Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce SNAP Replacement Benefits Extension Following Tropical Storm Edouard

TEXAS, September 11 - September 11, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval to extend the time Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to Tropical Storm Edouard.

“Families impacted by severe weather should focus on recovery, not on where their next meal will come from,” said Governor Abbott. “SNAP replacement benefits will help families replace food that was lost or destroyed as we deliver all available resources to affected Texans.”

SNAP recipients have until September 21, 2026, to apply for replacement benefits. Funds should be added to Lone Star Cards within two business days of receiving the request.

At the request of HHSC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Administration approved extending the deadline for reporting food loss from 10 days to 20 days for SNAP recipients in Angelina, Galveston, Hardin, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Tyler counties.

“HHSC is focused on helping Texans recover after Tropical Storm Edouard,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth. “We appreciate our federal partners for allowing affected families additional time to replace lost food.”

SNAP recipients can call 2-1-1 and, after selecting a language, select option 7 to request a benefit replacement. Recipients may also visit a local HHSC office to request a benefit replacement. To find an office, visit YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Find an Office” at the bottom of the page.

Clients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) can also request replacement benefits for food purchased with September WIC benefits that were lost due to power outages or storm damage. WIC clients should contact their WIC office before September 30, 2026, if they need replacement benefits. Find a local WIC office at TexasWIC.org.

Texans impacted by any disaster can visit the HHSC Receiving Disaster Assistance webpage for more information. To find local resources, such as food or shelter, dial 2-1-1 and select option 1.