Transferring SNAP (Food Stamps) from Texas to Louisiana
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 Texas Health and Human Services Commission, then apply with Louisiana Department of Health as soon as you are in Louisiana. Never hold cases in both states at once.
The income test is more generous where you are going: Louisiana allows gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level versus 165% of the federal poverty level in Texas. Some households that lost SNAP in Texas qualify again in Louisiana.
Official Louisiana SNAP agency: Louisiana Department of Health ↗ (application page)
Your step-by-step checklist
Before you move
- 1
Tell Texas Health and Human Services Commission you are moving out of state
Report your move through your Your Texas Benefits account (or 2-1-1) and ask for your SNAP case to be closed before applying in your new state — no SNAP in two states in the same month.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission ↗
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 Louisiana Department of Health right away
File the day you arrive if you can — approval can take up to 30 days, and benefits start 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.
Texas vs Louisiana: the numbers that decide it
| Texas (old state) | Louisiana (new state) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | SNAP Food Benefits | Louisiana SNAP |
| Agency | Texas Health and Human Services Commission | Louisiana Department of Health |
| Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility | Yes | Yes |
| Gross income limit | 165% of the federal poverty level | 200% of the federal poverty level |
Verified 2026-08-08 (Texas) and 2026-08-08 (Louisiana) against the official sources cited below.
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 Texas → Louisiana checklistCommon questions
Will my EBT card from Texas work in Louisiana?
Yes. EBT is interoperable nationwide, so any balance already issued spends normally at SNAP retailers in Louisiana. The card keeps working until the balance is used, even after your Texas 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 Texas case for the month you leave, then apply in Louisiana. Benefits in Louisiana start from your application date.
How fast can Louisiana approve my new SNAP case?
Federal rules give Louisiana Department of Health 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 Louisiana?
Through Louisiana Department of Health (online application linked above). Official SNAP pages for both states are cited at the bottom of this page.
Related guides
Official sources
Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified.
- Your Texas Benefits — accessed 2026-08-08
- USDA FNS SNAP State Directory — Texas — accessed 2026-08-08
- USDA FNS BBCE state chart — accessed 2026-08-08
- LDH SNAP — accessed 2026-08-08
- USDA FNS SNAP State Directory — Louisiana — accessed 2026-08-08