Texas Health and Human Services Phone, Address, Benefits, Medicaid, SNAP & Public Health Help
This practical guide explains how to contact Texas Health and Human Services, how to use 2-1-1 Texas, where to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and TANF, how to find an HHSC benefits office, and when you should contact the Texas Department of State Health Services instead.
Many users search for “Texas Department of Health” but Texas has more than one health-related agency. The main benefits agency is Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The main state public-health agency is Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This page separates both paths clearly so users do not call the wrong office.
This finder helps you choose the right official path. It does not replace HHSC, DSHS, Your Texas Benefits, 2-1-1 Texas, the Office of the Ombudsman, or any county/local service office. It simply helps users avoid the most common problem: using the wrong Texas health agency for the wrong service.
For SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF cash help, and benefit case updates, start with YourTexasBenefits.com. For phone help, dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, choose your language, then choose the right option for benefits or local services.
Texas Department of Health and Human Services phone, address and services
For Texas health and human services benefits, the most useful contact is usually 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905. Use this for local service information, Your Texas Benefits questions, SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, Lone Star Card help, and many benefit-related questions.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission state office headquarters is listed at the North Austin Complex, 4601 W. Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78751-3146. HHSC also lists a mailing address of P.O. Box 13247, Austin, TX 78711-3247. For local benefits service, do not travel to the state headquarters unless an official office tells you to. Use YourTexasBenefits.com or the office locator first.
If you need public health help, vital records, disease reporting, immunization guidance, health statistics, or public health programs, you may need the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), not HHSC. DSHS general inquiries are listed at 512-776-7111 and toll-free 888-963-7111.
Texas Health and Human Services fast facts for 2026
Official verification for this Texas Department of Health and Human Services guide
Publish-ready as of: May 8, 2026.
This article was prepared using official Texas Health and Human Services, 2-1-1 Texas, Your Texas Benefits, Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas HHS Ombudsman, Texas HHS Complaint and Incident Intake, Medicaid and CHIP, SNAP, Lone Star Card, disaster assistance, and Texas official government resources.
Benefits rules, income limits, appointment requirements, office locations, phone routing, eligibility rules, SNAP purchase restrictions, Medicaid plan requirements, disaster benefit instructions, and public health notices can change. Always verify details on the official Texas HHS, Your Texas Benefits, 2-1-1 Texas, or DSHS page before applying, visiting, mailing documents, filing a complaint, or relying on a deadline.
What this Texas Department of Health and Human Services guide covers
Texas Health and Human Services phone number directory by need
The right Texas HHS number depends on the service. Many people only search “Texas Department of Health phone number,” but the right answer may be 2-1-1, Your Texas Benefits, DSHS, the Medicaid Helpline, the Office of the Ombudsman, Complaint and Incident Intake, or the fraud reporting system.
Best call strategy before contacting Texas HHS
Write down your benefit case number, application number, Medicaid or CHIP member details, Lone Star Card issue, document request, office location, complaint date, provider name, or DSHS public-health topic before calling. Specific questions get routed faster than saying “I need health department help.”
Texas Health and Human Services vs Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas search results can be confusing because users use phrases like “Texas Department of Health,” “Texas HHS,” “Texas HHSC,” and “Texas Health Department” for different needs. The official agency names matter because each office handles different services.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is the main agency for benefits and many human services, including SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, long-term care programs, disability-related programs, regulatory services, ombudsman help, and benefits office support.
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) focuses on public health, disease prevention, vital statistics, health data, emergency health preparedness, laboratory services, public health regions, immunization programs, and statewide public-health programs.
Texas Health and Human Services address and office location help
The Texas Health and Human Services state office headquarters is listed at the North Austin Complex, 4601 W. Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78751-3146. The HHSC mailing address is listed as P.O. Box 13247, Austin, TX 78711-3247.
For benefits and documents, the headquarters address is not the same as your local benefits office. If you need to upload documents, apply for benefits, renew benefits, replace a Lone Star Card, report a change, or request case help, start with YourTexasBenefits.com or 2-1-1. For in-person service, use the official office locator instead of driving to Austin headquarters.
Before visiting a Texas HHS office
Check the exact office, service, hours, appointment rules, document drop-off instructions, and language/accessibility support. Some benefit tasks can be handled online, by mail, through upload, or by phone without visiting an office.
Your Texas Benefits: apply for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and TANF
YourTexasBenefits.com is the main official online portal for applying for and managing many Texas benefits. Users can use it to apply for food benefits, health coverage, cash help, renew benefits, report changes, upload documents, check notices, and manage case information where available.
The most common benefits users search for are SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF cash help, Medicare Savings Programs, long-term services and supports, and related local services. Eligibility depends on household size, income, age, disability, pregnancy status, immigration rules, residency, and program-specific requirements.
Texas SNAP food benefits, Lone Star Card and EBT help
Texas SNAP food benefits help eligible households buy food. Texas HHS puts SNAP food benefits on the Lone Star Card, which works like a debit card at stores that accept SNAP. The Lone Star Card may also be used for TANF cash benefits when approved.
For help with a SNAP case, Your Texas Benefits account, benefits status, or case questions, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 and choose the benefits option. For local service information, 2-1-1 can also route users to community resources.
Texas SNAP rules can change. Texas HHS announced that beginning April 1, 2026, SNAP recipients can no longer buy candy or sweetened drinks with Lone Star Cards in Texas. Users should always check the official SNAP page for current purchase restrictions and eligible food rules.
Texas Medicaid, CHIP, health plans and member help
Texas Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide health coverage for eligible low-income children, families, seniors, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and other qualifying groups. Program eligibility and benefits depend on category, income, age, disability status, pregnancy, household information, and Texas program rules.
Many Medicaid and CHIP services are delivered through managed care health plans. After approval, members may need to choose a health plan, understand provider networks, update addresses, renew coverage, and respond to official notices. If a Medicaid member does not have a health plan and needs help, Texas HHS lists the Medicaid Helpline at 800-335-8957.
Texas TANF cash help, financial services and Lone Star Card payments
Texas HHS also handles financial assistance programs such as TANF cash help for eligible families. TANF benefits and SNAP benefits are connected to the Lone Star Card system when approved. Eligibility rules are program-specific and may involve income, household size, children, work rules, citizenship or immigration rules, residency, and cooperation with required steps.
Use YourTexasBenefits.com to apply and manage benefit information. If you need help understanding a notice, reporting a change, or checking your case, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 and choose the benefits option.
Texas DSHS public health, vital records, disease programs and statistics
If your search is really about public health rather than benefits, the correct agency may be the Texas Department of State Health Services. DSHS handles statewide public health services, vital statistics, public health regions, laboratory services, disease programs, immunization information, health data, and public health preparedness.
DSHS general inquiries are listed at 512-776-7111 and toll-free 888-963-7111. DSHS lists its mailing address as P.O. Box 149347, Austin, TX 78714-9347 and physical address as 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756-3199.
Texas HHS complaints, appeals and Office of the Ombudsman
If normal program channels do not resolve your issue, the Texas HHS Office of the Ombudsman may help resolve complaints related to health and human services. The Ombudsman is especially important when a user has tried the usual complaint route and still needs help understanding what to do next.
For consumer issues, Texas HHS Ombudsman guidance lists 877-787-8999. Managed care complaint help may use a separate managed care assistance team phone listed by Texas HHS. Facility care or treatment complaints may be handled through Complaint and Incident Intake at 800-458-9858.
Report Texas HHS fraud, waste, abuse, neglect or facility complaints
Texas HHS has separate paths for program fraud and care-related complaints. Fraud, waste, or abuse in health and human services programs may be reported through official fraud reporting resources. Complaints about the care or treatment of someone served by a regulated provider may go through Complaint and Incident Intake.
Call 800-458-9858 for certain complaints about care or treatment by regulated providers, including allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation. For suspected fraud, waste or abuse in health and human services programs, use the official fraud reporting path linked by Texas HHS or 2-1-1 Texas.
Texas HHS disaster assistance, SNAP replacement and emergency resources
During disasters, Texas HHS may post special instructions for SNAP benefit replacement, disaster food benefits, office closures, and local service access. SNAP recipients may need to follow specific instructions after power outages, flooding, storms, or other emergencies.
For disaster benefit replacement, Texas HHS may require a visit to a local HHSC office or use of official disaster assistance instructions. Do not assume normal SNAP or benefits rules apply during a declared emergency. Always check the official Texas HHS disaster assistance page and YourTexasBenefits.com.
Documents to prepare before applying, calling or visiting Texas HHS
Many benefit delays happen because users apply without documents, miss upload deadlines, ignore renewal notices, or call without case details. Prepare documents before applying or calling, but only upload them through official Texas portals or provide them to verified offices.
Texas health portal confusion: which official site should you use?
Texas has several official health and benefits websites. Using the wrong one can waste time. Use the portal based on your exact need, not just the first search result.
How to contact the right Texas health or benefits office
Decide if your issue is benefits or public health
For SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, Lone Star Card, complaints or benefit offices, use Texas HHS. For vital records, disease programs, health data or public-health topics, use DSHS.
Use Your Texas Benefits for applications and case management
Apply, renew, upload documents, report changes and manage notices through YourTexasBenefits.com when the issue is a benefits case.
Call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 for phone help
Choose your language and the correct option. Use benefits options for Your Texas Benefits case questions and local-service options for community help.
Use the local office locator before visiting
Do not drive to headquarters for routine benefit help. Use official office search tools to find the correct local office and check service instructions.
Use complaint or fraud channels when normal help fails
For unresolved complaints, use the Ombudsman. For fraud, use official fraud reporting. For abuse or regulated provider concerns, use Complaint and Incident Intake or emergency help if danger is immediate.
Do not use general Texas HHS contact pages for emergencies
If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 911. If someone is in immediate danger, needs urgent medical care, is facing active violence, overdose, severe neglect, fire, or a safety threat, use emergency services immediately.
Texas HHS, Your Texas Benefits, 2-1-1 Texas, and DSHS contact pages are useful for benefits, local services, public health, complaints, and official program guidance. They are not a substitute for emergency medical treatment, law enforcement response, fire rescue, crisis intervention, or urgent child/adult protective action.
Texas Health and Human Services headquarters map and office search
The map below points to the Texas Health and Human Services state office headquarters in Austin. Most users do not need to visit headquarters for benefits. Use YourTexasBenefits.com, 2-1-1 Texas, or the local office locator first for case help, document upload, SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP or TANF support.
Official Texas Health and Human Services links for benefits, phone, address and public health
Use these official resources before relying on private benefit-help pages, unofficial phone directories, old office listings, paid application services, or third-party websites.
Texas Health and Human Services official website Main official website for Texas HHSC services, benefits, Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, complaints, regulatory programs and health/human services information. Texas HHS contact page Official contact page for Texas HHS phone routing, 2-1-1 help and agency contact direction. Texas HHS locations Official HHS locations page with state office headquarters and related location guidance. Your Texas Benefits Official benefits portal to apply, renew, upload documents, report changes and manage SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and TANF cases. 2-1-1 Texas Official statewide service referral and benefits phone routing resource. Contact 2-1-1 Texas Official 2-1-1 contact guidance, including 877-541-7905 and service option routing. Texas SNAP food benefits Official Texas HHS SNAP food benefits page with eligibility and program information. Lone Star Card Official Texas HHS page for Lone Star Card SNAP and TANF benefit access. Texas Medicaid and CHIP Official Texas HHS page for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program information. Questions about your benefits Official Texas HHS guidance for benefit case questions, Medicaid card help and Your Texas Benefits support. Complaints and appeals Official Texas HHS complaints and appeals resource. HHS Office of the Ombudsman Official Ombudsman page for unresolved Texas health and human services complaints. Complaint and Incident Intake Official intake page for certain regulated provider care, treatment, abuse, neglect and exploitation complaints. Report Texas HHS fraud Official Texas HHS Office of Inspector General fraud reporting resource. Texas HHS disaster assistance Official disaster assistance information from Texas HHS. Texas DSHS contact page Official Texas Department of State Health Services contact page for public health and vital statistics routing. Texas.gov Official State of Texas government website for broad Texas agency and service navigation.Texas Department of Health and Human Services FAQ
What is the Texas Department of Health and Human Services phone number?
For Texas Health and Human Services benefits and local service help, dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905. For DSHS public health general inquiries, use 512-776-7111 or toll-free 888-963-7111.
What is the official Texas Health and Human Services address?
Texas HHS lists its state office headquarters at the North Austin Complex, 4601 W. Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78751-3146. The mailing address is P.O. Box 13247, Austin, TX 78711-3247.
Is Texas Health and Human Services the same as Texas Department of State Health Services?
No. HHSC handles benefits and many human services such as SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF and complaints. DSHS handles public health, vital statistics, disease programs, immunization information and health data.
How do I apply for Texas SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP or TANF?
Use YourTexasBenefits.com to apply online, renew benefits, upload documents, report changes and manage your case. You can also call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 for help.
What is the Lone Star Card?
The Lone Star Card is Texas’s EBT card. Texas HHS uses it to provide access to SNAP food benefits and TANF cash benefits when approved.
How do I find a Texas HHS office near me?
Use YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Find an Office,” or use the official Texas HHS location resources. Always confirm office services, hours and document instructions before visiting.
Who do I call for Texas Medicaid help?
Use YourTexasBenefits.com or 2-1-1 for case questions. If you are a Medicaid member without a health plan and need help, Texas HHS lists the Medicaid Helpline at 800-335-8957.
How do I file a Texas HHS complaint?
Start with the normal complaint process for the program. If the issue is not resolved, the HHS Office of the Ombudsman may help. Consumer complaint help may use 877-787-8999.
How do I report abuse, neglect or a regulated provider complaint?
Texas HHS Complaint and Incident Intake can receive certain complaints about care or treatment by regulated providers, including allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation. The listed phone number is 800-458-9858. Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Where do I report Texas HHS fraud?
Use the official Texas HHS Office of Inspector General fraud reporting page. You can also follow official guidance from 2-1-1 Texas if you suspect fraud, waste or abuse in health and human services programs.
Does Texas HHS handle birth certificates?
Birth and death records are generally handled through the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics section, not the HHSC benefits office. Use DSHS official pages for vital records.
What is the DSHS phone number in Texas?
Texas DSHS general inquiries are listed at 512-776-7111, toll-free 888-963-7111. DSHS physical address is listed as 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756-3199.
Can I walk into Texas HHS headquarters for SNAP or Medicaid?
Do not assume headquarters is the right place for routine benefits service. Use YourTexasBenefits.com, 2-1-1, or the official office locator to find the correct local office and service instructions.
What should I do if I miss a Texas benefits renewal deadline?
Check your official notice, log in to YourTexasBenefits.com, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, and respond as soon as possible. Do not rely on unofficial websites for deadline recovery rules.
Is this the official Texas HHS website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. For official benefit applications, program rules, phone numbers, complaints, office locations and public health services, use hhs.texas.gov, YourTexasBenefits.com, 211Texas.org, DSHS.texas.gov or Texas.gov.
Independent guide and official-use disclaimer
This article is an independent guide created to help users understand Texas Health and Human Services, Texas Department of State Health Services, phone numbers, official addresses, benefits, SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, Lone Star Card, complaints, fraud reports, public health and official links.
It is not the official Texas HHS or DSHS website and does not provide legal, medical, benefits, eligibility, licensing, emergency or public-health advice. Before applying, renewing, filing a complaint, reporting fraud, visiting an office, mailing documents or relying on a deadline, verify details directly on official Texas government websites.
Bottom line for Texas Department of Health and Human Services help
For Texas benefits, start with YourTexasBenefits.com and call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 when you need phone help. Use Texas HHSC for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, Lone Star Card, complaints, Ombudsman help and benefits office routing.
Use Texas DSHS for public health, vital records, disease programs, immunization information, health statistics and public-health contacts. DSHS general inquiries are 512-776-7111 or toll-free 888-963-7111. Texas HHSC headquarters is listed at 4601 W. Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78751-3146, but routine benefits help should start online, by phone or through a local office.
The safest user path is official first: hhs.texas.gov, YourTexasBenefits.com, 211Texas.org, dshs.texas.gov and Texas.gov. That prevents wrong-office confusion and gives the user a stronger answer than a thin phone-directory page.