Apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, provide any eligible citizen monthly funds to buy groceries. 

Anyone may apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. The program helps households who have limited income and resources. A household may be one person living alone, a family, or several unrelated individuals cohabiting who buy and prepare meals together. SNAP can be used to buy food from any store with the EBT/Quest sign.

Senior SNAP

If you are over age 60, your household has a permanent fixed income, such as Social Security Income, and members of your household are not working, you may qualify for Senior SNAP. To find out more, call the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at 877-423-4746. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please call GA Relay at 800-255-0135. These services are free.

Getting your SNAP benefits quickly

If you have little or no income, you may qualify to get benefits within 7 days, also called expedited benefits. To find out if you qualify, visit the DFCS FAQ web page or call DFCS at 877-423-4746. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please call GA Relay at 800-255-0135. These services are free.

Related to: 

How Do I Apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)?

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    Gather What You’ll Need

    You will need to provide the following information about yourself and all household members:

    • Proof of Identity
    • Date of Birth
    • Social Security Number
    • Citizenship or immigration status
    • Employment status and income
    • Criminal background, if any (Examples: probation, parole, felony conviction)
    • Proof of household income (Examples: pay stub, child support payments)
    • Proof of household expenses (Examples: utilities, medical bills, child care receipts)
     
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    Apply for Benefits

    Choose your application:

    • Apply online

      You can apply for benefits as well as check and manage your status through Georgia Gateway.

      • Visit the Georgia Gateway website.
      • Create an account or log in with your existing information.
      • Fill out the required information and submit your benefits application.
      • All DFCS locations have computers in their lobbies if you need web access.
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    • Apply by mail

      You can mail your completed application to any DFCS office.

      • Find the nearest DFCS office location by city, county or zip code.
      • Mail your completed application to that office.
      • Some offices have separate mailing and physical addresses, so be sure to check the address.
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    • Apply in person

      You can drop off your completed application to any DFCS office.

      • Find the nearest DFCS office location by city, county or zip code.
      • Bring your completed application to the office during its operating hours.
      • Some offices have separate mailing and physical addresses, so be sure to check the address.
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    Interview with a Case Manager

    • Once your application is filed, a DFCS case manager will interview you.
    • This may be done in person or over the telephone. 
    • Be ready to answer questions and have proof available about your household’s income, resources, rent or mortgage, and utility costs. 
    • If you don’t have something that’s asked for, let your case manager know. DFCS allows up to 10 days from the interview for you to give that information to your local office.
     
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    Next Steps

    • Your income, resources and household size will determine the amount of your monthly SNAP benefit.
    • If you receive benefits, an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be mailed to you. This can take up to 30 days. 
    • You can check your benefits status by logging into Georgia Gateway or by calling the DFCS.
    • If you believe the decision in your case isn’t fair, you can request a hearing to have your case reconsidered. Contact your local office by mail or over the phone within 10 days of receiving your notice of eligibility.
     

Division of Family and Children Services: Office

Visit

2 Peachtree Street, NW
19th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

Contact

Toll Free:
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This information was prepared as a public service of the State of Georgia to provide general information, not to advise on any specific legal problem. It is not, and cannot be construed to be, legal advice. If you have questions regarding any matter contained on this page, please contact the related agency.