TX HHS Form H1009. TANF or SNAP Benefits Notice of Eligibility

Form H1009 is an official notice issued by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to inform applicants and recipients about their eligibility for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This document explains whether benefits are approved, the amount and period of assistance, and what actions the household must take to keep receiving benefits.

The notice is not an application. It is a formal eligibility decision and communication tool used by HHSC to document benefit approvals, changes, postponements, and recipient responsibilities.

Purpose and When This Form Is Used

Form H1009 is sent after HHSC reviews a TANF and/or SNAP application or processes a reported change. Its purpose is to clearly notify the household of:

• Whether TANF or SNAP benefits are approved
• The monthly benefit amount
• The certification period
• Any postponed verification requirements
• Changes that affected benefit levels
• Appeal rights and reporting obligations

You receive this form only if you have applied for or are already receiving TANF or SNAP benefits in Texas.

Who Receives and Uses Form H1009

This notice applies to:

• Households applying for TANF benefits
• Households applying for SNAP (food assistance)
• Families receiving both TANF and SNAP
• Current recipients reporting changes in income, household size, or expenses

The form is informational. Recipients do not complete or submit it back unless the notice specifically requests additional verification.

Explanation of Key Sections

Eligibility Determination

This section shows whether your household qualifies for TANF and/or SNAP. Only the boxes checked on the notice apply to your case. It lists the approved benefit amounts and the months covered.

Benefit Amount and Certification Period

The notice explains how much your household will receive each month and the start and end dates of the benefit period. If TANF is approved after SNAP, the SNAP amount may change.

Postponed Verification

If HHSC needs additional documents to finish your case, they are listed here. SNAP benefits may be delayed until this information is provided by the stated deadline.

Reported Changes

This section explains whether changes you reported affected your TANF or SNAP benefits. It may confirm that changes had no effect or explain why benefits increased or decreased.

Non-Cash Services Authorization

Some households may be authorized for non-cash support services. These services are explained separately in HHSC informational materials.

TANF and SNAP Program Information

This part provides general program rules, including parenting skills requirements for teen parents, EBT card usage, authorized representatives, and reapplication requirements.

Reporting Responsibilities

Recipients must report changes in income, household members, expenses, or other circumstances within 10 days. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments or penalties.

Appeal Rights

The notice explains your right to request a fair hearing if you disagree with HHSC’s decision. Deadlines and methods for requesting a hearing are clearly listed.

Legal and Regulatory Background

Form H1009 is issued under Texas administrative rules governing TANF and SNAP programs. HHSC is required to provide written notice of eligibility decisions, benefit amounts, and appeal rights under state and federal law.

This document serves as official proof that HHSC has taken action on your case and that you were notified of your rights and responsibilities.

Common Situations Where This Notice Is Issued

• A family applies for SNAP and receives confirmation of approved benefits
• A household reports a job loss that increases SNAP benefits
• A family applies for TANF and SNAP at the same time
• HHSC delays SNAP issuance while waiting for missing documents

Typical Mistakes and Issues to Watch For

• Missing the deadline to provide requested verification
• Not reporting income or household changes within 10 days
• Assuming benefits continue without reapplication
• Ignoring appeal deadlines when benefits are reduced or denied

Practical Tips for Recipients

• Read the notice carefully and check only the boxes marked for your case
• Submit any requested documents as soon as possible
• Keep a copy of the notice for your records
• Report changes promptly to avoid benefit overpayments
• Request a hearing quickly if you disagree with the decision

Documents Commonly Requested With This Notice

• Proof of income or employment changes
• Verification of household members
• Housing or utility expense documentation
• Identification or authorized representative forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to respond to Form H1009?

You only need to respond if the notice asks for additional verification or documents.

Can my SNAP benefits be delayed?

Yes. If HHSC postponed verification, benefits may not be issued until required information is received.

What if I disagree with the benefit decision?

You have the right to request a hearing within 90 days of the notice date.

Can I receive benefits during an appeal?

In some cases, yes, if you request a hearing within 13 days and were already receiving benefits.

How do I report changes?

You can report changes online, by phone through 2-1-1, or by contacting an HHSC office.

What happens if I fail to report changes?

You may receive overpayments that must be repaid or face benefit penalties.

Micro-FAQ

• Purpose: Notifies households of TANF and SNAP eligibility decisions.
• Who receives it: Texas TANF and SNAP applicants or recipients.
• Response required: Only if documents are requested.
• Issued by: Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
• Appeal deadline: Within 90 days of the notice date.
• Benefits type: Cash assistance and food benefits.

Related Forms and Notices

• Texas SNAP Application Form
• TANF Application Form
• Change Report Forms for SNAP and TANF
• HHSC Fair Hearing Request Forms

Form Details

• Form Name: TANF/SNAP Benefits Notice of Eligibility
• Form Number: H1009
• Issued By: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
• Region: Texas
• Revision Date: November 2018