895
9. $5,390
10. $5,885

For each additional family  member add $495

How much assistance can I receive?

The following shows the maximum benefit that you may receive by family size.

1. $176
2. $323
3. $463
4. $588
5. $698
6. $838
7. $926
8. $1,058
9. $1,190
10. $1,322

For each additional family member add $132

How do I get my benefit?

Food stamp benefits are placed on a Lone Star card, which recipients use like a debit card to purchase groceries at stores that accept the Lone Star card.  In addition to groceries, the Federal government is letting hurricane victims use their food stamps to purchase hot, ready-to-eat foods until the end of October.  You can lean more about your Lone Star Card here.

Can I use my Lone Star Card if I am in another state?

You can use your card anywhere in the United States.You can lean more about your Lone Star Card here.