Benefits & Assistance in Houston, TX

Q: What benefits are available in Houston?

Residents of Houston can access federal programs (SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, WIC), Texas state programs, and Harris County-specific programs including emergency rental assistance, food banks, and local utility help. Dial 2-1-1 to reach a local specialist.

Q: How do I apply for food stamps (SNAP) in Houston?

Apply for SNAP in Houston through YourTexasBenefits.com at https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com. You can also apply in person at your local Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) office.

Residents of Houston can access dozens of federal, Texas state, and local programs — from food and health coverage to rent help and utility assistance. Use our free screener to find everything you qualify for in about 2 minutes.

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Federal programs available in Houston

These federal programs are available to qualifying Houston residents:

🍎 SNAP (Food Stamps) ~$250/person/month

Monthly food benefits on an EBT card. Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com

🏥 Texas Medicaid Free or low-cost health coverage

Texas has limited Medicaid — check eligibility at the link above.

💡 LIHEAP (Utility Assistance) Up to $1,000+/year

Federal help with heating and cooling bills. Apply through BakerRipley or the Gulf Coast Community Services Association (local LIHEAP administrators).

🍼 WIC ~$50–$175/month in food benefits

For pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5.

🏠 Section 8 Housing Vouchers Covers rent above 30% of income

Administered by the Houston Housing Authority (HHA). Waitlists can be long — apply when open.

Harris County programs & local resources

In addition to federal and state programs, Harris County has local resources that many residents don't know about:

Houston Food Bank — Hunger-Free Communities

Food

The Houston Food Bank distributes food to individuals and families across the Houston area through pantries, mobile distributions, and a SNAP enrollment assistance program.

📞 832-369-9390

Learn more →

Harris County Emergency Assistance

Emergency

Harris County operates emergency assistance programs for residents in crisis, including utility assistance and food support. Contact 2-1-1 for current program availability.

📞 713-755-5000

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City of Houston Housing Assistance

Housing

The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department offers rental assistance, homeowner repair programs, and housing counseling for low-income Houstonians.

📞 832-394-6200

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BakerRipley — LIHEAP & Emergency Services

Utilities

BakerRipley is a major local nonprofit that administers LIHEAP utility assistance, emergency food, and other services for Harris County residents.

📞 713-957-2300

Learn more →

SNAP Outreach — Houston Food Bank

Food

Many eligible Houston residents don't claim SNAP. The Houston Food Bank's SNAP outreach team can help you apply. Note: Texas has not expanded Medicaid — most adults without children don't qualify.

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Food assistance in Houston

Houston Food Bank — the largest food bank in the U.S. by food distribution volume; serves 18-county southeast Texas area with 1,500+ partner agencies
Feeding America food bank finder — find additional food pantries near you
SNAP — if you don't have SNAP yet, apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com. Most Houston households with low income qualify.

How to get help in Houston

Use our free screener — answer a few questions and we'll show you every federal, Texas, and local program you're likely eligible for.
Call 2-1-1 — free, confidential, 24/7. A local specialist will connect you to programs in Houston you may not know exist, including emergency cash assistance, food, and rental help.
Visit your local office — Texas HHSC has offices in Houston at multiple locations. Visit hhs.texas.gov or call 2-1-1 to find the nearest office or apply for benefits.

Related programs

SNAP in Texas — state-specific income limits and apply links
Medicaid in Texas — health coverage eligibility rules
EITC in Texas — federal + state earned income tax credits
LIHEAP — utility bill help

Find all benefits you qualify for in Houston

Our free screener checks SNAP, Medicaid, housing, utility assistance, tax credits, and 70+ other programs — in about 2 minutes.

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