Division of Family and Children

Services

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program (SNAP)

IN
GEORGIA

Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 1

 THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM (SNAP) IN GEORGIA

If you need help reading or completing this document or need help

communicating with us, ask us or call 1-877-423-4746. Our services, including
interpreters, are free. If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty
speaking, you can call us at the number above by dialing 711 (Georgia Relay).

WHAT IS THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food
Stamp Program, is a federally funded program that provides monthly benefits to low-
income households to help pay for the cost of food. SNAP provides employment and
training opportunities to recipients who want to participate in the SNAP Employment and
Training (E&T) program. The program also provides nutrition education to low-income
households to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. SNAP outreach activities
are provided through community partner agencies and the local community food banks.

WHAT IS A HOUSEHOLD?

A household may be one person living alone, a family, or several, unrelated individuals who
live together and routinely purchase and prepare meals together. Certain family members
or individuals who live together and do not routinely purchase and prepare meals together
do not have to be included in the household. For those individuals, social security numbers,
immigration status, and citizenship do not have to be provided to the caseworker. The
decision of whether an individual must be included in the household is based on
federal regulations.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR SNAP BENEFITS?

Anyone may apply for SNAP benefits. The program helps households that have limited
income and resources. This includes households experiencing temporary crisis as well as
households whose income is at or below the poverty level.

WHAT IS AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE?

An authorized representative is a person your household allows to apply for, obtain,

and/or to use SNAP benefits on behalf of your household because you are unable to do so.

Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 2

 WHERE DO YOU APPLY?

Each county has a Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office. This
department takes applications for SNAP benefits.

The address and telephone number of Georgia DFCS offices can be found on the website
of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at
www.dfcs.georgia.gov/locations.

WHEN CAN YOU APPLY?

Most Department of Family and Children Services’ offices are open Monday through Friday
from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except weekends and holidays. However, office days and
hours can vary by location. Days and hours of operation can be found online by visiting
www.dfcs.georgia.gov/locations and selecting the office in your area. Online applications
are available via the Georgia Gateway website at: www.gateway.ga.gov.

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR BENEFITS?

To apply for benefits, the head of household, a household member, or an authorized

person representing the household may complete a paper application, apply online or by
phone. A paper application can be received from your local DFCS office, from the DFCS
website, or by calling the Customer Contact Center at 1-877-423-4746 to request that an
application be mailed to your home address. You may also call the Customer Contact
Center to apply by telephone.

You may copy the blank application found on the website at: www.dfcs.georgia.gov/snap-
food-stamps. Complete the form, mail, fax, or take it to your local county office.

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR BENEFITS ONLINE?

You may also apply for SNAP benefits online via the Gateway website at
https://gateway.ga.gov/access/. Applicants who create an account online may check the
status of their application and may also check their eligibility for other DHS programs via
the Gateway Pre-screening Tool. Additionally, Gateway allows SNAP recipients to report
changes in household circumstances and to renew their benefits online.

WHEN IS AN APPLICATION CONSIDERED FILED?

An application is considered filed when the application has the name of the head of
household, address, date, and signature of the head of household, another household
member, or an authorized representative (AREP) and is received by the local county office.
An application can be filed at your local county Department of Family and Children Services,
but any Department of Family and Children Services can accept your application. You
Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 3
 should try to complete the entire application. It is very important that you give your
telephone number and/or address so that DFCS can reach you by phone.

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE THE APPLICATION IS FILED?

You, a household member, or someone authorized to make an application for your

household, an Authorized Representative, must be interviewed by a caseworker from
DFCS. The individual who is interviewed must know about your household situation.
For elderly/disabled individuals or individuals experiencing problems coming to the office,
the interview may be completed by telephone, a pre-arranged home visit, or an office visit.
Contact your local county office to find out about interviews.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE INTERVIEW?

The caseworker will ask you questions about your household’s income, resources, rent or
mortgage, and utility expenses. Certain households may also be asked about medical
expenses, childcare and child support expenses. Proof of your household situation is
necessary, so if you have the following information, you may bring it with you:

❖ 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 veteran’s administration, unemployment benefits, contributions from
family or friends, child support, etc.)
❖ last month's rent receipt or mortgage payment book
❖ medical bills for persons aged 60 and older and/or disabled
❖ childcare receipts for children whose parents are working, in school, or in training
❖ additional information and proof may be required depending upon your situation.

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

The interview is an official and confidential discussion of the household’s circumstances.

The interviewer must not simply gather and review information but must explore and resolve
unclear or incomplete information.

If an individual in your household does not want to give us a social security number or
information about immigration status or citizenship, the individual will not be eligible for SNAP
benefits. Other household members may still be eligible for benefits.

An individual is not reported to the Department of Homeland Security, United States

Citizenship and Immigration Services, for choosing not to give a social security number or
immigration status.
Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 4
 ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR SNAP BENEFITS IF:

• you are a citizen of the United States or have a certain legal alien status
• you provide all of the required documents as proof of the household's
situation
• you and/or other household members comply with work requirements
• the household's monthly income does not exceed the income limits based on
the number of people who live in the household
• the rent or mortgage payment, utility bills, and in some cases medical,
childcare and child support expenses are considered in the eligibility
determination process if proof of these expenses are provided.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET SNAP BENEFITS?

The application must be processed and benefits available within 30 days from the date the
application is filed. If your household has little or no income and meets specific criteria, the
application must be processed and benefits available within 7 days. A notice is sent to
each household stating whether the household is eligible for SNAP benefits. If eligible, the
notice states the amount of benefits the household will receive and how long the household
will receive benefits before having to reapply.

HOW MUCH WILL YOU RECEIVE?

The amount of benefits your household receives depends upon the number of individuals in
your SNAP household, the amount of household income and the amount of deductions
used in the budgeting process. The date of application affects the amount of benefits
received by the household in the first month. As long as your household remains eligible,
benefits are provided each month. Benefits remaining in your EBT account can be obtained
until they are used up even if your SNAP case closes.

Note: If there is no EBT card activity by the household after 9 months, the remaining
benefits will be removed from the account one month at a time. Any activity (debit or
credit) initiated by the household will stop the benefit removal process until another 9
months of inactivity.

Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 5

HOW LONG DO YOU GET SNAP BENEFITS?

If eligible, your household can receive SNAP for one month up to three years before
reapplying. In the last month of the certification period, your household will receive a
renewal reminder notice from DFCS. The letter tells you that your certification period is
about to end and that your household must reapply.

If your response to this letter is timely, your benefits will continue if you comply with the
renewal process and your household is still eligible. Your benefits will stop if you do not
comply with the renewal process or if your household is determined to be ineligible for
continued benefits at renewal. The renewal process includes submitting a renewal
application, conducting an interview if required, and providing any required verification in
a timely manner.

HOW ARE SNAP BENEFITS ISSUED TO YOU?

Benefits are issued using an electric benefit transfer (EBT) card and Personal
Identification Number (PIN).

If you are eligible for benefits and have never received as the head of a household, an
EBT card will be mailed to you. The household uses the EBT card in authorized stores
to purchase food. When the total amount of the food benefit purchase is determined at
the checkout counter, you swipe your EBT card through a point of sale device and
enter your PIN number. The amount of the purchase is deducted from your total
monthly allotment.

WHEN ARE BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO THE HOUSEHOLD?

Benefits are credited to the EBT account from the 5th through the 23rd of each month. To
access your benefits, you need your EBT card and PIN. If your EBT card is lost or stolen or
you forget your PIN, call the EBT customer service help line at 1-888-421-3281. Your lost or
stolen card will be canceled. A new EBT card and/or PIN will be issued to your household.
To obtain information online about your EBT account, log on to www.ebt.acs-inc.com.

Using your card number and Personal Identification Number (PIN), you can:

• Check your current account balance

• Review your transaction history
• Change your PIN
• Contact Customer Service

You must have your card number ready to access your information. Remember to keep
your EBT card and PIN in a safe place. If someone gets your EBT card and PIN, that
individual is able to obtain your benefits. Benefits taken from your EBT account are not
replaced by DFCS.

Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 6

WHERE CAN YOU SPEND SNAP BENEFITS?

Food stores which are authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) may accept EBT transactions to purchase food. Most
stores provide signs to indicate that SNAP benefits may be used to purchase food
products.

WHAT IS PURCHASED WITH SNAP BENEFITS?

Benefits may only be used to buy food and plants or seeds that grow food, for your
household to eat. Certain food supplements such as Ensure may be purchased with SNAP
benefits. Ice, water, and cold or room temperature foods, which are not designed to
be consumed in the store, may be purchased with SNAP benefits.

WHAT IS NOT PURCHASED WITH SNAP BENEFITS?

SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcoholic beverages, cigarettes or tobacco,

household supplies such as soap and paper products, medicines, vitamins, pet foods, or
any non-food items.

WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS?

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

• receive an application on the day you ask for it.

• request assistance filling out this form and free language assistance services
(interpreters, translated materials, or direct in-language services) if you have
trouble reading, writing, speaking, or understanding the English language.
• request auxiliary aids and services and reasonable modifications if you or
someone in your household has a disability.
• have your application accepted when you file it.
• have an adult apply for your household if you cannot get to the DFCS office.
• have a home visit or telephone interview if you are 60 or older or are disabled and
cannot find someone to apply for you.
• have your EBT card and PIN within 30 days of the date you file your application, if
eligible, or
• have your EBT card, Personal Identification Number (PIN), and benefits
available by the 7th day following the date of application, if eligible for expedited
services.
• receive fair treatment without regard to age, sex, race, color, handicap, religious
creed, national origin, or political beliefs.
• have a fair hearing if you disagree with any action taken on your case.
• examine your case file and the rules of the program.
• be notified in advance if your benefits are reduced or stopped due to a change
that is not reported in writing.

Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 7

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?

• You must answer all questions completely.

• You must sign your name to certify, under penalty of perjury, that all answers are
true.
• You must provide proof that you are eligible for benefits.
• Do not sell, trade, or give away your SNAP benefits.
• Use SNAP benefits to buy only eligible items.

WHEN RECEIVING BENEFITS WHAT CHANGES MUST YOUR HOUSEHOLD

REPORT?

Simplified Reporting Households – All SNAP households in Georgia have simplified

reporting requirements.

• This means you must report when your household’s total monthly gross income is
more than 130% of the federal poverty level for your household size.
• If you are an adult between the ages of 18-54 with no children, you must report
when your work hours are less than 20 hours a week, averaged 80 hours per month,
no later than 10 days from the end of the month in which the change occurred.
• You must report when your household receives substantial lottery and gambling
winnings. This is a cash prize won in a single game. If you or a household member
receives lottery or gambling winnings in the gross amount of $4500 or more (before
taxes or other amounts are withheld), you must report these winnings no later than
10 calendar days from the end of the month in which the household received the
winnings.

Your caseworker will explain this requirement to you. You may report changes to the DFCS
Call Center at 1-877-423-4746 or at https://gateway.ga.gov/access/.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR BREAKING THE RULES?

You may lose your benefits or be subject to criminal prosecution for knowingly providing
false information.

• Do not give false information or hide information to get benefits your household
should not get.
• Do not use SNAP benefits or EBT cards that are not yours and do not let
someone else use your card.
• Do not use SNAP benefits to buy nonfood items such as alcohol or
cigarettes or to pay on credit cards.
• Do not trade or sell SNAP or EBT cards for illegal items such as firearms,
ammunition, or controlled substances (illegal drugs).

Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 8

Any household member who breaks any of the SNAP rules on purpose can be
barred from SNAP for one year to permanently, fined up to
$250,000, imprisoned up to 20 years or both. She/he may also be subject to
prosecution under other applicable Federal and State laws. She/he may also be
barred from SNAP for an additional 18 months if court ordered.

Any household member who intentionally breaks the rules may not get SNAP
benefits for one year for the first offense, two years for the second offense, and
permanently for the third offense.
If a court of law finds you or any household member guilty of using or receiving
SNAP benefits in a transaction involving the sale of a controlled substance, you
or that household member will not be eligible for benefits for two years for the
first offense, and permanently for the second offense.

If a court of law finds you or any household member guilty of having used or
received benefits in a transaction involving the sale of firearms, ammunition or
explosives, you or that household member will be permanently ineligible to
participate in SNAP upon the first offense of this violation.

If a court of law finds you or any household member guilty of having trafficked
benefits for an aggregate amount of $500 or more, you or that household member
will be permanently ineligible to participate in SNAP upon the first offense of this
violation.

If you or any household member is found to have given a fraudulent statement or

representation with respect to identity (who they are) or place of residence (where
they live) in order to receive multiple SNAP benefits, you or that household
member will be ineligible to participate in SNAP for a period of 10 years.

Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 9

Notice of ADA/Section 504 Rights
Help for People with Disabilities

The Georgia Department of Human Services (“the Department”) is required by federal law* to
provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and qualify for the
Department’s programs, services, or activities. This includes programs such as SNAP, TANF and
Medical Assistance.

The Department provides reasonable modifications when the modifications are necessary to
avoid discrimination based on disability. For example, we may change policies, practices, or
procedures to provide equal access. To ensure equally effective communication, we provide
persons with disabilities or their companions with disabilities, communication assistance, such as
sign language interpreters. Our help is free. The Department is not required to make any
modification that would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a service, program, or
activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens.

How to Request a Reasonable Modification or Communication Assistance

Please contact your caseworker if you have a disability and need a reasonable modification,
communication assistance, or extra help. For instance, call if you need an aid or service for
effective communication, like a sign language interpreter. You may contact your caseworker or
call DFCS at (877) 423-4746 to make your request. You may also make your request using the
DFCS ADA Reasonable Modification Request Form, which is available at your local DFCS office
or online at https://dfcs.georgia.gov/adasection-504-and-civil-rights, but you do not have to use a
form to make a request.

How to File a Complaint

You have the right to make a complaint if the Department has discriminated against you because
of your disability. For example, you may file a discrimination complaint if you have asked for a
reasonable modification or sign language interpreter that has been denied or not acted on within a
reasonable time. You can make a complaint orally or in writing by contacting your case worker,
your local DFCS office, or the DFCS Civil Rights and ADA/Section 504 Coordinator at 47 Trinity
Avenue, SW, Atlanta, GA 30334, (877) 423-4746.
You can ask your case worker for a copy of the DFCS civil rights complaint form. The complaint
form is also available at https://dfcs.georgia.gov/adasection-504-and-civil-rights. If you need help
making a discrimination complaint, you may contact any DFCS staff listed above. Individuals who
are deaf or hard of hearing or who may have speech disabilities may call 711 for an operator to
connect with us.
You may also file a discrimination complaint with the appropriate federal agency. Contact
information for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) is within the “Nondiscrimination Statement”.

*Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and the
Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 ensure persons with disabilities are free
from unlawful discrimination.

Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 10

Do Not Send Applications to the USDA
Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil
rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of
race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious
creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information
(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency
(state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or
have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-
8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027,

USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online
at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by
calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the
complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged
discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
(ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027
form or letter must be submitted to:

1. mail:
Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314; or
2. fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
[email protected]

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Under the Department of Human Service (DHS), you may also file other discrimination
complaints by contacting your local DFCS office, or the DFCS Civil Rights, ADA/Section
504 Coordinator at Georgia Department of Human Services, Office of General Counsel,
47 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30334, (877) 423-4746. For complaints alleging
discrimination based on limited English proficiency, contact the DHS Limited English
Proficiency and Sensory Impaired Program at: Georgia Department of Human Services,
Office of General Counsel, 47 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30334, (877) 423-4746.

Do Not Send Applications to the USDA

Form 47 (Rev. 10/24) PAGE 11