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 TANF
Family and Children Services offers online services. 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 for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), which were previously suspended due to COVID-19, have now resumed. Notices will be issued when renewal is due.
If you need help accessing Georgia Gateway, call the Customer Support at 1-877-423-4746 during business hours.
DFCS website
Find Your Local Food Bank
Unemployment Services
Department of Labor moves to online services. State to opt out of federal pandemic unemployment programs. Some workers may qualify for benefits. 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 state will no longer offer federal pandemic unemployment programs after Saturday, June 26, 2021. Regular state unemployment insurance benefits will continue to be offered.
Please continue to monitor GDOL's website and your My UI account for updates.
Childcare Assistance
Financial assistance to help Georgia families pay for childcare. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is distributing funds to help eligible Georgia families negatively impacted by the pandemic pay for childcare. DECAL encourages you to apply for the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program using Georgia Gateway, their online service portal where you can apply for and check your benefits, upload documents, and report any changes to your case. If you need assistance in submitting an online application, call 1-833-4GACAPS (1-833-442-2277).
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 may not include all counties. If you live in one of these counties, also 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
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.
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.
Internet and Broadband
Support for households struggling to afford internet services. The Emergency Broadband Benefit helps low-income households access affordable internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program provides discounts for broadband service and computer purchases to qualifying households.
Medicaid and Health Benefits
Department of Community Health offers online services. Benefit renewals suspended. 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 for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® benefits are suspended due to COVID-19. Benefits due for renewal through August 2021 are extended by six months. Notices will be issued when renewal is due.
If you need help accessing Georgia Gateway, call the Customer Support at 1-877-423-4746 during business hours.