Georgia’s food stamp program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), has seen a significant surge in participation. In March 2023, over 2.2 million Georgians received SNAP benefits, a remarkable 18.6% increase compared to the previous year. This surge is attributed to several factors, including the economic impact of the ongoing pandemic, rising food prices, and increased awareness of the program. The state’s Department of Human Services has been working to ensure timely and efficient delivery of benefits to those in need. The increased participation in Georgia’s SNAP program highlights the importance of food assistance programs in addressing food insecurity and supporting the well-being of communities during challenging times.
Georgia’s Extra Food Stamps During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic brought economic hardship to many families in Georgia. To help alleviate this, the state provided extra food stamps, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, to eligible residents. These emergency allotments aimed to ensure that families had access to adequate food during the crisis.
Emergency Allotments During COVID-19
- Increased Benefits: During the pandemic, SNAP benefits were increased for all eligible households in Georgia.
- Additional Payments: In addition to the increased benefits, the state provided additional one-time payments to SNAP recipients.
- Extended Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for SNAP were expanded to include more families who were struggling financially due to the pandemic.
The emergency allotments were a temporary measure that helped many Georgia families weather the economic storm caused by COVID-19. However, as the pandemic subsides and the economy recovers, these extra benefits are being phased out.
For the latest information on SNAP benefits in Georgia, please visit the state’s Department of Human Services website or call the SNAP hotline at (877) 423-4746.
SNAP Benefits in Georgia
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum Monthly Benefit for a Family of Four | $835 |
| Income Eligibility Limit for a Family of Four | $3,015 per month |
| Asset Limit for a Family of Four | $2,500 |
Extension of Pandemic EBT Program
The state of Georgia has extended the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program, which provides extra food assistance to families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. The extension was put into effect by Governor Brian Kemp and will provide additional P-EBT benefits to families through the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
Eligible Families
- Families with children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) are eligible to receive P-EBT benefits.
- Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals due to income eligibility or participation in certain programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), are also eligible.
Benefit Amounts
- The amount of P-EBT benefits that a family receives depends on the number of eligible children in the household and the number of days that schools were closed for in-person learning during the pandemic.
- On average, families with eligible children will receive $480 per child per school year through the P-EBT program.
How to Apply
- Families do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits.
- Eligible families will automatically receive P-EBT benefits on their EBT cards, which are typically used for SNAP benefits.
For additional information, please refer to the table below:
| Program | Who is Eligible? | Benefit Amount | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) | Families with children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) | Approximately $480 per child | No application is necessary |
SNAP Benefits Increase in Georgia
Georgia residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will see an increase in their monthly benefits through September 2023. This increase is part of a nationwide effort to provide additional support to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of four in Georgia will increase from $835 to $939 per month. The average monthly benefit increase for Georgia SNAP households is $104.
Eligibility
- To be eligible for SNAP benefits in Georgia, you must meet certain income and household size requirements.
- Income limits are based on the federal poverty level.
- Household size includes all members of your household, including children, adults, and non-citizens.
How to Apply
- To apply for SNAP benefits in Georgia, you can apply online or in-person at your local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office.
- You will need to provide proof of income, household size, and identity.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive a Georgia EBT card that you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Additional Resources
- For more information about SNAP benefits in Georgia, visit the DFCS website or call the SNAP hotline at 1-877-423-4746.
- You can also find a list of authorized SNAP retailers near you by visiting the USDA website.
| Household Size | Old Maximum Benefit | New Maximum Benefit | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $281 | $321 | $40 |
| 2 | $459 | $535 | $76 |
| 3 | $636 | $745 | $109 |
| 4 | $835 | $939 | $104 |
| 5 | $1,034 | $1,133 | $99 |
| 6 | $1,233 | $1,327 | $94 |
| 7 | $1,432 | $1,521 | $89 |
| 8 | $1,631 | $1,715 | $84 |
Georgia Department of Human Services Updates
The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) has recently announced several important updates regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, in the state of Georgia. These updates are designed to provide additional support to individuals and families facing financial difficulties due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Extended SNAP Emergency Allotments
- DHS has extended the issuance of emergency SNAP allotments to eligible households through March 2023.
- These additional benefits provide a temporary increase in SNAP benefits to help offset the rising cost of food during the pandemic.
- Emergency allotments will continue to be issued automatically to current SNAP recipients each month.
Increased SNAP Benefit Amounts
DHS has announced an increase in the maximum SNAP benefit amounts for all households, effective January 2023.
| Household Size | Previous Maximum Benefit | New Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 | $281 |
| 2 people | $459 | $516 |
| 3 people | $658 | $768 |
| 4 people | $835 | $1,026 |
| 5 people | $1,011 | $1,281 |
| 6 people | $1,161 | $1,501 |
| 7 people | $1,307 | $1,715 |
| 8 people | $1,453 | $1,929 |
SNAP Outreach and Assistance
DHS is encouraging individuals and families who may be eligible for SNAP benefits to apply. The department has expanded its outreach efforts to reach underserved communities and those who may be unaware of the program.
- DHS offers online application assistance and resources to help individuals complete the application process.
- Local DHS offices are open to provide in-person assistance and guidance to applicants.
- SNAP recipients can also manage their benefits and report changes online through the Georgia Gateway portal.
These updates to the SNAP program in Georgia are intended to provide much-needed support to individuals and families facing food insecurity during these challenging times.