Revision 24-4; Effective Oct. 1, 2024

TANF and SNAP

Federal legislation requires certain people receive benefits for a limited number of months.

TANF

A household with a caretaker or second parent is limited to receiving TANF for 60 months. Each caretaker and second parent have their own separate TANF federal time limit (FTL). When the caretaker or second parent reaches the 60th month of their TANF FTL, deny the entire household at the end of the 60th month.

Benefits received as an eligible child do not count toward their TANF FTL if the child is later certified as a caretaker or second parent. A child who is certified on a TANF EDG that reaches their TANF FTL may continue to receive TANF if certified with a different caretaker or payee who has not reached their TANF FTL.

Note: Do not count TANF-SP benefits toward a caretaker's or second parent's 60-month TANF FTL.

SNAP

An able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) is any person who is age 18 through 54 without dependents in their SNAP household. ABAWDs must meet the ABAWD work requirement by working at least 80 hours in a 30-calendar day period unless they meet exception criteria. ABAWDs who do not meet the work requirement are initially limited to receive three months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period. The 36-month period begins the first month an ABAWD fails to meet the ABAWD work requirement.

Related Policy

ABAWD Referral Processes, A-1831.1.2
SNAP ABAWD Work Requirements, A-1940
Regaining Eligibility, A-1960
TANF-SP 60-Month Time Limit, A-2560

Revision 11-3; Effective July 1, 2011

TANF

Effective with October 1999 benefits, each month a caretaker or second parent receives a TANF benefit counts toward the FTL, even if the month does not count toward the state time limit. This includes TANF benefits received in another state. Additionally, any month these members received benefits in Texas from November 1996 through September 1999 that counted toward the state time limit, also counts toward the FTL. Note: Individuals in control group cases were subject to FTLs beginning with October 1999 benefits.

Do not count a month toward the FTL if

• a caretaker or second parent is disqualified.
• the household's grant is:
  • cancelled and not reissued,
  • cancelled and reissued without including the caretaker or second parent's needs,
  • totally claimed as an overpayment.

A—1921 Tracking FTL Months

Revision 17-3; Effective July 1, 2017

TANF

Effective Oct. 1, 1999, an FTL month counts when a TANF benefit is issued to an adult caretaker or second parent.

To count a month an individual received benefits in another state, enter information in TIERS Data Collection – Out-of-State Benefits. FTL months only count if the individual received cash assistance. TIERS programming correctly determines FTL months for each individual. FTL information transferred from SAVERR during TIERS conversion. Advisors must contact the IEE/TIERS Technical Help Desk if FTL months need to be corrected in TIERS.

FTL months and years counted towards an individual’s FTL can be found in TIERS on the TANF Time Limit page.

TIERS inquiry displays FTL data on the Individual – TANF Time Limits & PRA screen in the hover menu. It includes the:

• maximum months;
• FTL months used; and
• remaining months available.

Revision 06-4; Effective October 1, 2006

A—1931 General Policy

Revision 03-5; Effective July 1, 2003

TANF and TANF-SP

Federal law allows exemption from the 60-month lifetime limit due to hardship. Extended TANF is the TANF and TANF-SP cash assistance program beyond the 60-month lifetime limit. A caretaker or second parent can apply for extended TANF and a hardship exemption at any time during or after their 60th month of assistance.

A—1932 Eligibility Requirements

Revision 13-2; Effective April 1, 2013

TANF and TANF-SP

A caretaker or second parent may submit an application for extended TANF during their 60th month of lifetime TANF benefits, or after. They must:

• have fewer than 12 months of open Choices or child support penalties during a benefit month since Nov. 1, 1996;
• have a qualifying hardship exemption (see A-1933, Hardship Exemptions); and
• meet regular TANF eligibility criteria.

Note: Choices or child support penalty months may not be counted twice, if both penalties are open during the same month.

Review the extended TANF hardship exemptions with the applicant to identify the hardship. If the family qualifies under more than one hardship, the advisor and applicant should decide which hardship exemption is best for the household. After determining that the family meets extended TANF criteria, follow regular TANF eligibility requirements and program policies to determine eligibility.

As a condition of eligibility, require the extended TANF applicant to sign a new Form H1073, Personal Responsibility Agreement, and attend a Workforce Orientation refresher course, even if there is no break in benefits. Extended TANF caretakers and second parents are subject to the same Choices work requirements and exemptions as a regular TANF recipient.

The household is permanently ineligible from receiving TANF benefits when an individual non-complies with Choices or child support requirements after certification for extended TANF.

A—1933 Hardship Exemptions

Revision 13-2; Effective April 1, 2013

TANF and TANF-SP

The extended TANF applicant must have one of the following hardships:

1. Personal Disability – A personal mental or physical disability expected to last more than 180 days.
2. Caring for a Family Member with a Disability – Responsible for the care of a family member with a disability for more than 180 days.
3. Family Violence – Victim of family violence.
4. Residence in a Minimum Service Choices County– Resided in a minimum l service Choices county
   • during the 60th month of the initial 60-month period, or
   • at any time during the 11 countable months immediately preceding the 60th month.
5. Lack of Employment – The caretaker or second parent complied with Choices requirements with no more than one Choices penalty since November 1, 1996, but is unable to obtain sufficient employment during the last 12 consecutive months before the end of the 60-month time limit. The individual cannot qualify for this hardship if the lack of sufficient employment during the last 12-month period resulted from voluntarily quitting a job.

Note: Caretakers and second parents who qualify for extended TANF for reasons 4 (Residence in a Minimum Service Choices County) and 5 (Lack of Employment) are limited to a total of 24 cumulative months of benefits. Good cause and Choices exemption months count toward the 24-month limit.

A—1933.1 Advisor Action at Application

Revision 13-2; Effective April 1, 2013

A—1933.1.1 Personal Disability

Revision 14-3; Effective July 1, 2014

TANF and TANF-SP

The caretaker or second parent may qualify for the personal disability exemption if the individual:

• provides a completed Form H1836-A, Medical Release/Physician's Statement, dated no more than six months before the application month. Form H1836-A must establish that the disability is expected to last more than 180 days.
• is certified to receive HHSC Long-term Services and Supports.
• is certified for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

If the caretaker or second parent is not certified for SSI, inform the caretaker or second parent claiming the disability that the individual must apply for SSI before the next complete review. Follow policy in A-1311.1, Requirement to Pursue SSI/RSDI.

Exception: An SSI application is not required if the applicant has an SSI application pending or previously applied for SSI and was denied within the last 12 months. If the SSI denial was more than 12 months before the extended TANF application month, a new SSI application is required. Inform the individual that this exemption must be re-evaluated at the next periodic review.

A—1933.1.2 Caring for a Family Member With a Disability

Revision 14-3; Effective July 1, 2014

 TANF and TANF-SP

The caretaker or second parent may qualify for the caring for a family member with a disability exemption if the caretaker or second parent:

• provides a completed Form H1836-B, Medical Release/Physician's Statement, that is no more than six months old. Form H1836-B must establish that the family member's disability is expected to last more than 180 days and that the applicant is needed in the home to care for the family member with a disability.
• is listed as the primary caregiver in the care plan for the family member with a disability, for family members receiving HHSC Long-term Services and Supports.
• provides a completed Form H1836-B that is no more than six months old and indicates the applicant is needed in the home to care for the family member certified for SSI.

Refer to Step 2 of A-2543.2.2, Disabling Illness or Injury of Close Family Member, to determine the degree of relationship that applies. The degree of relationship that applies to state time limits applies to FTLs.

If the family member with a disability is not already approved for SSI, inform the person caring for the family member with a disability that the family member with a disability must apply for SSI before the next complete review. Follow policy in A-1311.1, Requirement to Pursue SSI/RSDI.

Exception: An SSI application is not required if the family member with a disability has an application pending or previously applied for SSI and was denied within the last 12 months. If the SSI denial was more than 12 months before the application month, a new SSI application is required. Inform the individual that this exemption must be re-evaluated at the next periodic review.

A—1933.1.3 Family Violence

Revision 13-4; Effective October 1, 2013

TANF and TANF-SP

If the applicant indicates on Form H1713, Service Plan for Family Violence Option and Report of Good Cause, that the individual is a victim of family violence, make an assessment referral to the family violence program specialist following policy in A-1131.1, Good Cause for Family Violence Option. A list of Family Violence Shelters is located at www.hhsc.state.tx.us/Help/family-violence/centers.shtml. The family violence specialist makes a recommendation about the claim. If the family violence specialist establishes that the applicant is a victim of family violence, the applicant is eligible for the exemption.

A—1933.1.4 Residence in a Minimum or Mid-Level Service County

Revision 13-2; Effective April 1, 2013

TANF and TANF-SP

Verify that the applicant resided in a county that offered only minimum or mid-level Choices services during at least one of the last 12 countable months of the individual's 60-month period by reviewing the applicant's residence history. Contact the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) to verify the county's service level status during those 12 countable months.

Example: The applicant reached her 60th month of TANF assistance in January. She is applying for extended TANF in July and currently resides in a full-service county but claims that no Choices services were available in her county when she was receiving regular TANF benefits. Verify the applicant's county of residence over the last 12 countable months of her 60-month period. Determine the county's Choices service level status during those months by contacting the local board.

The applicant meets this exemption criteria if the individual resided in a minimum service Choices county in any month during the entire last 12 countable months of her 60-month time limit.

A—1933.1.5 Lack of Employment

Revision 13-2; Effective April 1, 2013

TANF and TANF-SP

The applicant must have

• no more than one Choices penalty during the individual's 60-month time limit; and
• been unable to obtain sufficient employment during the last 12 consecutive months before the end of his 60-month time limit. Count back 12 calendar months from the 60th month. The 60th month is month one of the 12 months.

Note: The individual cannot qualify for this hardship if the lack of sufficient employment during the last 12-month period resulted from voluntarily quitting a job.

A—1933.2 Advisor Action at Complete Review

Revision 13-2; Effective April 1, 2013

TANF and TANF-SP

At each complete review after initial certification for extended TANF benefits, advisors must verify that the individual continues to meet

• the hardship criteria for extended TANF benefits due to a disability, caring for a member with a disability, or family violence; and
• all other TANF eligibility requirements.

Advisors are not required to re-verify hardship due to residence in a minimum/mid-level service county or lack of employment exemptions at complete review.

A—1933.2.1 Personal Disability or Caring for a Family Member With a Disability

Revision 14-3; Effective July 1, 2014

TANF and TANF-SP

The advisor must:

• obtain a new Form H1836-A, Medical Release/Physician's Statement, or Form H1836-B, Medical Release/Physician's Statement, if the form in the EDG record is more than six months old to verify that the applicant:
  • or family member still has a disability expected to last more than 180 days, or
  • is needed in the home to provide care for a household member with a disability;
• verify that the caretaker or second parent with a disability is receiving HHSC Long-term Services and Supports or, in the case of a family member with a disability, that the recipient continues to be designated as the primary caregiver in the family member's care plan;
• verify that an application for SSI has been submitted since the previous TANF application, if applicable, or require a new application for SSI if it has now been 12 months since being denied for SSI; or
• verify that the caretaker/second parent or family member is certified for SSI.

Note: If the caretaker/second parent with a disability already receives SSI, then eligibility for the personal disability exemption is met. If the family member with a disability receives SSI, a current Form H1836-B is still required to verify that the caretaker/second parent is needed in the home to provide care.

A—1933.2.2 Family Violence

Revision 13-2; Effective April 1, 2013

TANF and TANF-SP

At complete review, if the recipient continues to indicate a victim of family violence status, provide the extended TANF recipient with Form H1713, Service Plan for Family Violence Option and Report of Good Cause. Make an assessment referral to the family violence program specialist following policy in A-1131.1, Good Cause for Family Violence Option. A list of Family Violence Shelters is located at www.hhsc.state.tx.us/Help/family-violence/centers.shtml. If the family violence specialist establishes that family violence continues to exist, the household continues to be eligible for this exemption.

Revision 25-4; Effective Oct. 1, 2025

SNAP

The ABAWD work requirement:

• applies the month after a person turns 18; and
• stops applying the month the person turns 55.

To meet the ABAWD work requirement means:

• working 20 hours per week averaging 80 hours a month;
• participating in and complying with the requirements of a work program 20 hours per week;
• any combination of working and participating in a work program for a total of 20 hours per week; or
• participating in and complying with a workfare program through the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program.

The first countable month of a person’s 36-month federal time limit (FTL) is:

• the first month an ABAWD works less than an average of 20 hours per week; and
• receives SNAP benefits in Texas or any other state.

Note: A month where benefits are prorated is not a countable month.

A person not meeting the ABAWD work requirement is referred to participate in a workfare program through the SNAP E&T program. Once the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) notification that the ABAWD is participating in SNAP E&T is received, stop counting months toward their ABAWD FTL   effective the same month the person started participating. Remove any countable months from the eligibility determination system starting with the first month of participation and future months. Do not count a benefit month as one of the three initial ABAWD FTL months if the person participates in SNAP E&T.

If removal of ABAWD months causes the removal of the first countable month of the 36-month period, adjust the 36-month period. Start the new 36-month period with the first month the person does not meet the ABAWD work requirement. If all countable ABAWD FTL months are removed, the 36-month period must also be removed.

Note: The initial three months of time-limited benefits do not have to be consecutive.

A-1941 Definition of Work

Revision 24-3; Effective July 1, 2019

SNAP

Work may be:

• work in exchange for money (employment or self-employment);
• work in exchange for goods or services (in-kind work); or
• unpaid work with a business, government entity, or non-profit organization (volunteer labor).

Notes:

• Consider employment paid by vendor payment as regular employment.
• Consider work performed under the National and Community Services Act or Domestic Volunteer Service Act, such as AmeriCorps VISTA, as work to meet the work requirement.

A-1941.1 Meeting the Work Requirement Through Self-Employment

Revision 24-4; Effective Oct. 1, 2024

SNAP

Consider a person as meeting the ABAWD work requirement if their self-employment earnings are more than or equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours per week.

If the gross self-employment earnings do not equal at least 20 hours per week multiplied by the federal minimum wage, the person must verify that they are working an average of 20 hours a week. They do this by using the same verification procedures used for Employment and Training (E&T) exemptions.

Related Policy

ABAWD Exceptions, A-1942
Verification Sources, A-1970

A-1941.2 Meeting the Work Requirement Through a Work Program

Revision 23-4; Effective Oct. 1, 2023

SNAP

A person may participate in one of the following work programs at least 20 hours per week to meet the work requirement:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA);
• Trade Adjustment Assistance Act Program;
• SNAP E&T Program. Note: E&T Workfare also meets this work requirement even if it is less than 20 hours per week; or
• an employment and training program for veterans operated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA).

Related Policy

Verification Requirements, A-1970

A-1942 ABAWD Exceptions

Revision 24-2; Effective April 1, 2024

SNAP

A person is exempt from the ABAWD work requirement if they:

• are pregnant;
• are a member of a SNAP EDG where a household member on the SNAP EDG is under 18;
• are exempt from E&T registration;
• live in a waiver area;
• live in a SNAP non-E&T county;
• meet the criteria as being physically or mentally unfit to work by qualifying for Code E as defined under the SNAP Work Requirement Exemption;
• are a veteran;
• are homeless; or
• are age 24 or younger and were in foster care under the responsibility of any state, district, territory, or Indian Tribal Organization on the date they turned 18.

Related Policy 

SNAP Work Requirement Exemptions, A-1822.1 
SNAP ABAWD Work Requirement Waiver Counties, C-330
SNAP Non-Employment and Training Counties, C-341

Revision 24-4; Effective Oct. 1, 2024

SNAP

Count a benefit month as one of the three ABAWD Federal Time Limit (FTL) months, if in that month the person:

• receives SNAP benefits in Texas or any other state;
• is not exempt from the work requirement; and
• fails to work or participate in a work program at least 80 hours in a 30-calendar day period.

Note: Staff must verify any benefits the person received in another state as an ABAWD if the recipient shows receiving benefits outside of Texas and the information is readily available.

ABAWD FTL months must also be applied retroactively when the person:

• was issued restored benefits;
• erroneously received an exemption from ABAWD work requirements and time limits; or
• correctly received an exemption from ABAWD work requirements and time limits, but the household situation changed and the ABAWD status was not updated.

Do not count SNAP benefit months toward the ABAWD FTL when HHSC or the out-of-state agency:

• disqualifies the person from SNAP for any reason;
• prorates benefits; or
• files an overpayment claim for the entire benefit month.

Redetermine eligibility effective the benefit month after the third countable time-limited benefit month. Staff may set a:

• special review before cutoff in the third countable month; or
• three-month certification if the 36-month period starts at certification.

Related Policy

Regaining Eligibility, A-1960

A-1951 After the Three Months of Time-Limited SNAP Eligibility

Revision 24-4; Effective Oct. 1, 2024

SNAP

When the initial three months of time-limited eligibility expire, staff must:

• disqualify the ABAWD; or
• deny the EDG if:
  • it is a single-person household; or
  • the disqualification makes the household ineligible.

Provide advance notice of adverse action, if required.

Note: Use the notice language specific to this disqualification in the comment section of Form TF0001, Notice of Case Action.

Related Policy

Second Time-Limited Three-Month SNAP Eligibility Period, A-1961

Revision 24-2; Effective April 1, 2024

SNAP

If not meeting the ABAWD work requirement, ABAWDs have a federal time limit (FTL) allowing three months of SNAP eligibility in a 36-month period. During their initial 36-month period, the person must meet the ABAWD work rules for at least 30 calendar days before regaining eligibility. After regaining eligibility during their initial 36-month period, the person is eligible for a second consecutive three-month period, if not meeting the ABAWD work requirement.

A person who loses eligibility due to the ABAWD federal time limit (FTL) may regain eligibility an unlimited number of times if the person becomes exempt from the ABAWD work requirement.

After the initial 36-month period ends, the person must meet the ABAWD work requirement for at least 30 consecutive calendar days before regaining a second 36-month period.

Related Policy

Definition of Work, A-1941
ABAWD Exceptions, A-1942
Counting Months Toward Time-Limited Eligibility, A-1950
After the Three Months of Time-Limited SNAP Eligibility, A-1951

A—1961 Second Time-Limited Three-Month SNAP Eligibility Period

Revision 20-3; Effective July 1, 2020

SNAP

A person who already received the three months of time-limited benefits can qualify for one additional three-month period of eligibility in the 36-month period if they are not meeting the work requirement but have worked for a specified period of time after receiving the three initial ABAWD FTL months. The person must:

• meet the 20-hour per week work requirement after the first three-month eligibility period by working at least 80 hours in a 30-day period; or
• participate in a recognized work program for at least 80 hours in a 30-day period after the first three-month eligibility period. A combination of work and participation in a specified work program also meets this requirement.

Note: The person does not have to receive SNAP benefits during the month they worked or participated in a work program for the minimum amount of hours to regain eligibility.

If HHSC prorates benefits, do not count the prorated month when determining the first month of the additional three-month period.

The person can receive the additional eligibility period once in the 36-month period. Limit the additional eligibility period to three consecutive months, even if the person returns to work or if HHSC denies SNAP for another reason during the three-month period. The additional consecutive three-month period may extend past the end of the original 36-month period if it begins during the original 36-month period.

For example: Brad Johnson's original 36-month period is September 2016 to August 2019. Brad used his initial three months in September 2016, October 2016 and April 2017. He reapplied for benefits on July 3, 2019, and met the criteria for an additional three-month period. Brad's second three-month period is August 2019, September 2019 and October 2019. Because July 2019 benefits are prorated, July is not a countable month. A new 36-month period can begin November 2019.

Exception: ABAWDs in Texas are assigned to participate in workfare through SNAP E&T. When notification is received from TWC that the ABAWD met work requirements by participating in SNAP E&T in the first month of the second three-month segment, remove the second three-month segment. If the ABAWD begins participating in SNAP E&T in the second or third month of the second three-month segment, the three consecutive ABAWD FTL months must remain.

Additionally, when the modification of the ABAWD FTL months results in the first countable month of the second three-month segment being removed, the second three-month segment must be adjusted to start with the first countable month in which the ABAWD does not meet the work requirements. If the first countable month of the second three-month segment is removed, the consecutive months of the second three-month segment must also be removed.

For Example: Brad used his initial three months in September 2016, October 2016 and April 2017. Brad regains eligibility and his second three-month period is August 2018, September 2018 and October 2018. In January 2019, Brad files a new application and it is discovered that he was meeting the work requirement through participating in Workfare with TWC in August 2018 and ongoing. Staff would remove August 2018 as a countable month, and by doing so, removes the second three-month segment of consecutive months.

Related Policy

Meeting the Work Requirement Through a Work Program, A-1941.2

Revision 24-4; Effective Oct. 1, 2024

TANF

Verify:

• any out-of-state TANF benefits received on or after October 1999;
• any hardship exemption for TANF per Hardship Exemptions policy; and
• the hardship exemption at each complete review after certification for extended TANF based on personal disability, caring for a family member with a disability, or family violence.

Related Policy

Hardship Exemptions, A-1933
Advisor Action at Application, A-1933.1
Advisor Action at Complete Review, A-1933.2

SNAP

Verify if an ABAWD:

• meets the ABAWD work requirement by:
  • working or volunteering for at least 80 hours in a 30-calendar day period; or
  • participating at least 20 hours per week in:
    • a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded activity through the local WIOA program administrative office;
    • a Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program through a Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB);
    • a SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) program through the local E&T office. Note: E&T Workfare also meets this work requirement even if it is less than 20 hours per week; or
    • an E&T program for veterans operated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA);
• meets an ABAWD work requirement exception criteria because the person:
  • is pregnant; or
  • meets the criteria as being physically or mentally unfit to work by qualifying for SNAP work requirement exemption Code E; or
• received benefits in another state during any month countable toward their ABAWD FTL.

If questionable, verify if an ABAWD:

• has a business or non-profit organization;
• is a member of a SNAP EDG where a household member is under 18;
• is a veteran;
• is homeless; or
• is 24 or younger and was in foster care under the responsibility of any state, district, territory, or Indian Tribal Organization on the date they turned 18.

When determining if a person qualifies to regain eligibility for SNAP after the person has used three countable months of benefits in a 36-month period, verify that the person worked, or participated in a work program, for at least 80 hours in a consecutive 30-calendar day period.

Verify any benefits ABAWD household members received in another state, if the household shows receiving benefits outside of Texas.

Related Policy

SNAP Work Requirement Exemptions, A-1822.1
ABAWD Exceptions, A-1942
Counting Months Toward Time Limited Eligibility, A-1950

A-1971 Verification Sources

Revision 24-4; Effective Oct. 1, 2024

TANF

Use the TANF Agencies website to contact other state agencies to verify the number of benefit months previously received by the household.

SNAP

Use income verification source policy when an ABAWD has earned income or self-employment income to verify if the ABAWD meets the ABAWD work requirement.

Use Form H1822, ABAWD E&T Work Requirement Verification (PDF), to verify participation in the following work programs:

• WIOA through the local WIOA program administrative office;
• Trade Adjustment Assistance Program through a LWDB;
• SNAP E&T program through the local E&T office; or
• an E&T program for veterans operated by the DOL or the VA.

Use Form H3037, Report of Pregnancy (PDF), or other documentation containing the same information as Form H3037 to verify a person is exempt from the ABAWD work requirement because they are pregnant. Verification of pregnancy must be from an acceptable source such as a physician, hospital, family planning agency or social service agency.

Use Form H1836-A, Medical Release/Physician's Statement (PDF), to verify a person is physically or mentally unfit to work. A new Form H1836-A must be obtained when the form is more than 12 months old. If the Form H1836-A verifies a person is physically or mentally unfit to work, then they meet the ABAWD exception criteria and are also considered exempt from the E&T work requirement.

Use the National Directory of SNAP Agencies on The LOOP to verify any countable months of benefits received in another state.

If an ABAWD exception is questionable, use any reasonable verification, such as:

• federal income tax documents or nonprofit certification documents from the Internal Revenue Service or the Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts;
• a collateral contact with a homeless shelter, person they are staying with, or any other person aware of the household’s circumstances;
• service department records, such as a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, original Certificate of Discharge, Report of Transfer or Discharge, military ID card showing service in the armed forces;
• correspondence or contact from the Department of Veteran Affairs including benefit payment or award letter;
• VA ID Card showing service in the armed forces;
• driver's license indicating veteran status; or
• data sharing or collateral contact from other social service workers or foster care agencies.

Related Policy

New Texas Residents, A-720
Verification Sources, A-1371
SNAP Work Requirement Exemptions, A-1822.1
Claiming Exemption Due to Disability of Self, A-1822.1.1

Revision 25-4; Effective Oct. 1, 2025

TANF

Document:

• the household was informed of Federal Time Limits (FTLs) at application, periodic review or when adding a new caretaker or second parent to the household; and
• any out-of-state TANF benefits received on or after October 1999.

SNAP

Document:

• the exception criteria for each person 18 through 54;
• the number of countable FTL months received in another state and how that information was verified;
• any time the person’s 36-month time-limited period begins;
  • the first and last month of the person's 36-month period; and
  • months HHSC or any other state issues or requests a SNAP benefit that counts toward the person's three months of time-limited benefits; and
• when the initial three months of time-limited eligibility expires.

Related Policy

The Texas Works Documentation Guide