Transferring SNAP (Food Stamps) from Kansas to Texas
The case itself does not move, but your EBT balance does: federal rules make the card work in every state. So the sequence is simple — close out with Kansas Department for Children and Families, then apply with Texas Health and Human Services Commission as soon as you are in Texas. Never hold cases in both states at once.
The income test is more generous where you are going: Texas allows gross income up to 165% of the federal poverty level versus 130% of the federal poverty level in Kansas. Some households that lost SNAP in Kansas qualify again in Texas.
Official Texas SNAP agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission ↗ (application page)
Your step-by-step checklist
Before you move
- 1
Tell Kansas Department for Children and Families you are moving out of state
Report your move to Kansas DCF through the DCF Self-Service Portal or 1-888-369-4777 and ask to close your Food Assistance case before applying in your new state — no SNAP in two states in the same month.
Kansas Department for Children and Families ↗
Moving week
- 2
Keep your EBT card — the balance still works
Benefits already on your EBT card remain yours and the card works at SNAP retailers in any state. Spend-down is not required before moving.
After you arrive
- 3
Apply with Texas Health and Human Services Commission right away
File the day you arrive if you can — approval can take up to 30 days. If your old state already issued SNAP for the month you move, your new benefits begin the following month; if not, the first month is prorated from your application date, not your arrival date. Stated processing: up to 30 days.
Online application ↗ - 4
Ask about expedited SNAP
If you have very low cash and resources after the move, federal rules require expedited service — benefits within 7 days.
Kansas vs Texas: the numbers that decide it
| Kansas (old state) | Texas (new state) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | Food Assistance Program | SNAP Food Benefits |
| Agency | Kansas Department for Children and Families | Texas Health and Human Services Commission |
| Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility | No (standard federal rules) | Yes |
| Gross income limit | 130% of the federal poverty level | 165% of the federal poverty level |
Monthly income limits by household size: Kansas vs Texas
| Household size | Kansas | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,729 | $2,195 |
| 2 people | $2,345 | $2,976 |
| 3 people | $2,960 | $3,757 |
| 4 people | $3,575 | $4,538 |
| 5 people | $4,191 | $5,319 |
| 6 people | $4,806 | $6,100 |
SNAP gross limits for October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027, computed from each state's % of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines the way USDA computes its tables. Each state's own chart controls. Full tables: Kansas · Texas · 2026 poverty guidelines.
Moving with more than one benefit?
The checklist generator merges Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, unemployment, and TANF into one ordered to-do list for this exact move.
Build the full Kansas → Texas checklistCommon questions
Will my EBT card from Kansas work in Texas?
Yes. EBT is interoperable nationwide, so any balance already issued spends normally at SNAP retailers in Texas. The card keeps working until the balance is used, even after your Kansas case closes.
Can I get SNAP in both states during the moving month?
No — receiving SNAP from two states in the same month is a program violation. Close the Kansas case for the month you leave, then apply in Texas. If Kansas already issued your benefits for the month you move, Texas cannot pay that month too, so your Texas benefits begin the following month; if not, Texas prorates your first month from the day you apply.
How fast can Texas approve my new SNAP case?
Federal rules give Texas Health and Human Services Commission up to 30 days, or 7 days for expedited service if your household has very low cash and resources after the move. Stated timing: up to 30 days.
Where do I actually apply in Texas?
Through Texas Health and Human Services Commission (online application linked above). Official SNAP pages for both states are cited at the bottom of this page.
Related guides
- Moving back: Texas to Kansas SNAP
- SNAP in Kansas: leaving or arriving
- SNAP in Texas: leaving or arriving
- Moving with SNAP: every state
- Kansas to Rhode Island SNAP
- Kansas to Washington SNAP
- Kansas to Alabama SNAP
- Kansas to California SNAP
Other benefits on the same move
Terms on this page: Federal poverty level (FPL) · Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) · Expedited SNAP · EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer)
Official sources
Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified .
- USDA FNS SNAP State Directory — Kansas — accessed 2026-08-08
- USDA FNS BBCE state chart — accessed 2026-08-08
- Your Texas Benefits — accessed 2026-08-08
- USDA FNS SNAP State Directory — Texas — accessed 2026-08-08