The number of Texans living in poverty increased in 2009 and the number of children dependent on Medicaid also increase. An estimated 428,000 Texans fell into poverty last year, bringing the total to 4.26 million, or 17.3 percent of the state’s population. That compared with 15.9 percent in 2008. A family of four is below the federal poverty level if its annual household income is less than $21,954. Texans without health coverage rose to 6.4 million last year, or 26.1 percent of all residents, compared with 6.1 million in 2008, or 25.1 percent. More workers lost coverage through their employers in the weak economy. But the number of uncovered children dropped to 1.15 million from 1.2 million as more moved into programs such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, analysts said. Below are some resources in Texas for those who find themselves and their families newly impoverished: SNAP Food Benefits (Food Stamps): SNAP is available for families and single individual with low income. A family can receive SNAP for from anywhere between 1 month to as long as 3 years. But most families receive benefits for about 6 months. On the other hand, adults with no children are only able to receive SNAP food benefits for one 3 month period once in 3 years. To find out more about SNAP, visit http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/help/Food/FoodStamps/index.html .
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): TANF is a monthly cash payout for families with children. The monthly payments are designed to help pay for food, clothing, housing, utilities, furniture, transportation, telephone, laundry, household equipment, medical supplies not paid for by Medicaid and other basic needs. The amount of money a family receives from TANF is determined by the family size and income. To find out more about TANF visit http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/Help/Financial/Temporary_Assistance.html .
