Agency takes protective measures for staff, public
AUSTIN — Texas Health and Human Services is encouraging Texans to submit benefit applications and other paperwork online at YourTexasBene fits.com or via the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to reduce foot traffic in the state’s more than 250 eligibility offices.
“As Texans, we must all do what we can to get through this pandemic together,” said Wayne Salter, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Access & Eligibility Services. “We hope to reduce the number of Texans using office services and ask that if you can conduct your business online to please do so at this time.”
HHS administers assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP food benefits, TANF cash assistance and WIC. Applying online will minimize the potential for staff and public exposure to COVID-19, while allowing staff to maximize the number of applications they can screen and approve during the COVID-19 outbreak, a statement released Tuesday read. Although office locations will remain open at this time, Texans are encouraged to apply for or renew their benefits through YourTexasBenefits. com. Through the website or the mobile app, Texans can:
• Create a new account,
• Find their username on existing account,
• Upload files,
• Update phone number and
• Report changes.
All visitors are highly encouraged to use the hand sanitizer stations placed in state offices. Individuals with symptoms indicating COVID-19 should not visit an HHS eligibility office. These symptoms have been identified as fever, cough and shortness of breath.
HHS offices are not COVID-19 testing sites. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, should contact their local medical provider.
The Your Texas Benefits mobile app can be downloaded at mobile carrier’s app stores. People with questions about using the website or mobile app, including those who have special needs, should dial 2-1-1 and select option 2.
For questions about SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or CHIP, dial 2-1-1 and select option 2. To check benefit amounts, recipients can visit YourTexasBenefits. com or call the Lone Star Help Desk at 1-800-777-7EBT (1-800-777-7328).