Texas extends deadline for flood affected SNAP recipients to replace food lost during devastating July floods
Austin, Texas – Texas families affected by the devastating flooding that struck parts of the state in July will have additional time to request replacement food assistance after state officials secured federal approval for a deadline extension.
Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received authorization from the federal government to give eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients more time to apply for replacement benefits if food purchased through the program was lost or destroyed because of the floods.
The extension allows eligible Texans in several flood-affected counties to submit requests through August 3, 2026, providing extra time for families still dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.
“Families who lost food in the recent floods now have more time to request SNAP replacement benefits,” Governor Abbott said. “This deadline extension through August 3 will help put meals on the table for those in need.”
Extension applies to nine Texas counties
The extended deadline is available to SNAP recipients living in Bandera, Blanco, Frio, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Uvalde, and Val Verde counties.
According to state officials, eligible households that submit approved requests should receive the replacement benefits on their Lone Star Cards within two business days after their application is processed.
The extension became possible after the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Administration approved a request submitted by HHSC to lengthen the reporting period for people seeking replacement food benefits following the floods.
State leaders said the additional time is intended to reduce some of the burden facing families as they continue recovering from one of the state’s recent natural disasters.
“HHSC is committed to helping Texans affected by the devastating flooding in July,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth. “These replacement benefits will help ensure feeding their families is one less worry as they focus on recovering and rebuilding.”
How eligible families can request assistance
Officials said SNAP recipients seeking replacement benefits should visit their nearest Texas Health and Human Services Commission office to submit a request. Residents can locate the closest office by visiting YourTexasBenefits.com and selecting the “Find an Office” option located at the bottom of the webpage.
Recognizing that some residents may not be able to travel because of age, disability, or distance, HHSC is also allowing applications to be submitted by mail or fax. Eligible recipients can download Form H1855, complete it, and mail it to Texas Health and Human Services, P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX, 78714-9027, or fax the completed form to 877-447-2839.
State officials also reminded Texans that additional disaster assistance resources remain available. Anyone affected by a disaster can visit the HHSC Receiving Disaster Assistance webpage for updated information about available programs. Residents looking for immediate local assistance, including food, shelter, or other essential services, are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 and select option 1 to connect with community resources.
The deadline extension is intended to help families replace food lost during the floods so they can focus on repairing their homes, caring for their loved ones, and continuing the recovery process without the added stress of replacing essential groceries.
