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HOW

v     You can apply by:

Ø      Going to the TxHHSC office nearest to you.  You can either go without an appointment or you can call to schedule an appointment to apply at a local office of TxHHSC

Ø      Calling on the telephone (dial 2-1-1) and

§         Ask that TxHHSC take your application by telephone;

§         Ask that TxHHSC mail you an application;

§         Ask that a TxHHSC caseworker contact you to set up a telephone interview;

§         Ask where is the closest TxHHSC office to you

Ø      Completing a paper application and sending it by mail or fax to TxHHSC.  You can get a paper application by:

§         Printing, downloading, or requesting it from the  internet at www.yourtexasbenefits.com

§         Submitting a written request for an application by way of mail or fax, or

§         Picking an application up at a TxHHSC office or other locations that carry them.

v     Verification Documents: 

Ø      You will need to provide TxHHSC with certain verification documents. 

Ø      Verification documents are documents that provide evidence of information you submit in your application, such as your earned income, expenses, etc.

Ø      Examples of verification documents include a birth certificate, pay stub, utility bill, etc.  

Ø      The verification documents you need to submit vary based on your personal situation. TxHHSC will let you know what, if any, verification documents you should submit and the deadline for sending them.

v     Resources and Food Stamps

Ø      You are required to provide financial information for everyone in your household.

Ø      TxHHSC will look at your financial resources as well as your income.

Ø      Your car may be worth up to $15, 000.

Ø      If you own more than one car, each extra car can be worth up to $4,650.

Ø      You can have up to $5,000 in checking & savings.

Ø      If you own the home where you live, the homestead is not counted as a resource for the purposes of Food Stamps eligibility.

v     Food Stamps and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/cash assistance):

Ø      There are NO time limits on Food Stamp eligibility - TANF time limits do NOT affect whether your family receives Food Stamps.

Ø      You do NOT automatically lose Food Stamps when TANF stops - eligibility requirements for Food Stamps are different than for TANF.

Ø      Your children may stay on Food Stamps as long as your family income is below poverty.

v     Reporting Requirements: 

Ø      You must let TxHHSC know about any changes in your living situation. 

Ø      You are responsible for reporting - within 10 days - to TxHHSC any changes in your situation, including:

§         Income,

§         Resources,

§         Your job,

§         Address, and/or

§         Who lives in your household.

Ø      You should always keep a copy of any documents you give to TxHHSC

Ø      You should always get TxHHSC to date stamp a copy of any document delivered to office

Ø      You should avoid mailing in documents since it is better to have a receipt showing you delivered the documents

Ø      If at all possible, send mail to TxHHSC by certified mail with return receipt requested

v     Re-certification:

Ø      You will have the responsibility to return to the TxHHSC office for "re-certification," or to renew your application

Ø      TxHHSC will mail you a notice of a re-certification appointment (about every 6 months).