SNAP and Medicaid
For information about SNAP, including benefit increases, click SNAP Benefits below.
Medicaid CHIP COVID-19 Information Sessions
Hear about the actions taken to implement federal flexibilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the 1135, Appendix K and 1115 options. Learn more.
This page provides information to Texans receiving HHS services. HHS has provided guidance to child care facilities, long-term care facilities, and other entities that our agency regulates. You can find that guidance here.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. Check back often for the latest details and what you need to know about COVID‑19. See also the DSHS website for the latest developments on COVID‑19.
Aging Services
HHS is providing information on Being Informed and Staying Connected (PDF) and Nutrition Resources for Staying Healthy (PDF) for older adults social distancing during COVID-19.
Texas HHSC is launching the Know Your Neighbor campaign to encourage connection and engagement with older neighbors while remaining safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.
Visit the Area Agencies on Aging page for more information on Area Agencies on Aging and COVID-19.
Crisis Counseling
While many are concerned with the coronavirus specifically, difficult feelings can also emerge due to uncertainty about financial and employment circumstances; stressors like grief and loss, decision-making and school and child care closures; and adjusting to what some are referring to as the “new normal.”
Where Can I Get Help?
In a statewide response to COVID-19, multiple local mental health authorities are providing crisis counseling services to all persons seeking mental health support and referral services. All persons seeking services may also call the statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line (PDF), 833-986-1919, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or contact their local mental health authority for assistance.
Resources
- Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health — Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (PDF)
- Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse Considerations During COVID-19 (PDF)
- Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Traumatic Event (PDF)
- Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (PDF)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Resources for Managing Stress
- HHSC Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Brochure (PDF)
Healthy Texas Women/Family Planning Program
COVID-19 benefits are available for Healthy Texas Women and Family Planning Program clients and providers. Read the COVID-19 program updates (PDF).
Medicaid & CHIP Services
Medicaid recipients will continue to have coverage during the federally-declared public health emergency. (The only exceptions would be for recipients who no longer reside in Texas, voluntarily leave the program, or are deceased.)
Medicaid recipients who have renewals due during the pandemic will get a notice on the next steps to take to maintain their coverage after the pandemic ends.
Beginning in February 2021, HHS will resume transitioning Medicaid recipients to a different type of Medicaid coverage if they are no longer eligible for their current type of Medicaid. If a Medicaid recipient is no longer eligible for any type of Medicaid they will continue to with their current type of Medicaid coverage until the public health emergency ends.
Medicaid recipients will be sent a notice if anything changes for them and if they need to take any action.
Visit the Medicaid & CHIP Services page for more program specific COVID-19 information.
Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT)
Due to school closures, families may be eligible for assistance through Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). Households receiving SNAP food benefits and children who received free or reduced-price meals may be eligible for a one-time benefit. Visit the P-EBT page for more information.
SNAP Benefits
Due to the public health emergency, all SNAP recipients will get the maximum amount for their household size for September. To see the maximum amounts, visit the SNAP Food Benefits page.
SNAP benefits for recipients with a September, October or November 2021 renewal date have been automatically extended for 6 months. A new packet will be sent with an updated renewal date. If you have questions about your renewal, call 2-1-1 and select Option 2.
Beginning in April 2021, all SNAP households will receive an increase of at least $95 from their normal benefit amount, if their benefits have not already increased by at least that amount because of the public health emergency.
- Households that have not had their SNAP benefits increase due to the public health emergency will receive an additional $95 per month.
- Households that have had an increase, but the increase is less than $95, will receive additional benefits so they get $95 more than their normal benefit amount.
- Households that have already had an increase of more than $95 will not see a change in their benefits.
No action is required to get this amount if you are eligible.
SNAP recipients will also receive a 15 percent increase to their benefit amount through September.
SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot
The SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot allows SNAP recipients in Texas to buy food online from Amazon and Walmart. This will make it easier to get food by having the option to have food for pick up or delivery. Learn more about the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot.
Reporting a Complaint about an HHS Service Provider
To report health and safety concerns about HHS regulated providers – including concerns related to COVID-19 response – the public can report concerns online to the Health and Human Services Commission or by calling 1-800-458-9858.
Visit the Complaint and Incident Intake page to learn more about filing a complaint about an HHS services provider.
Read the Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Coronavirus Visitation Resource (PDF).