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Metrocrest Services shares SNAP benefit updates to help protect your food benefits. Updates may include changes, deadlines, and helpful SNAP information. Stay informed on changes and the steps you may have to take.

SNAP Updates

Starting April 1, 2026, Texas is making a new rule about what you can buy with SNAP.  You will no longer be able to buy candy or sweetened drinks with your SNAP benefits. These rules apply at all stores in Texas.  

What This Means for You 

  • Your SNAP card will still work for most food items. 
  • Candy and sugary drinks will not go through at checkout. 
  • Your monthly SNAP amount does NOT change. 
  • You can still buy candy or sweet drinks with cash or another card. 

Examples of Items SNAP Will Not Cover 

  • Candy bars 
  • Gummies 
  • Chocolate candy 
  • Soda 
  • Energy drinks 
  • Sweet tea 
  • Sports drinks 

Why Is This Happening? 

The state is making this rule to limit sugary items bought with SNAP. 
Stores are updating their computer systems so these items are blocked at checkout.  

How Metrocrest Can Help 

If this change makes your grocery shopping harder, Metrocrest can support you with: 

  • Free food from our pantry 
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables 

Please call us or visit if you have questions. We’re here to help you get the food you need. 

More Information 

If you want to learn more about the new SNAP rule, here are helpful links: 

Starting February 1, the federal government made SNAP work rules stricter for many adults. This is happening in every state.  

Here’s what changed: 

  • More adults may now have to follow work rules to keep SNAP.
  • The rules now apply to many adults up to age 64.
  • Parents with older teens may need to follow the rules too, depending on their situation.
  • If you must follow the rules, you generally need 80 hours a month of work, job training, or approved activities. 

You will still get notices from HHSC or TWC if these rules apply to you in Texas.  

Who Might Not Have to Follow the Rules 

Some people are exempt, meaning they do not have to meet the monthly work hours. You may be exempt if you are: 

  • Pregnant
  • 65 or older
  • Under 18
  • Caring for a child under 14
  • Unable to work for health reasons

What You Should Do Now 

Here are simple steps that can help you keep your benefits: 

1. Open your mail and email: If HHSC or TWC sends a letter, read it right away and follow the instructions. 

2. Keep proof of your work or activities: Save pay stubs, work schedules, school or training papers, or volunteer hours.  

3. Ask about exemptions: If your situation changed — health, caregiving, hours — you may now qualify. 

4. If you lose benefits, talk to us immediately: Many people can get SNAP back if they meet the work rules again for at least one month.  

What Has NOT Changed 

  • You can still buy the same foods with SNAP in Texas. 
    (Some other states changed their SNAP purchase rules; Texas has not.) 
  • The steps outlined below for TWC orientation, forms, and recertification are still correct. 

How Metrocrest Can Help 

We offer free support Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM: 

  • Help checking exemptions
  • Help understanding work rules
  • Help connecting to North Texas Food Bank to assist with paperwork or TWC steps
  • Food pantry support if benefits pause
  • Job and training referrals 

Bring any letters you’ve received — we can connect you to North Texas Food Bank. 

Stay Informed 

We will continue sharing updates as Texas receives new guidance. If you have questions, contact Metrocrest Services. We are here to help you keep food on the table. 

If you get SNAP and are: 

  • 18–54 years old without a dependent (already required) 
  • 55 – 64 years old
  • A parent or caregiver of a child age 14 or older
  • A veteran
  • Experiencing homelessness
  • 18–24 and aging out of foster care

You may need to follow work rules to keep your benefits. 

What Are the Work Rules? 

To keep getting SNAP, you must: 

  • Work 20 hours a week (80 hours a month), OR 
  • Be in a job training or education program, OR 
  • Do volunteer work for a nonprofit or government group

If you do not meet these rules and are not exempt, you may only get SNAP for 3 months in 3 years. 

Who Does NOT Have to Follow the Rules? 

You may be exempt if: 

  • You cannot work because of a health problem. 
  • You are pregnant. 
  • You live with a child under 14. 
  • You are under 18 or over 65. 
  • You identify as Indian, Urban Indian, California Indian, or Alaskan Native. 
  • You already work enough hours or earn enough money. 
  • You are in school at least half-time. 
  • You are in a drug or alcohol treatment program. 
  • You get unemployment benefits. 

How do you prove your work or exempt status?

Show papers like: 

  • Doctor’s note for health problems. 
  • School papers, if you are a student. 
  • Pay stubs if you work enough hours. 

Tell your caseworker during your next interview. 

First Steps 
  1. HHSC will check your status at your next SNAP recertification. 
  2. If you must follow work rules, you will get a letter from TWC (Texas Workforce Commission). 
  3. Go to orientation (online or in person). Orientation explains the program and next steps. 

***For anyone qualified to work, you will receive a letter from TWC with instructions, dates, and times of orientation. So please check your mail! ***

Next Steps

1. Fill out forms:

  • Online certification form (name, phone, email, county, last 4 digits of SSN)
  • Any other forms TWC asks for. 

2. Submit forms:  

  • Upload online.
  • Email them.
  • Take them to your local Workforce Solutions office. Click here to find the nearest location. 
  • Start your work or training plan as directed by TWC. 

What Happens If You Do NOT Follow the Rules? 

  • If you do not meet the work rules and are not exempt, you may lose SNAP for at least one month. 
  • If you keep missing requirements, you could lose benefits for longer periods. 
  • After three months without meeting the rules, you may not get SNAP again for three years, unless you qualify for an exemption. 

 What If You Have a Short-Term Exemption? 

If you get a short break (for example, you are sick for a few weeks), you must start following the rules again when the break ends. 

 

Need Help? 

The following resources were used in preparing this content: