As January 2026 unfolds, many residents of Texas who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are eager to know when they will receive their food assistance payments. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has released its monthly payment schedule, and for some recipients, benefits will be deposited between January 5 and January 11, 2026.
Understanding who gets benefits during this early payment window, how to check the status of your payment, and how the process works is essential for SNAP recipients across the state. SNAP benefits help low-income families purchase groceries and ensure that they have access to nutritious food.
For Texans, the Lone Star EBT card serves as the primary tool for accessing these benefits. While most recipients see their payments dispersed at different times throughout the month, those who fall into the early January distribution window will have access to their benefits earlier in the month.
Texas SNAP Payments January 2026 – Who Gets Benefits Between January 5–11?
The Texas SNAP payment schedule follows a staggered system that assigns specific days for benefits to be issued depending on each household’s Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. The EDG number is a unique identifier assigned to each case, determining when benefits will be distributed.
For January 2026, early payments will be made to those whose EDG numbers are in the designated range for January 5 to January 11.
These beneficiaries can expect their funds to be deposited into their Lone Star EBT card account during this period, enabling them to make necessary purchases earlier in the month. The amount of assistance provided depends on various factors, including household size and income.
It is essential to note that only certain EDG number ranges fall into this first payment group. Depending on your last digit of the EDG number, the exact deposit date could range from January 5 to January 11, with households whose EDGs end in specific digits receiving payments on each of those days.
How Texas Determines the SNAP Payment Schedule
The payment schedule for Texas SNAP benefits is not random. Instead, it is structured based on the EDG number, which determines when a recipient’s benefits will be disbursed. The HHSC uses the last digit of your EDG number to determine when you will receive your benefits.
- Those in the early payment window (January 5–11) will see their payments deposited based on their specific EDG numbers.
- The remainder of recipients will receive payments in subsequent weeks, with the final payments for the month often deposited towards the end of January.
To illustrate, if you are assigned an EDG number that ends in 5, your payment may be deposited on January 5, whereas households with EDG numbers ending in 7 might receive theirs on January 7. This structure is designed to ensure efficient processing and prevent overloading the system.
Understanding the Full SNAP Payment Timeline for January 2026
Early Payments – January 5–11
For households whose EDG numbers fall into the early January window, the payment schedule is as follows:
| EDG Number Range | Payment Date Range |
|---|---|
| EDG ending in 0-1 | January 5, 2026 |
| EDG ending in 2-3 | January 6, 2026 |
| EDG ending in 4-5 | January 7, 2026 |
| EDG ending in 6-7 | January 8, 2026 |
| EDG ending in 8-9 | January 9–11, 2026 |
Remaining Payments – Mid and Late January
For those who do not fall into the early payment window, payments will be scheduled later in the month. These payments will be processed between January 12 and January 31, based on the remaining EDG number ranges.
It’s important for recipients to keep in mind that these payments are typically deposited early in the morning on their assigned day, so you should check your Lone Star EBT card balance for updates.
Check Your Texas SNAP Payment Status
Knowing exactly when to expect your benefits can help you plan your grocery shopping and ensure that you manage your budget effectively. Here are the ways to check the status of your SNAP payment:
1. Check Your Lone Star EBT Card Balance
You can check the balance on your Lone Star EBT card in several ways:
- Online: Log into the Texas Benefits website or use the Texan mobile app. Both provide real-time information about your account balance and the expected date of the next payment.
- Phone: Call the number on the back of your Lone Star card to check your balance and any upcoming payments.
- At Retail Locations: You can swipe your EBT card at participating retailers to check your balance when making purchases.
2. Use the Texas Benefits Website or App
The Texas Benefits website provides an easy-to-use portal where recipients can view their SNAP balance and payment history. You can also view detailed information about your EDG number and other critical information. The Texan mobile app offers similar functionality and is available for both iOS and Android devices.
3. Contact HHSC
If you encounter any issues or cannot verify your payment, you can contact Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) directly. They can confirm your EDG number, explain when your benefits will be issued, and resolve any discrepancies. You can reach HHSC through their customer service number or website.
Key Factors Affecting Texas SNAP Eligibility
While the payment schedule is crucial, it’s also important to understand the eligibility criteria for SNAP benefits and how the state ensures that only eligible individuals receive assistance:
1. Income Eligibility
To qualify for SNAP, households must meet certain income and asset limits. These limits vary based on the number of people in your household. For instance, as of 2026, a single-person household must have a gross monthly income of less than $1,396 (130% of the Federal Poverty Level) to qualify.
2. Household Size
The larger your household, the higher the income limit for qualifying for benefits. The eligibility threshold increases with each additional person in your household.
3. Work Requirements
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must comply with work requirements to maintain eligibility. For these individuals, work or job training is necessary to receive ongoing benefits. However, some exemptions apply for people with disabilities or children.
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What to Do if You Don’t Receive Your Benefits
If you expected to receive your payment between January 5 and January 11 but have not, there are a few steps you can take:
- Verify Your Payment Date: Double-check the last digit of your EDG number to confirm that you should be receiving benefits during this timeframe.
- Check Your EBT Balance: Log into your Texas Benefits account or call the hotline for an update.
- Contact HHSC: If you still don’t see your payment or if there’s an issue with your account, contact the HHSC customer service to inquire about your payment status.
For Texas SNAP recipients, knowing when and how benefits are disbursed is key to managing household expenses, especially after the holidays. The January 2026 schedule will see early payments made to eligible households between January 5 and January 11, with the rest of the payments following later in the month. Ensuring you know your EDG number, how to check your balance, and how to contact HHSC can help make sure you receive your payments without delay.
Being proactive about managing your SNAP benefits can also provide peace of mind, allowing you to effectively budget for groceries and other essentials. If you experience any issues with your payment or need further assistance, the HHSC is available to help guide you through the process.
