TTo qualify for SNAP in Georgia for fiscal year 2025 (Oct 1, 2024 - Sep 30, 2025), your household's gross monthly income generally must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty line.

• Standard Households: Gross income ≤ 130% FPL, Net income ≤ 100% FPL.
• Households with Elderly/Disabled Member: Gross income ≤ 200% FPL, Net income ≤ 100% FPL.

Specific monthly limits:

Applications can be submitted online via Georgia Gateway, in person at local Department of Human Services (DHS) offices, or by calling the Customer Contact Center at 1-877-423-4746. You'll need proof of identity, residency, income, and expenses. Processing typically takes about 30 days.

Maximum monthly benefit amounts for 2025 (effective Oct 1, 2024 - Sep 30, 2025) are based on household size: These amounts reflect cost-of-living adjustments. Your actual benefit will depend on your net income.

The main changes for the 2025 fiscal year (Oct 2024 - Sep 2025) are the updated income limits and maximum benefit amounts due to annual federal adjustments. No major state-specific policy changes have been announced, though potential future federal budget decisions could impact the program.

Seniors (age 60+) and individuals with disabilities may qualify under more lenient rules. Their gross income limit is higher (200% FPL), although the net income limit (100% FPL) still applies. They may also be exempt from certain work requirements and subject to different asset tests.

Recertification is typically required every 6 months. You will need to provide updated information about your household's income, expenses, and circumstances to confirm continued eligibility.

Generally, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot, prepared foods ready for immediate consumption. Georgia does allow the purchase of cold prepared foods (like deli sandwiches or salads) intended for home consumption.

Report a lost or stolen EBT card immediately by calling Georgia EBT Customer Service at 1-888-421-3281. This will deactivate the card to prevent unauthorized use. You can request a replacement card online via the ConnectEBT website or by phone. If benefits were stolen electronically, you might be eligible for replacement benefits under certain conditions. File a police report if the card was stolen.

Yes, you can check your EBT card balance, view transaction history, and see deposit dates online through the ConnectEBT website (www.connectebt.com) or by using the ConnectEBT mobile app. You can also check your balance by calling EBT Customer Service at 1-888-421-3281.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18-49 generally must work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period. Exemptions apply for individuals who are pregnant, students, caring for a child or incapacitated person, or physically/mentally unfit for work. Seniors and disabled individuals are usually exempt. Check the official Georgia Policy Manual for current details.

During declared emergencies (like hurricanes, floods, or widespread power outages), Georgia DHS may implement Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) for broader eligibility or allow replacement benefits for food lost due to the disaster. Recipients typically need to report the loss to their local DHS office within 10 days and may need to complete Form 841 (Affidavit For Food Stamp Replacement).

Yes, individuals eligible for SNAP may also qualify for other assistance programs such as:

• WIC: Nutritional support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children.
• TANF: Temporary cash assistance for eligible low-income families.
• LIHEAP: Energy assistance to help with heating and cooling bills.
• Medicaid/PeachCare for Kids: Healthcare coverage.

Check the Georgia DHS Programs website for more information.

Georgia DHS employs various methods to ensure program integrity, including verifying income and expenses during application and recertification, monitoring EBT transactions for suspicious activity, cross-matching data with other government agencies, and investigating reports of fraud.

Misusing SNAP benefits (e.g., selling them for cash, buying ineligible items, lying on an application) can result in serious consequences, including temporary or permanent disqualification from the program, repayment of the improperly received benefits, and potential criminal prosecution leading to fines or imprisonment.

If you suspect someone is committing SNAP fraud or abuse, you can report it confidentially to the Georgia DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-966-7767 or submit a report online through the DHS website. You can also report it to your local county DHS office.