South region · Capital: Austin

Texas grants &
benefits, all in one place.

Every federal program is administered through Texas state agencies, often with state-specific names, eligibility tiers, and seasonal windows. This page lists how to access each one, plus the Texas-only programs that stack on top.

Population30,503,301
Programs tracked142+
PostalTX
Last verified

Texas at a glance

  • Population: 30,503,301 residents
  • State capital: Austin
  • Region: South
  • Assistance programs tracked: 142+
  • Main benefits portal: Your Texas Benefits
  • LIHEAP program name: Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
  • FY2026 SNAP max (1 person, 48 states): $298/month; average $188 per person/month per CBPP.

Texas eligibility estimator

What programs do you likely qualify for in Texas?

Drop in your household size and income. The estimator returns programs your number is likely under, using the lower 48 federal poverty schedule.

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Programs in Texas

  • SNAP (food assistance)

    130% FPL

    Gross income test, Texas · Income limit: $34,645/yr

  • Medicaid (expansion adults)

    138% FPL

    Texas did not expand Medicaid; limit is much lower for adults · Income limit: $36,777/yr

  • LIHEAP energy assistance

    150% FPL

    State variant; some use 60% state median income · Income limit: $39,975/yr

  • WIC (children under 5, pregnant)

    185% FPL

    Auto-eligible if on SNAP or Medicaid · Income limit: $49,303/yr

  • Lifeline phone + ACP internet

    200% FPL

    Federal program through any participating carrier · Income limit: $53,300/yr

  • Reduced-price school meals

    185% FPL

    Free meals at 130% FPL · Income limit: $49,303/yr

  • ACA Marketplace subsidies

    400% FPL

    Strongest subsidies below 250% FPL · Income limit: $106,600/yr

Estimator only, final eligibility includes asset, citizenship, and category tests. Texas did not expand Medicaid, so adult Medicaid limits are much lower than 138% FPL.

◢ Where to apply

Which agencies handle grants in Texas?

Most assistance programs in Texas flow through one of these state agencies. Bookmark the ones relevant to you.

Combined benefits portal

Your Texas Benefits

Texas's one-stop application portal for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and other state benefits.

www.yourtexasbenefits.com/

Energy assistance

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

State LIHEAP program. Apply at the start of the heating season; funds run out before the published deadline.

www.tdhca.texas.gov/comprehensive-energy-assistance-program-ceap

SNAP food assistance

Texas SNAP

Federal SNAP run by the state. Average benefit is about $202 per person per month.

www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits

Health coverage

Texas Medicaid

State Medicaid program. Children's CHIP coverage typically extends to higher income limits.

www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip

Housing

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

State housing finance agency. Section 8 vouchers are issued by local PHAs in each county.

www.tdhca.texas.gov/

◢ State-specific programs

Programs unique to Texas.

These programs only exist in Texas. They stack on top of federal benefits and use different income rules.

TDHCA

CEAP Cooling Component

Summer-only cooling assistance critical in heat-wave seasons.

Open program page

Texas HHSC

Lone Star Card SNAP

Texas's EBT card. SNAP processed via the same Your Texas Benefits portal.

Open program page

◢ By need category

Which federal programs are available in Texas?

Every federal program below is available to Texas residents through state-administered offices. Click any category for the full eligibility breakdown.

◢ Benefit amounts

How much do Texas residents typically receive?

Actual benefit amounts depend on household size, gross and net monthly income, and which deductions apply. Federal programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and LIHEAP use uniform formulas across all 50 states, but Texas sets its own income limits under broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), which many households never realize expands the pool of who qualifies.

SNAP food benefits in Texas: The federal FY2026 maximum monthly benefit is $298 for one person and $1,789 for eight people in the 48 contiguous states. The average per-person benefit is $188 per month, or roughly $6.17 per day, per Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of USDA program data. A family of four typically receives around $715 per month on average. To estimate your amount, take the maximum for your household size and subtract 30 percent of your countable net income after deductions.

Medicaid in Texas: Non-disabled adult income eligibility is set at 138 percent of the federal poverty level in Medicaid expansion states, which for a family of three in 2026 is approximately $3,066 per month or $36,792 per year. Children qualify for CHIP coverage at income levels significantly higher than the adult Medicaid ceiling, often up to 200-300 percent of the federal poverty level depending on the state.

LIHEAP energy assistance: Benefits vary widely because Texas sets its own income limit and season. Most states cap eligibility at 60 percent of state median income or 150 percent of the federal poverty level, whichever is higher. Typical one-time regular benefits range from $200 to $600 per household per heating season, with crisis benefits available in emergencies (utility shutoff, no heat) processed within 18 to 48 hours.

Housing (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher): Households pay 30 percent of adjusted gross income toward rent; the voucher covers the remainder up to the local payment standard. In Texas, wait times for Section 8 vouchers vary by public housing authority, but averages of 2 to 5 years are typical in higher-cost metro areas.

Emergency cash assistance (TANF): Monthly benefits vary dramatically by state; Texas sets its own maximum. Nationwide, TANF maximum benefits for a family of three range from about $200 per month in some Southern states to over $1,000 in the Northeast and West. Time limits of 60 months (five years) apply lifetime for most adult recipients.

Every benefit amount above traces to primary federal sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service for SNAP, HHS Administration for Children and Families for TANF and LIHEAP, HUD for Section 8, and CMS for Medicaid. State-specific figures are set by Texas agencies and change annually with the October cost-of-living adjustment.

Texas questions

Common questions about Texas programs.

Apply through Your Texas Benefits, Texas's official benefits portal. The same application typically covers Medicaid and TANF. Most decisions arrive within 30 days, faster for expedited cases.

Texas's LIHEAP runs as Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Apply through the state's energy assistance office during the program's seasonal window. Crisis benefits process within 48 hours.

Yes. Texas runs 2 notable state-specific programs including CEAP Cooling Component. State-funded programs often have different income limits than federal versions.

Texas sets Medicaid income limits within federal rules. For non-disabled adults the cap is typically 138% of the federal poverty level if the state expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Children's CHIP coverage extends higher, often 200% FPL or more.

Call 211 first. The United Way line will route you to local Emergency Rental Assistance funds, Texas Community Action Agencies, and faith-based emergency funds active in your county. Most local funds process applications faster than state programs.

◢ Nearby

Other South states.

Editorial disclaimer

GrantsHubUSA is an independent editorial blog. We are not the Texas government, and we do not administer these programs. Always confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and contact details with the state agency before applying. See our full disclaimer.

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