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The truth is that many families need social benefits to survive. The application process for any social assistance was always a dire task. This is no longer the circumstance with the online applications at Your Texas Benefits.
Your Texas Benefits is an online platform that can be accessed by computer or mobile app to apply for social benefits in the State of Texas. The applications are directly linked to the Health and Human Services Commission. The online platform makes the service more accessible to those that need it.
What Does Your Texas Benefits Offer?
Your Texas Benefits is an online application platform that speeds up the application or renewal process for receiving government social benefits. The website eliminates the need to queue at the HHSC (Health and Human Services Commission) offices. Applications can quickly be filed online, and further communication will be conducted via telephone.
The HHSC ensured that this platform was available online and on mobile app stores. This was done to speed up the filing time and allow a larger group of individuals from all walks-of-life to have access to social benefits.
Individuals that are speech or hearing impaired, deaf or hard of hearing can use the service via a dedicated telephone number. All calls and faxes are free of charge when using the platform.
Native Texan, U.S. President George W. Bush stated the following in his State Of The Union Address, which boosted the benefits program in Texas. “Americans, who have lost their work, need our (government) assistance and support extending unemployment benefits and direct assistance to health care cover.”
What Services Are Available On Your Texas Benefits?
Your Texas Benefits allow you to apply for a variety of social services. These social services include financial assistance, medical assistance, and nutrition plans to name a few. Below is a complete list of all the social services.
SNAP Food Benefits
The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is amongst the largest nutritional assistance program in the country. SNAP benefits allow low-income families and individuals to purchase food in authorized retail food stores. This is commonly referred to as “food stamps” but is instead issued on an electronic benefits card (Lone-Star Card) similar to a debit card.
When applying for SNAP on the Your Texas Benefits platform, certain individuals or families can receive assistance within 24 hours of the online application.
CHIP And Medicaid Benefits
CHIP stands for Children’s Health Insurance Program. This benefit is for higher-income families who can’t afford health insurance. Their higher tier income makes them not eligible for Medicaid, but benefits are still available via CHIP.
Medicaid is a health program that assists with covering medical costs for families with low or limited income. This allows many Texans who cannot afford medical costs to still have access to medical assistance when needed.
The CHIP and Medicaid benefits are intended to assist individuals and families with doctors, hospital, and medicine costs. The following people are eligible for health care benefits:
- Children under the age of 20 years
- Pregnancy
- Adults that care for a minor at their residence
- Foster children under 20 years old
- Refugees
TANF Financial Assistance
The TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is a benefit that will assist in paying for food, clothing, and housing for low-income families. There are three types of TANF available, these are:
- TANF – assists families and children under the age of 18 with basic needs. This is done in the form of monthly cash payments.
- One-Time TANF – assists families with children under the age of 18 in a crisis. This may be due to losing a job, inability to find work, losing a home, or a medical emergency. This can only be done once every 12 months.
- One-Time TANF for Grandparents – assist grandparents that are caring for a child that already receives TANF.
The requirements to qualify for TANF benefits are:
- U.S Citizen
- Legal alien or qualified alien
- Unemployed or underemployed with a low income
- Pregnant
- Have a child or minor under the age of 18 years
- Must be 18 years old or younger and be the head of the household
What Other Services Are Offered On Your Texas Benefits?
The following services are available on the platform for persons not looking for benefits, such as CHIP, Medicaid, TANF, and SNAP. Your Texas Benefits will assist you in finding assistance with the following programs in your area, or call 211.
| Service | Assistance Offered |
| Texas Workforce Network | Apply for work – job Search |
| Family Planning | Birth control supplies – Health care |
| Family Violence Program | Get a ride to a safe place – Shelter Legal assistance Counseling |
| Adult Education and Family Literacy Program | Learn to read – Get a GEDLearn job skills |
| Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) | Nutritional aid – Vaccines Counseling |
| Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program | Dealing with a crisis – Quitting Assisting to stop abusing drugs |
| Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP) | Assistance with paying health insurance |
Information Required To Apply For Your Texas Benefits
Your Texas Benefits has an application form that must be completed on the platform. There is, however, additional information that will be required on a case-by-case basis. The following will be required to speed up an application.
Do not send an original document via post, but rather send copies. Most documents can be submitted online or faxed to the offices.
General Benefits Required Documents
The following will be required when applying for any general benefits.
- Identity documents – driver’s license, Department of Safety ID card
- Immigration status – Resident card (I-551), arrival/departure form, or any papers from the Immigration office
- Legal Representative (if applicable) – the power of attorney document and court orders
- Veteran’s benefits, workers’ compensation, or unemployment – Award letter or pay stubs
- Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or pension benefits – Award letter or pay stubs.
- Military service – Current Military ID (Form DD-2) or military orders
- Loan or Gifts – loan agreements and large financial gifts must-have details of the person giving the gift
- Residence – utility bill, rent receipt, or letter from landlord
SNAP Benefit Required Documents
The following will be required when applying for any SNAP benefits.
- Proof of Income – Last three pay stubs or a statement from the employer
- Bank Accounts – Latest bank statement
- Medical Costs – any receipts or documentation from the health care provider
- Rent or housing costs – cheque stubs and landlord details
- Dependents Care Expenses – all receipts or signed statements
- Child Support – court papers, court orders, district court records, and receipts
TANF Benefits Required Documents
The following will be required when applying for any TANF benefits.
- Proof of Income – Last three pay stubs or a statement from the employer
- Bank Accounts – Latest bank statement
- Child Support – court papers, court orders, district court records, and receipts
- Proof of Child – birth or baptism certificate
- Citizenship – U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
- Child Vaccines – Vaccine records for the child
- Proof Child Resides with Applicant – signed statement from landlord or non-relative
- Health Insurance – copies on the front and rear of the insurance card
CHIP Or Medicaid Benefits Required Documents
The following will be required when applying for any CHIP or Medicaid benefits.
- Proof of Income – Last three pay stubs or statements from the employer
- Citizenship – U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
- Medical Costs – any receipts or documentation from a healthcare provider
Medicaid For A Pregnant Women Required Documents
The following will be required when applying for any Medicaid for pregnancy benefits
- Proof of Income – Last three pay stubs or a statement from the employer
- Citizenship – U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
- Medical Costs – any receipts or documentation from a healthcare provider
- Dependents Care Expenses – all receipts or signed statements
When TANF Cash Benefits Paid
The payments will be deposited once a month. The last number on the TANF Eligibility Determination Group number tells you the date it is deposited.
| TANF EDG Last Number | Deposit date |
| 0,1,2,3 | 1st |
| 4,5,6 | 2nd |
| 7,8,9 | 3rd |
Your Texas Benefits FAQs
The Your Texas Benefits platform is a great and simple way of applying for social benefits in Texas. Below are some common frequently asked questions pertaining to the platform and benefits.
What Is A Lone Star Card?
The HHSC provides SNAP and TANF cash benefits through the Lone Star Card. It can be used like a standard debit card at participating retailers. An approved monthly cash amount is deposited into the card.
What Can I Purchase With A Lone Star Card?
If you receive SNAP benefits, you may purchase food, seed, and other plants that can be grown for food. You may not purchase alcohol, tobacco, home supplies, pet food, or cosmetics with SNAP benefits.
If you receive TANF benefits, you may purchase food, clothing, housing, furniture, medical supplies, and pay for transport. You may also withdraw cash from select stores.
When Are SNAP Food Benefits Paid Into My Account?
All SNAP benefits are placed into your account once a month. The date can be found on the benefits awards letter (TF0001)
Must I Use My Benefits Within A Single Month?
All unused benefits stay available and accumulate for nine months from the date they are placed into your account.
How Do I Apply For Benefits?
The easiest way to apply is to register on yourtexasbenifits.com. It is available online and in mobile app stores for free. Register and complete the online application form. Upload or fax all required documents and wait for a call-back from the HHSC.
References:
- Your Texas Benefits website: yourtexasbenefits.com
- Lone Star Card FAQs: hhs.texas.gov
- Lone Star Card General Info: Wikipedia.org
- Texas HHSC General Info: Wikipedia.org
- TANF Regulations: hhs.texas.gov
- Your Texas Benefits Application: hhs.texas.gov
- Your Texas Benefits Introduction video: youtube.com
- Your Texas Benefits application video: youtube.com
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Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
