"Georgia food Stamps Eligibility Guide"

Georgia Food Stamps Eligibility Guide

Updated on 9/19/20

The Georgia food stamps program provides monthly benefits to low-income households to help pay for the cost of food. In this post, we will walk you through the Georgia food stamps eligibility, including income limits, how much you will receive if you are approved for benefits, how to determine if you are eligible and what happens after you apply.

Our goal is that by the time you finish reading this article, you will have all the information you need to submit a successful application for Georgia food assistance.

"Georgia food Stamps Eligibility Guide"

This Post on Georgia Food Stamps will cover:

  • How to Check for Georgia Food Stamps Eligibility
  • Georgia Food Stamps Income limit
  • How Much Will I Recieve in Georgia Food Stamps?
  • Should I apply for Georgia Food Stamps?
  • How to Apply for Georgia Food Stamps
  • Georgia Food Stamps Work Requirement
  • Do I qualify for Emergency Food Stamps in Georgia?
  • How do I renew my Georgia food stamps benefits?
  • Georgia Gateway Login
  • Georgia Food Stamps Phone Number
  • Can you apply for Georgia Food Stamps as a Student?
  • FAQs about Georgia Food Stamps

Georgia Food Stamps Eligibility Guidelines

In order to be approved for SNAP benefits in Georgia, you have to meet the following eligibility requirements:

Proof of Identity

The identity of the person applying must be verified for SNAP.

Some examples of proof of identity include government-issued identification card or driver’s license, work or school ID, voter registration card, or birth certificate.

Work Rules

With certain exceptions, able-bodied adults between 16 and 60 years of age must register for work, accept an offer of suitable work, and take part in an employment and training program when referred to one by the local department of social services.

In addition, unless exempt, SNAP benefits are limited to 3 months within a 36 month period for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD’s) between the ages of 18 and 50 who are not working or participating in an approved Employment & Training Program (E&T) an average of 20 hours per week.

Residency

The applicant must live in the state they are applying for benefits in.

Citizenship

U.S. citizens and some non-citizens are eligible for SNAP benefits.

Some legal immigrants are ineligible for SNAP benefits.

Even if some members of the household are not eligible, household members who are eligible may still be able to get SNAP benefits.

In addition, dependents of an ineligible immigrant are often eligible.

Social Security Numbers

You will have to provide a Social Security number for every household member, including children, except for undocumented immigrants applying on behalf of others.

If any household member, other than an undocumented immigrant does not have a Social Security number, he or she will have to apply for one.

Child Support Requirement

You may be required to cooperate with the state in establishing paternity and providing child support.

Resource Test

Some households may be subject to a resource test.

The asset limit is $2,250 for most households and $3,500 for households containing a member who is disabled or 60 years or older.

Many types of assets are not counted such as the home you occupy and its lot, household goods, and money in retirement savings accounts or pension plans.

Countable assets include cash on hand, money in checking or savings accounts, certificates of deposit, U.S. savings bonds, stocks, and bonds.

Income Test

Income is one of the most important criteria for Georgia Food Stamps Eligibility.

Your total income, before taxes or any other subtractions, is called gross income.

However, the program allows certain subtractions from your gross income, called deductions.

These can be for things you pay for like housing costs, child support payments,
medical expenses over $35 a month for elderly or disabled people, or childcare costs.

The amount left over after these deductions is called net income.

There are two income tests: gross income and net income limit. If your household has a person who is 60 or older or who is disabled, you only need to meet the net income limit.

If everyone in your household receives Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you do not need to meet any
of the income limits.

"Georgia Food Stamps Income Chart and Calculator"

Georgia Food Stamps Income Chart

Use the chart below to find out whether your household makes less than the gross monthly income limit.

You may be eligible for food stamps if your total income falls below the appropriate gross income limits for your household size.

Your caseworker will determine which income limit applies to your household.

The chart below shows you the Gross Income and Net Income levels required for qualification, based on the number of people in each household.

Household Size Gross monthly income
(130 percent of poverty)
Net monthly income
(100 percent of poverty; test for SNAP households with elderly and disabled members)
1 $1,383 $1,064
2 $1,868 $1,437
3 $2,353 $1,810
4 $2,839 $2,184
5 $3,324 $2,557
6 $3,809 $2,930
7 $4,295 $3,304
8 $4,780 $3,677
Each additional member (+486) (+374)

Deductions:

After adding all of your household’s countable income, the case manager will subtract certain deductions. The following deductions are allowed for all households:

  1. standard deduction;
  2. 20 percent of earned income;
  3. actual costs of dependent care costs for children and disabled adults if this care is needed so that a household member can work, look for a job, or get training or education leading to a job;
  4. legally owed and paid child-support payments;
  5. shelter expenses and utility expenses;
  6. medical expenses over $35 a month for household members who are age 60 or older or receiving certain disability payments.

How Much in Food Stamps will I Get?

If you are approved for food stamps in Georgia, how much in benefits you get partly depends on the number of people in your household.

The table below shows you the maximum amount in benefits you may receive if you are approved, based on the number of people in your household.

Household Size Maximum Monthly Benefit Estimated Average Monthly Benefit
1 $204 138
2 $374 260
3 $535 401
4 $680 477
5 $807 560
6 $969 673
7 $1,071 656
8 $1,224 927
Each additional member (+153)

Should I apply for Georgia Food Stamps?

Anyone may apply for food stamp benefits in Georgia. The program helps households that have limited income and resources.

This includes households experiencing a temporary crisis as well as households whose income is at or below the poverty level.

To figure out if you qualify for food stamps in Georgia, you need two pieces of information – your household size and income:

Household size

Your household size is how many people you live and buy/make food with.

You may live with people who don’t count as household members, like tenants who are renting a room, or adult children (22+) who buy/make their own food.

Children (under 22) always count as household members, even if they buy/make their own food.

Elderly (60+) and disabled people count as household members if you buy/make food for them, or you buy/make food together. If they live with you but buy/make food separately, they do not count as household members.

Income

How much money your household makes. This includes both earned income (the money you make from jobs) and unearned income (cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support, etc.).

In order to determine if you qualify for Georgia SNAP benefits, answer the two questions below.

Basic Eligibility Questions:

Question 1

Does anyone in your household have a social security number?

Question 2

Is your monthly income before taxes less than the amount allowed?

Use the income chart above to see if your household’s monthly income, before taxes and other deductions, is under the limit allowed for your household size.

If you answered YES to both questions, you may qualify for Food Assistance.

If you answered NO, you may still qualify for Food Assistance.

There are special rules for households that have people who are over 60, disabled and immigrants.

Note that the only way to be 100% sure you qualify is to submit an application.

How to Apply for Georgia Food Stamps

There are 3 ways you can apply for food stamps in Georgia.

Option 1 – Apply online

You can apply online through the Georgia Gateway account (as shown in the image below). If you have an account, you can log in or create your Gateway Account. Click here to be taken to the website.

Option 2 – Apply at DFCS Office Near You

You can apply in person at the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office near you. Click here to locate a DFCS office.

Option 3 – Download Georgia Food Stamps Application

You can download an application, complete it and mail it to your county DFCS office or submit it in person.

"How to Apply for Georgia Food Stamps"

How long to get Approved for Georgia Food Stamps?

Once you submit a complete application, your caseworker will schedule an interview with you to review your application information and ask any questions they may have about the information you submitted.

Generally, a decision will be made on your food stamps application within 30 days of the day you submitted a COMPLETE application.

What happens in the interview?

During the food stamps application interview, the caseworker will ask you questions about your household’s income, resources, rent or mortgage, and utility costs.

Certain households may also be asked about medical expenses, childcare and child
support expenses.

You may be required to provide proof to support the information provided in your application.

You may bring the following documents with you to the interview

  • A proof of your identity
  • Proof of your citizenship such as birth certificate, U.S. passport, hospital record, etc.
  • Immigration papers for persons applying for benefits, who are not U.S. citizens
  • Social security numbers for persons applying for benefits
  • Proof of income for each household member (check stubs, award letters for social security or veterans administration, unemployment benefits, contributions from
  • family or friends, child support, etc.)
  • Last month’s rent receipt or mortgage payment book
  • Medical bills for persons age 60 and older and/or disabled
  • Childcare receipts for children whose parents are working, in school, or in training.

Note that additional information and proof may be required depending upon your situation.

However, if you do not have all the information when you first apply, you are given 10 days from the date of the interview to provide the required proof.

Georgia Food Stamps Work Requirement

Healthy adults, 18 to 49 years of age, who do not have dependent children or are not pregnant, can only get Georgia Food Stamps benefits for 3 months in a 3-year period if they are not working or participating in a work or workfare program.

For more on Georgia Food Stamp Employment & Training (E&T) Program for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) click here.

Do I qualify for Emergency Food Stamps in Georgia?

Every food stamps application is screened for qualification for emergency food stamps.

If you meet the qualification, your application will be expedited and you may receive benefits within seven days.

The fastest way to receive emergency food stamps is to apply in person at your local DFCS office. Click here to locate a DFCS office.

To be eligible for expedited benefits, you must meet one of these three criteria:

    • Your income and money in the bank add up to less than the monthly housing expenses.
    • You are a migrant worker, and money in the bank is less than $10.
    • Your monthly income is less than $150, and money in the bank is less than $100.

If you believe you are eligible for expedited benefits but don’t get them, contact your caseworker and request that your file be reviewed by a supervisor.

How do I renew my Georgia food stamps benefits?

Here are the steps to review your Georgia food stamps.

Step 1

A few weeks before your food stamps benefits are set to expire, you will receive a letter in the mail from the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) with instructions on when and how to renew your benefits.

Step 2

Follow the instructions and renew your benefits before the due date indicated in the letter. You may be able to renew your benefits online.

However, if online renewal is not provided as an option, complete the paperwork provided and turn it in at your local DFCS office. Click here to locate a DFCS office.

If you have questions about how to renew your Georgia food stamps, call your caseworker, local DFCS office, or the Georgia Food Stamps Customer Contact Center at 1.877.423.4746.

Georgia Gateway Login

The Georgia Gateway system allows you to connect with public assistance information 24/7.

In Georgia Gateway you can:

  • Apply for benefits
  • Check your benefits
  • Renew your benefits
  • Report changes to your case
  • View notices
  • Upload documents

To login to your Gateway Account, or create a new account, click here.

"Georgia Gateway Login"

Georgia Food Stamps Phone Number

If you are trying to reach Georgia Food Stamps or DFCS, you can call the Customer Contact Center at 1.877.423.4746.

Agents available from 8 am to 5 pm Monday – Friday.

Customer Service agents can assists callers in a number of ways, including:

  • Report changes and updates to case information
  • Find out the status of an application or case
  • Request forms, packets, applications
  • Apply for benefits

How will I receive my Georgia SNAP Benefits?

Your Georgia SNAP benefits will be deposited each month on an EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card.

An EBT card is a plastic card that acts like a debit card that is used to distribute public assistance benefits.

The Georgia EBT Card (as shown below) is used for the delivery of benefits such as Food Stamps.

"Georgia EBT Card"

To check the balance on your Georgia EBT Card, see our Georgia EBT Card Balance post.

What time will my food stamps post to my Georgia EBT card?

In Georgia, Food Stamp Benefits are deposited into EBT Card accounts from the 5th to the 23rd of every month. When your payment is deposited depends on the last two digits of your ID number. Here is the schedule:

Food stamps benefits are available by 6 am on the payment day.

If your ID Number ends in Benefits are deposited on the
00-09 5th of the month
10-19 7th of the month
20-29 9th of the month
30-39 11th of the month
40-49 13th of the month
50-59 15th of the month
60-69 17th of the month
70-79 19th of the month
80-89 21st of the month
90-99 23rd of the month

Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your Georgia EBT card to purchase eligible food items. For a full list of approved food items, see the Food Stamps Eligible Food List here.

Georgia Food Stamps FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Georgia food stamps

I live with other people. Do I have to put their names on my application?

Yes. If you buy and prepare food with the people you live with, then you have to all apply together.

However, if you do not buy and prepare food with the people you live with, you should apply separately, but you would still need to put their names on your application.

In addition, some people must always apply together, including spouses and children under 22 living with a parent or step-parent.

Do I Qualify for Georgia Food Stamps?

Are you one of the people described below? You still qualify to apply for food stamps.

What if I own a car?

You can own a car and still qualify for Georgia SNAP Benefits.

What if I have a job?

You can have a job and still qualify for Georgia SNAP Benefits.

What if I own my home?

You can own the home you live in and still qualify for Georgia SNAP Benefits.

What if I am homeless?

You can qualify for Georgia SNAP Benefits even if you do not have a home, address, or place to cook. People without homes can often get benefits within three days.

See emergency food stamps below.

What if I’m unemployed?

Yes, as long as you aren’t leaving a job or reducing your hours specifically so that you’ll qualify.

What if I have a drug felony conviction?

Yes. You’re eligible for food stamps even with a felony drug conviction. Georgia is not one of the 7 states that deny SNAP benefits to people with a drug felony.

Can I get Georgia SNAP Benefits if I’m not a citizen?

Non-citizens who have qualified alien immigration status are eligible for food stamps.

Qualified aliens include refugees, victims of trafficking, Cuban and Haitian immigrants, Iraqi and Afghan immigrants with special status, and more.

Will applying for or receiving Georgia SNAP Benefits impact my family’s immigration status?

No, applying for Georgia SNAP Benefits will not impact you or your family’s immigration status.

Can I qualify if I do not have a family?

Individuals can qualify for food stamps. You do not have to have children to qualify.

Can I get Georgia SNAP Benefits if I am in the military?

If you meet the eligibility requirements you can qualify for Georgia SNAP Benefits if you are in the military.

Can people who receive SSI/SSP receive Georgia SNAP Benefits?

As of March 2020, people who receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are eligible for Georgia SNAP Benefits.

Are the medical expenses of seniors and disabled people considered in determining eligibility?

Yes, there are special rules and deductions for seniors (60 years or older) and disabled people.

What are the food assistance work requirements for ABAWDs?

An Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) must meet the work requirements each month to continue to receive food assistance benefits.

How can an ABAWD meet the work requirements?

There are several qualifying activities an ABAWD can participate in to meet their work requirements:

    • Working (employment or self-employment) an average of 20 hours per week, 80 hours per month (work hours can include hours in lieu of pay, such as work in exchange for rent, etc.);
    • Participating in an allowable education or training activity for at least 20 hours per week, 80 hours per month;
    • If you are participating in and complying with a workfare program, such as Comparable Workfare;
    • Participating in a work investment and opportunity act (WIOA) training program;
    • Any combination of working and participating in a work program for a total of 20 hours per week.

What is Comparable Workfare?

Comparable workfare is one way an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) can meet the special ABAWD work requirements.

Georgia’s Comparable Workfare Program is an unsalaried placement at a well-supervised work site with a public or private non-profit provider.

All state, federal, county, and city government agencies are potential workfare sponsors.

Comparable workfare provides participants with opportunities to develop basic work habits, practice skills, and demonstrate the ability to learn new skills to a prospective employer.

I am a Student. Can I get Georgia Food Stamps?

Most able-bodied students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled in college or other institutions of higher education at least half time are not eligible for SNAP benefits.

However, students may be able to get SNAP benefits if otherwise eligible and they:

    • Get public assistance benefits under a Title IV-A program;
    • Take part in a state or federally financed work-study program;
    • Work at least 20 hours a week;
    • Are taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 6;
    • Are taking care of a dependent household member over the age of 5 but under 12 and do not have adequate child care to enable them to attend school and work a minimum of 20 hours, or to take part in a state or federally financed work-study program; or
    • Are assigned to or placed in a college or certain other schools through:
  • A program under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998;
  • A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974;
  • An employment and training program under the Food Stamp Act; or
  • An employment and training program operated by a state or local government.

Also, a single parent enrolled full time in college and taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 12 can get SNAP benefits if otherwise eligible.

Is there a Georgia Gateway Mobile App?

Unfortunately, there is no mobile app created by the state of Georgia to access the Georgia Gateway account.

We will make an announcement on this website as soon as one becomes available.

Georgia Food Stamps Eligibility Summary

We hope this article on Georgia food stamps eligibility was helpful.

If so, we encourage you to share this article with anyone who may also find it helpful by using the “Share this” button below.

If you have additional questions about the Georgia food stamps or Georgia EBT, please leave those in the comments section below. We are here to help you!

Be sure to check out our other articles about Georgia Benefits, including How to get 50% OFF Amazon Prime for EBT Cardholders and Georgia Medicaid Income Limit, and Georgia Medicaid Eligibility

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