What To Expect After Applying for SNAP

After you submit your application, verification documents and complete your eligibility interview, you will be approved or denied benefits within 30 days. 

In some cases, a customer’s application may be “expedited” based on the individual’s need and resources. If your application is “expedited,” you may be contacted for an eligibility interview within two days and may receive approval and benefits within seven days. 

Eligibility Interview

When you apply for SNAP, you must complete an eligibility interview to talk about your need for food assistance. It’s important to complete your interview as soon as you can. If you don’t complete it, your application may be delayed or denied.

How to Schedule an Eligibility Interview: 

After applying online, you can proactively schedule your interview in the One DHS Customer Portal on the “My Benefits” section of “My Dashboard.” If you opted in to receive text messages updates (via the One DHS Portal), you may also receive a text message (SMS) to remind you of interviews for your case. 

If You Do Not Schedule Your Interview Online:  

If you do not schedule an interview, TDHS will set one up for you. A TDHS eligibility counselor/case worker may call you as soon as two days after we get your completed application. Most interviews are done by phone, so it is a good idea to be ready for a call from TDHS after you submit your application. 

Some cases may receive an “expedited” status based on customer need and guideline standards. If your case is determined “expedited,” you may be contacted as soon as two days of completing your SNAP application.   

What If You Miss Your Scheduled Interview:  If you miss your interview, you can call the One DHS Contact Center at +1-833-772-TDHS (8347) to complete your interview or set up a new interview time.

Need to Turn in Verification Documents? 

In addition to the eligibility interview, to receive SNAP you must provide personal documents that show proof that you need and qualify to receive benefits. These personal records are known as “verification documents.”  

If you applied online, you would have followed steps to upload verification documents, or to do identity verifications. You can check your uploads, and turn in verification documents on the One DHS Customer Portal. 

Required verification documents for SNAP may include records of your: 

  • Social Security Number (Example: Social Security Card)
  • Identification (Example: driver’s license, school ID with photo, passport, resident alien card, I-94 card, voter’s registration card)
  • Where you live (Example: lease agreement, utility bill, phone bill, or driver’s license with your address on it)  
  • Income (Example: check stubs, employer statement, award letters) 
  • Resources (Example: bank statements, title, registration, or deed)
  • Shelter costs (Example: mortgage payments, property tax, homeowner’s insurance, rent receipt, lease agreement)
  • Cost of utilities (Example: electric bill, water bill, gas bill) 
  • Employment, Volunteer or Education Enrollment Status (pay stubs, volunteer logs, enrollment records or other documents that prove you are employed, a volunteer or receiving job training). If you are considered an “able-bodied adult without dependents” you many also be required to show proof of participating in employment, volunteer or education activities. Details can be found on the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents page on the TDHS website.

Checking Your Case or Application Status  

You can check the status of your application by logging into the One DHS Customer Portal. Reviewing your application and case can help you stay informed about any missing documents or information that may prevent your SNAP application from moving forward or cause a benefit interruption.