Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce SNAP Replacement Benefits Extension For Bexar County Residents Affected By Storms

September 5, 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 in Bexar County can apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed by recent storms.

“As families across Texas recover from recent severe weather and flooding, it is critical that they have the support they need to rebuild,” 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 in Bexar County have until September 17, 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 (USDA) approved extending the deadline for reporting food loss from 10 days to 20 days.

“Recent storms and power outages have made it harder for many families in Bexar County to access healthy food,” HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said. “We are grateful to our federal partners for their collaboration in making these replacement benefits available.”

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 was 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.