COVID-19: Support for Individuals and Families
Information about SNAP and other social benefit programs, Medicaid and health benefits, unemployment services, veterans services, and other assistance programs during the COVID-19 outbreak.
SNAP and Other Social Benefit Programs
Family and Children Services implements prevention efforts. Program recertifications for SNAP and TANF have resumed. To limit person-to-person contact, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services encourages you to use Georgia Gateway, their online service portal where you can apply for and check your benefits, upload documents, and report any changes to your case. In-person services are available by appointment.
Program recertifications, which were previously suspended due to COVID-19, have now resumed. Notices will be issued when renewal is due. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits due for renewal in March, April, May, June, July, and August 2020 were extended by 6 months.
If you need help accessing Georgia Gateway, call the Customer Support at 1-877-423-4746 during business hours.
Unemployment Services
Department of Labor moves to online services. State allows businesses to reopen with strict operational and sanitation guidelines. The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) is temporarily suspending in-person requirements for services provided by the agency. The GDOL is providing online access to unemployment services, partial claim access for employers, and other reemployment services. GDOL career centers are temporarily closed to the public.
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program will issue an additional $300 a week to eligible individuals, starting with the week ending January 2, 2021.
As the state allows businesses to reopen with safeguards in place, Georgians who return to work may still qualify for unemployment benefits. An individual can continue to make up to $300 per week without reducing their maximum weekly benefit amount. This will enable employees to work reduced hours and still qualify for state weekly benefits.
Please continue to monitor GDOL's website and your My UI account for updates.
Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks)
Economic Impact Payments are given directly to individuals. No action required by most people. Economic Impact Payments, also called stimulus checks, are direct payments to people. These funds are distributed automatically to qualified individuals, with no action required for most people.
Some people who typically do not file tax returns, also called non-filers, are still eligible to receive the economic impact payment. However, they must submit an application for payment with the IRS. Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file to receive a payment.
Rental Assistance
Eligible individuals can apply for rental assistance. The Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA), managed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, can provide up to 15 months of rental and utility assistance. Tenants who have fallen behind on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic must apply to be considered.
The GRA program does not include all counties. If you live in one of these counties, contact your local government directly for rental assistance: City of Atlanta, Augusta-Richmond, Chatham, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, and Henry.
Evictions
Federal moratorium temporarily halts some evictions due to the pandemic. An order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention temporarily halts residential evictions until at least June 30, 2021. To qualify, tenants covered under the order must sign and submit a form to the owner of the residential property. For more information, visit the CDC website.
If you have a dispute with your landlord or with a tenant of rental property that you own, learn about your rights and responsibilities in Georgia.
Foreclosures and Mortgage Relief
Mortgage relief and protection for homeowners. Homeowners with federally backed mortgages are protected from foreclosure or can reduce their mortgage payments until June 30, 2021. Learn more about COVID-19 mortgage relief options.
Medicaid and Health Benefits
Department of Community Health implements prevention efforts. Program recertifications for health benefits have resumed. To limit person-to-person contact, the Department of Community Health encourages you to use Georgia Gateway, their online service portal where you can apply for and check your benefits, upload documents, and report any changes to your case. In-person services are available by appointment.
Program recertifications, which were previously suspended due to COVID-19, have now resumed. Notices will be issued when renewal is due. Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® benefits due for renewal in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October 2020 were extended by 6 months.
If you need help accessing Georgia Gateway, call the Customer Support at 1-877-423-4746 during business hours.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Federal program partners with states to provide those in need with emergency food and nutrition at no cost. TEFAP helps supplement the diets of low-income persons in Georgia by providing food to Food Banks located throughout the state. Find your local Food Bank now. For questions about TEFAP, please call the state office at 404-463-804.
Veterans Services
Veterans Services says to call before visiting field offices. The field offices for the Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) remain open, ready to assist veterans and their families. Due to COVID-19, some VA medical centers and clinics may have reduced visitation. The GDVS advises you to contact your local office to schedule an appointment before visiting. Find your local field office.