AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission received federal approval to extend the deadline for Bexar County SNAP recipients to apply for replacement benefits covering food lost or destroyed by recent storms, according to a release from the Governor’s office.
According to the release, HHSC requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service extend the reporting window for food loss from 10 days to 20 days. Bexar County SNAP recipients now have until September 17, 2026, to apply for the replacement benefits. Once approved, funds are added to Lone Star Cards within two business days.
Abbott said in a statement that as families across Texas recover from recent severe weather and flooding, it’s critical they have the support needed to rebuild, adding that SNAP replacement benefits will help families replace lost or destroyed food as the state delivers all available resources to those affected.
HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said recent storms and power outages made it harder for many Bexar County families to access healthy food, and thanked federal partners for their collaboration in making the replacement benefits available.
SNAP recipients can request a replacement by calling 2-1-1, selecting a language, and then choosing option 7. Recipients can also visit a local HHSC office to make the request; office locations can be found at YourTexasBenefits.com by clicking “Find an Office” at the bottom of the page.
According to the release, WIC clients 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 local WIC office before September 30, 2026, to request replacement benefits.
The extension follows an Aug. 28 windstorm that caused widespread damage and power outages across San Antonio. Abbott has also ordered a preliminary damage assessment for Bexar County, with the U.S. Small Business Administration joining state and local officials to help determine whether the county qualifies for additional federal disaster assistance.
