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Benefit information

Types of benefits
- What benefits can I apply for on YourTexasBenefits.com?
  SNAP Food Benefits
  Helps buy food for good health
  
  TANF Cash Help
  Helps pay for food, housing and clothing
  
  Health Care
  Helps cover medical bills and medicine
  
  Healthy Texas Women
  Helps pay for exams, screenings and birth control
  
  Medicare Savings Programs
  Helps people pay medicare costs
  
  Long-term Care Services
  Helps people with a long-lasting illness or disability
  
  To see if you should apply for benefits, go to the ‘Learn’ page and use the Prescreening Tool at the bottom.
  
  Interest lists and support services
  If you need long-term support for daily living, there are programs that may be able to help. You can join interest lists on this website for the following programs:
  - Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
  - Deaf Blind with Multiple Disability (DBMD)
  - Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP)
  - STAR+PLUS HCBS program (STAR+PLUS HCBS)
  To learn more about interest lists, read our FAQ.
  
  You can also find support services on the 'Learn' tab. Support services help people with daily living needs, caregivers, and people with mental health, drug or alcohol issues.
  
  To learn more about benefit programs, go to the Texas Health and Human Services website.
- Where can I get more information about the Healthy Texas Woman program?
  You can visit https://www.healthytexaswomen.org to learn more about the program.
- What are interest lists?
  Interest lists are like waiting lists for programs that provide long-term supports and services. If you need help with daily living, these programs can help. Because there is so much need for these programs, you have to wait on an interest list until space in the program becomes available.
  
  Are you guaranteed help if you join an interest list?
  No. Joining an interest list doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get help from that program. When you get to the top of the list, you’ll be evaluated to see if the program meets your needs. You should review each program carefully and only join interest lists for programs that you think are a good fit.
  
  Who can join interest lists?
  Interest lists are open to everyone. You can join for yourself or for someone else. All you need is an Interest List ID. You can create one at YourTexasBenefits.com.
  
  Interest lists you can join online
  You can join interest lists for four Medicaid waiver programs at YourTexasBenefits.com:
  - Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
  - Deaf Blind with Multiple Disability (DBMD)
  - Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP)
  - STAR+PLUS HCBS program (STAR+PLUS HCBS)
  Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
  CLASS provides help to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It's an alternative to institutional care.
  Services include:
  - Adaptive aids
  - Behavioral support
  - Case management
  - Continued family services and transition assistance
  - Dental treatment
  - Minor home modifications
  - Nursing
  - Personal assistance services and habilitation(PAS/HAB)
  - Respite
  - Skilled and specialized therapies
  Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD)
  DBMD provides help to people with deaf-blindness or a condition leading to it. They must also have one or more other disabilities that impair daily living. This program is an alternative to institutional care.
  Services include:
  - Adaptive aids
  - Assisted living
  - Dental treatment
  - Help with orientation and mobility
  - Intervener support
  - Minor home modifications
  - Personal assistance services and habilitation (PAS/HAB)
  - Professional therapies
  Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP)
  MDCP provides home and community-based services for families with a medically dependent child 20 years old or younger. This program is administered through the STAR Kids Managed Care Program.
  Services include:
  - Adaptive aids
  - Employment assistance
  - Flexible family support services to help with:
    Child care
    Independent living
    Participation in post-secondary education
  - Minor home modifications
  - Respite
  - Transition assistance
  STAR+PLUS HBCS program (STAR+PLUS HCBS)
  STAR+PLUS HCBS is a home and community-based program that provides long-term services and supports. This is a Medicaid managed care program for adults with disabilities or people 65 years old or older. It offers an alternative to institutional care.
  Services include:
  - Adaptive aids
  - Adult day activity and health services (DAHS)
  - Adult foster care
  - Assisted living
  - Dental treatment
  - Emergency response services
  - Employment services
  - Minor home modifications
  - Nursing
  - Personal attendant services
  - Professional therapies
  - Respite
  - Unlimited prescription medication
  Interest lists you must join by phone
  There are other Medicaid waiver programs with interest lists that you can join, but you can only join them by phone. After you join, you can check your status on the interest list for these programs at YourTexasBenefits.com. Call your local intellectual and developmental disability authority (LIDDA) to learn more.
  Find my Local Authority Office
  
  Home and Community-based Services (HCS)HCS provides help to people with intellectual disabilities or related conditions. They must live with their family, in their own home, or in a three-person, four-person or host home/companion care setting.
  Services include:
  - Adaptive aids
  - Behavioral support
  - Day habilitation
  - Dental treatment
  - Employment assistance
  - Minor home modifications
  - Nursing
  - Personal assistance services and habilitation (PAS/HAB)
  - Professional therapies
  - Residential assistance, including:
    Host home/companion care
    Residential support
    Supervised living
    Respite
  Texas Home Living (TxHmL)TxHmL provides help to people with intellectual disabilities or related conditions. They must live in their family's home or their own home.
  Services include:
  - Adaptive aids
  - Behavioral support
  - Day habilitation
  - Dental treatment
  - Employment assistance
  - Minor home modifications
  - Nursing
  - Personal assistance services and habilitation (PAS/HAB)
  - Professional therapies
  - Respite
  Community servicesYou can also join interest lists for community services. These are programs funded by Title XX of the Social Security Act. You can only join the interest list for these programs by phone. After you join, you can check your status on the interest list for these programs at YourTexasBenefits.com. Call your Regional Office to learn more.
  Find my Local Authority Office
  Community services include:
  - Adult Foster Care (AFC)
  - Community Attendant Services (CAS)
  - Consumer Managed Personal Attendant Services (CMPAS)
  - Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS)
  - Emergency Response Services (ERS)
  - Home-Delivered Meals (HDM)
  - Residential Care (RC)
  - Special Services to Persons with Disabilities (SSPD)
- Will applying for benefits affect my ability to become a U.S. citizen or legal resident?
  If you are a refugee or have been given asylum, getting benefits will not affect your chances of getting a Permanent Resident Card (green card) or becoming a citizen.
  
  If you are not a refugee or have not been given asylum, you might want to talk to an agency that helps immigrants with legal questions before you apply. If you get Medicaid long-term care services or TANF cash help, the benefits may affect your immigration status and your chances of getting a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Other benefits may not affect your immigration status or chances of getting a Permanent Resident Card.
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Getting benefits
- If my application is approved, how will I get benefits?
  SNAP Food Benefits and TANF Cash Help
  You will get a Lone Star Card. This is a plastic card that is used like a debit card. Each month, your approved monthly benefit amount is placed in your card's account.
  
  Medicaid
  You will get a Medicaid card.
  
  Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
  You will get a CHIP insurance card.
  
  If you have other questions about the benefits you get, visit www.hhs.texas.gov. Click on 'Questions about Your Benefits?
- What is the difference between a case number and an EDG number?
  A case number is a number that usually includes all of the programs (for example SNAP, TANF, and health care) in a household or a family. Most families only have one case number.
  
  An EDG number (Eligibility Determination Group number) is the number assigned to each program (for example SNAP, TANF, and health care) in a case.
- What can I do with the Your Texas Benefits mobile app?
  You can manage your cases from your phone.
  
  Use the app to:
  - Set up a new account
  - Check the status of your benefits
  - Change your password
  - Update your phone numbers
  - Sign up and manage alerts about your cases
  - Upload photos of files or forms we need from you then send them to us
  - Report most changes
  - Find an HHSC benefits or community partner office
  Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)CLASS provides help to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It's an alternative to institutional care.
  Services include:
  - Adaptive aids
  - Behavioral support
  - Case management
  - Continued family services and transition assistance
  - Dental treatment
  - Minor home modifications
  - Nursing
  - Personal assistance services and habilitation(PAS/HAB)
  - Respite
  - Skilled and specialized therapies
  ",
  
  Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD)
  DBMD provides help to people with deaf-blindness or a condition leading to it. They must also have one or more other disabilities that impair daily living. This program is an alternative to institutional care.
  Services include:
  - Adaptive aids
  - Assisted living
  - Dental treatment
  - Help with orientation and mobility
  - Intervener support
  - Minor home modifications
  - Personal assistance services and habilitation (PAS/HAB)
  - Professional therapies
  Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP)
  MDCP provides home and community-based services for families with a medically dependent child 20 years old or younger. This program is administered through the STAR Kids Managed Care Program.
  Services include:
  - Adaptive aids
  - Employment assistance
  - Flexible family support services to help with:
    Child care
    Independent living
    Participation in post-secondary education
  - Minor home modifications
  - Respite
  - Transition assistance
- How can I contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)?
  Phone: Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905. After you pick a language, press 2.
  
  Mail: PO Box 149024, Austin, TX 78714-9024
  
  Fax: 1-877-447-2839
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Medicaid / CHIP
- How do I know if my child is approved for Medicaid or CHIP?
  After you apply for healthcare benefits for your children, we will send you a letter. The letter will tell you if your child has been approved for Medicaid or CHIP benefits.
  
  You can also go online to check the status of your case:
  1. Log in to your account
  2. Click 'Manage'
  3. Click on 'Details' next to your child's medical case
  The 'Details' page will show you which benefits each person gets.
  
  To find more helpful information, check out 'Getting Benefits'
- How do I enroll in CHIP?
  Enrolling in CHIP means you need to pick your child’s medical and dental plan, and then a doctor and dentist. Some families may need to pay a fee when they enroll. You must enroll in CHIP before you can get healthcare services.
  
  To enroll online:
  1. Log in to your account
  2. Click 'Manage'
  3. Click 'Medicaid & CHIP Services'
  4. Click 'Enroll'
  5. Follow the instructions in the new window that opens
  To enroll by phone: Call us toll-free at 1-877-543-7669 (1-877-KIDS-NOW)
  
  To enroll by mail: Fill out the enrollment packet forms that we mail to you
- How does HHSC decide if my child gets CHIP or Medicaid?
  When you apply for health care benefits, we look at:
  1. How much money you get
  2. How many people live in your home
  3. Things you own
  4. Some bills you pay
  5. Your child's age
  We first look to see if a child can get Medicaid. If the child can’t get Medicaid, we find out if they can get CHIP. Younger children can get Medicaid at higher income levels than older children. This means that for some families, one child might get Medicaid and another child might get CHIP.
- Why did one of my children get CHIP and another get Medicaid?
  When you apply for healthcare benefits for your children, we first look to see if a child can get Medicaid. If the child can’t get Medicaid, we find out if they can get CHIP.
  
  Federal and state policies set the rules for each program. For some families, this means one child might get Medicaid and another child might get CHIP.
  
  If you think there is an error, call 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905 (after you pick a language, press 2).
- How does HHSC decide if my unborn child gets CHIP perinatal, or if I get Medicaid?
  When you apply for healthcare benefits, we look at:
  1. How much money you get
  2. How many people live in your home
  3. Things you own
  4. Some bills you pay
  We first look to see if you can get Medicaid. If you can’t get Medicaid, we find out if your unborn child can get CHIP perinatal.
  
  If you are approved for CHIP perinatal, you might need to switch to Medicaid when it’s time to deliver your baby. We’ll send you a letter before your baby is born to let you know if you need to switch to Medicaid, and what steps you need to take.
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SNAP / TANF
- When are SNAP food benefits put into my account?
  SNAP benefits will be put into your account once per month. To find the day of the month that you will receive SNAP benefits, look on the notice we sent that said you get SNAP benefits. You can also log in to your account at YourTexasBenefits.com or on the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
  
  On the Your Texas Benefits website: In the upper-right corner, click Log In and enter your username and password. After logging in to your account, select Manage, find your case under My Cases and then select Details. Within your case details, you will see the benefits amount and day of the month that you will receive a deposit.
  
  On the Your Texas Benefits mobile app: After logging in, select your case, select View Benefits Summary and expand your SNAP benefits information. The expanded information will show the benefits amount and day of the month that you will receive a deposit.
- When are TANF cash benefits put into my account?
  TANF benefits will be put into your account once per month. You can find the day that you will receive your benefits each month on the notice we sent that you can get TANF benefits and on the Your Texas Benefits website or mobile app.
  
  On the Your Texas Benefits website: In the upper-right corner, click Log In and enter your username and password. After logging in to your account, select Manage, find your case under My Cases and then select Details. Within your case details, you will see the benefits amount and day of the month that you will receive a deposit.
  
  On the Your Texas Benefits Mobile app: After logging in, select your case, select View Benefits Summary and expand your TANF benefits information. The expanded information will show the benefits amount and day of the month that you will receive a deposit.
- What if I don't use all my benefits in one month?
  You won't lose your benefits if you don't use them all in one month. Benefits that you don't use stay in your account. The next time benefits are put into your account, they are added to what is still in there.
  
  Benefits stay in your account for a year from the date they are put in your account.
- What is a Lone Star Card account?
  If you get SNAP food benefits or TANF cash help, those benefits are put on your Lone Star Card. It's a plastic card that is used like a debit card to pay for items.
  
  The Lone Star Card account is like a bank account. Each month your benefits will show up in your card's account like a deposit. When you buy something, the amount you spend is taken out of your account.
  
  You can use your card at stores that have a Lone Star Card, SNAP, or EBT sign.
  
  By creating a Your Texas Benefits account, you can see:
  - A list of benefits you get
  - Your benefit amounts
- How do I start using my Lone Star Card?
  Before you can use your card, you must:
  1. Activate your Lone Star card
    Call us at 1-800-777-7328 to activate your card.
  2. Pick or change your PIN
    
    You need 4 numbers for your PIN
    
    Pick numbers that are easy for you to remember, but hard for others to guess
    
    If you already have a Lone Star Card PIN, you can keep it or change it
  3. Sign the back of your card. You can’t use your card until you sign it.
  When you're ready to buy items in a store:
  - Swipe your card in the store’s payment machine
  - Pick “EBT”
  - Enter your PIN (the cashier can’t enter your PIN for you -- never give your PIN to anyone)
  - Keep the receipt — it shows the amount that’s still in your account – the amount you have left to spend
  Remember:
  - Don't write your PIN on your card or on anything you keep with your card
  - Never tell your PIN to anyone
  - If you enter your PIN wrong too many times, your card may be locked until the next day or until you call 1-800-777-7328
- What can I buy with my Lone Star Card?
  If you get SNAP food benefits:
  - You can buy food, seeds, or plants to grow food.
  You can not use SNAP benefits to buy:
  - Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
  - Any non-food items, such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, cosmetics, and supplies for the home
  - Vitamins and medicines
  - Hot foods
  You can't use SNAP benefits to pay for deposits on refundable containers.
  
  To learn more, go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SNAP website.
  
  If you get TANF benefits you can buy or pay for:
  - Food
  - Clothes
  - Rent or mortgage
  - Utilities, such as gas, water, electricity, sewage, and garbage
  - Furniture
  - Transportation, such as bus passes and gas
  - Phone
  - Laundry
  - Supplies for the house, such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies
  You can not use TANF benefits to buy things such as:
  - Alcohol drinks
  - Cigarettes and other tobacco items
  - Lottery tickets, bingo, and other gambling games
  - Adult entertainment
  - Guns and ammunition
  - Illegal drugs
- Can someone else get a Lone Star Card so they can buy items for me?
  If you need someone else to help you buy things, you can ask for a second card to give to someone you trust. The money that person spends on the second card will come out of your card's account.
  
  You are the only person who can use your card and PIN. The person with the second card is the only person who can use the second card and PIN. It is illegal to let someone else use your card.
  
  You can ask for a second card by calling us at 1-800-777-7328.
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WIC
- What is WIC?
  Texas WIC helps you buy the foods you and your children need to stay healthy. Learn more about WIC food packages. WIC also:
  - Connects you to other families.
  - Answers your questions about health and nutrition for your family.
  - Gives you personal attention from WIC breastfeeding experts and extra benefits, like breast pumps and special food packages.
  - Helps you find other health-care services near you.
- How do I apply for WIC?
  Visit your local WIC office to schedule an appointment or call 800-942-3678. Click here to find a WIC office near you.
- Who can apply for WIC?
  - Pregnant women,
  - Breastfeeding women,
  - Women who had a baby in the last six months and
  - Parents, step-parents, guardians and foster parents of children who are younger than 5.
- How do I know I am eligible?
  - If you are on Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP, you meet the income eligibility guidelines for WIC. If you don't qualify for these programs, you may still qualify for WIC by meeting the income guidelines for your household. You must live in Texas. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for eligibility.
  - Apply in person to learn if you are eligible. Click here to find a WIC office near you and make an appointment.
  - Your WIC appointment includes a visit with a nutrition expert to help determine your eligibility. WIC will measure, weigh and check the iron level of each family member applying for WIC and answer any questions you may have about health and nutrition.
- How long can I stay on WIC?
  If you meet the income and nutrition requirements:
  - Infants and children can stay on WIC until they turn 5.
  - Women who are pregnant receive WIC food benefits until the end of their pregnancy.
  - Women who are exclusively or mostly breastfeeding receive WIC food benefits until their baby is 1-year-old.
  - Women who are mostly or only formula feeding receive WIC food benefits until their baby is 6-months-old.
- What about fathers?
  Fathers of infants and children younger than 5 can enroll their children in the WIC program. Just like any other parent or guardian, fathers can bring their children to appointments, attend nutrition classes and get benefits for their children.
- Who provides WIC services?
  Many organizations offer WIC services such as local health departments, county and city agencies, migrant health centers, community action agencies and hospitals.
- Will I be able to use my Texas WIC card in another state?
  No, the Texas WIC card can only be used in Texas.
- What should I do if I moved to Texas from another state?
  Contact the local WIC office in your area to tell them you want to transfer your WIC benefits from another state. If you don’t know the nearest WIC office in your area, call 800-942-3678 or find a WIC office near you online.
- Who can I call if I have other questions?
  Call 800-942-3678 and press “0” to speak with a customer service representative.
- Learn More
  Visit TexasWIC.org
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Reporting fraud
- What should I do if I think someone is not using benefits correctly?
  You should always let us know if you think someone is doing something wrong with benefits. It could be abuse or fraud, which is against the law.
  
  Fill out an online reporting form at https://oig.hhs.texas.gov or call 1-800-436-6184.
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If my application is approved, how will I get benefits?
SNAP Food Benefits and TANF Cash Help
You will get a Lone Star Card. This is a plastic card that is used like a debit card. Each month, your approved monthly benefit amount is placed in your card's account.

Medicaid
You will get a Medicaid card.

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
You will get a CHIP insurance card.

If you have other questions about the benefits you get, visit www.hhs.texas.gov. Click on 'Questions about Your Benefits?
What is the difference between a case number and an EDG number?
A case number is a number that usually includes all of the programs (for example SNAP, TANF, and health care) in a household or a family. Most families only have one case number.

An EDG number (Eligibility Determination Group number) is the number assigned to each program (for example SNAP, TANF, and health care) in a case.
What can I do with the Your Texas Benefits mobile app?
You can manage your cases from your phone.

Use the app to:
- Set up a new account
- Check the status of your benefits
- Change your password
- Update your phone numbers
- Sign up and manage alerts about your cases
- Upload photos of files or forms we need from you then send them to us
- Report most changes
- Find an HHSC benefits or community partner office
Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)CLASS provides help to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It's an alternative to institutional care.
Services include:
- Adaptive aids
- Behavioral support
- Case management
- Continued family services and transition assistance
- Dental treatment
- Minor home modifications
- Nursing
- Personal assistance services and habilitation(PAS/HAB)
- Respite
- Skilled and specialized therapies
",

Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD)
DBMD provides help to people with deaf-blindness or a condition leading to it. They must also have one or more other disabilities that impair daily living. This program is an alternative to institutional care.
Services include:
- Adaptive aids
- Assisted living
- Dental treatment
- Help with orientation and mobility
- Intervener support
- Minor home modifications
- Personal assistance services and habilitation (PAS/HAB)
- Professional therapies
Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP)
MDCP provides home and community-based services for families with a medically dependent child 20 years old or younger. This program is administered through the STAR Kids Managed Care Program.
Services include:
- Adaptive aids
- Employment assistance
- Flexible family support services to help with:
  - Child care
  - Independent living
  - Participation in post-secondary education
- Minor home modifications
- Respite
- Transition assistance
How can I contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)?
Phone: Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905. After you pick a language, press 2.

Mail: PO Box 149024, Austin, TX 78714-9024

Fax: 1-877-447-2839
Back

What is the difference between a case number and an EDG number?

A case number is a number that usually includes all of the programs (for example SNAP, TANF, and health care) in a household or a family. Most families only have one case number.

An EDG number (Eligibility Determination Group number) is the number assigned to each program (for example SNAP, TANF, and health care) in a case.