Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Public Benefits

Are you struggling to keep groceries on the table? You’re not alone, and you might qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other benefits that can help you and your family.

Not sure where to start? Find out what benefits are available, which ones you’re eligible for and get help with the application process.

ProgramBenefits
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)Providing your family with financial assistance to purchase nutritious food.
CHIP, CHIP Perinatal or Medicaid (Children’s Health Insurance Program)Providing affordable, comprehensive healthcare for your family's well-being.
Healthy Texas Women’s ProgramProviding holistic reproductive healthcare, including family planning and preventive services, for women's well-being.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)Offering temporary financial assistance and employment support in difficult times.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) logo 
CHIP, CHIP Perinatal or Medicaid (Children’s Health Insurance Program) 
Healthy Texas Women program logo 
 

To learn more about these benefits, visit YourTexasBenefits.com.

 

Check your eligibility at Your Texas Benefits to find out which benefits you might qualify for.

Note: To be eligible for SNAP benefits you must be a citizen or legal resident.

There are three ways to apply:

Dallas College recommends you apply online with virtual assistance from North Texas Food Bank employee. Having someone at your side to guide you through your benefits application can make the process easier.

 

When you apply, you'll be asked for things like:

  • Who you are (identity)
  • Money you receive (income)
  • Costs you pay (expenses)
  • Things you pay for or own (assets)

Visit the Your Texas Benefits to find a full list of the documents that may be needed. Having these documents ready can speed up your application process.

Visit Your Texas Benefits to find a full list of the documents that are required.

General requirements for all applicants, including children:

  • Proof of Identity for all applicants (driver’s license, Texas Department of Public Safety ID, SSN, date of birth)
  • Proof of Residency (utility bill, rent receipt or letter from landlord)
  • Citizenship Status (U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, U.S. birth certificate with copies of the front and back, hospital record of birth or Medicare card)
  • Proof of Income (Last three pay stubs or paychecks, statement from your employer or self-employment records)
  • Bank Accounts (most current statement for all accounts)
  • Medical Costs (bills, receipts or statements from health-care providers)
  • Rent or Mortgage Costs (recent checks, check stubs, or statement from the mortgage bank or landlord)
  • Dependent or Child Care Expenses (receipts, canceled checks, a signed statement from the person you pay, or court papers that show what you pay for child support)
  • Veterans Benefits, Worker’s Compensation or Unemployment Benefits (award letter or pay stubs)
  • Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Pension Benefits (award letter or pay stubs)
  • Military Service (current Military ID or separation papers)
  • College Food Plan
  • College Loans (semesterly tuition, cost of books, loan amount)

After the application is submitted — either through virtual assistance, self-led or in-person assistance — Health and Human Services (HHSC) will reach out to you with any questions and request for additional documents. HHSC’s caller ID is usually (736) 867-7700.

Note: You may be required to have a phone interview.

HHSC is required to process applications within 30-45 days, however there is a long backlog of applications for SNAP and Medicaid, and the wait times are exceeding this period.

Please call 211 or 1-877-541-7905 and follow the prompts: select a language, press 2 for Health and Human Services (HHSC), press 1 to speak to a 211 representative.

You can fax, mail, or upload any remaining supporting documents to the Health and Human Services (HHSC) office. View the full details at YourTexasBenefits.com.

Do you have additional needs not covered by SNAP or other benefits? Dallas College’s Student Care Network is here to help. Our student care coordinators can refer you to the resources that best meet your needs — such as free child care, food pantries on campus, dental services, laptop devices for loan and more.

Get in contact with us: