The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Georgia, also known as the Food Stamp Program, provides monthly benefits to low-income households to purchase nutritious food, helping to alleviate food insecurity and promote access to healthy meals. Benefits are issued via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, known as the Georgia EBT Card, accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
This guide outlines the 2025 eligibility criteria, income limits, benefit amounts, and application process for Georgia SNAP, based on federal and Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) guidelines.
Use the SNAP Eligibility Screener on the Georgia Gateway portal to estimate your benefits, assuming you meet Georgia’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Georgia SNAP Benefits
To qualify for SNAP in Georgia, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Income: Household income must fall within federal poverty guidelines or meet categorical eligibility through programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Household Size: Determined by individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident (e.g., lawful permanent residents with 5+ years in the U.S., refugees, asylees, or children under 18).
- Residency: Must reside in Georgia.
- Work Requirements: Certain adults (able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs) must meet work obligations unless exempt.
- Assets: Most households are not subject to asset limits due to Georgia’s broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). Households with elderly or disabled members exceeding specific income thresholds may face asset limits.
Households receiving TANF, SSI, or TANF Community Outreach Services (TCOS) are often categorically eligible, meaning they automatically qualify for SNAP without meeting standard income or asset tests, provided their net income is low enough. Contact the Georgia DFCS at (877) 423-4746 for detailed guidance.
Georgia SNAP Income Guidelines (2025)
Eligibility is based on gross income (pre-tax) and net income (after allowable deductions). The 2025 income limits, aligned with federal poverty guidelines (effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), are as follows:
Gross Income Limit (200% of Federal Poverty Level)
Georgia uses a higher gross income limit (200% FPL) for most households due to BBCE, making it easier to qualify:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,878 |
| 2 | $3,892 |
| 3 | $4,906 |
| 4 | $5,920 |
| 5 | $6,934 |
| 6 | $7,948 |
| 7 | $8,962 |
| 8 | $9,976 |
| Each Add’l | +$1,014 |
Gross Income Limit for Elderly/Disabled (165% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households where all members are 60+ or disabled qualify under higher limits if exceeding the 200% FPL:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,375 |
| 2 | $3,210 |
| 3 | $4,045 |
| 4 | $4,880 |
| 5 | $5,715 |
| 6 | $6,550 |
| 7 | $7,385 |
| 8 | $8,220 |
| Each Add’l | +$835 |
Net Income Limit (100% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households exceeding gross income limits may qualify after deductions:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,439 |
| 2 | $1,946 |
| 3 | $2,453 |
| 4 | $2,960 |
| 5 | $3,467 |
| 6 | $3,974 |
| 7 | $4,481 |
| 8 | $4,988 |
| Each Add’l | +$507 |
Note: Households receiving TANF, SSI, or TCOS are categorically eligible and may not need to meet these income limits, but their net income must be low enough to receive benefits.
Income Sources
Countable income includes:
- Earned: Wages, self-employment earnings (before taxes, with allowable business expenses deducted).
- Unearned: Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pensions.
Exempt income may include certain educational grants or loans used for tuition and fees.
Asset Rules for Georgia SNAP
Due to Georgia’s adoption of broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), most households are not subject to asset limits. For households with elderly (60+) or disabled members exceeding the 200% FPL gross income limit, the asset cap is $4,500. Countable assets include:
- Liquid resources (e.g., cash, bank accounts)
- Secondary properties (excluding primary residence)
- Stocks, bonds, money market funds
Non-Countable Assets:
- Primary home
- Household goods (e.g., furniture, appliances)
- Retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs, 401k plans)
- Vehicles (Georgia excludes all non-liquid resources and applies no vehicle-specific limits for BBCE-eligible households)
Households that are categorically eligible (e.g., receiving TANF, SSI, or TCOS) are exempt from asset limits.
Defining a SNAP Household
A SNAP household includes individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together, such as:
- Spouses
- Children under 22 living with parents
- Individuals living together but purchasing and preparing food separately may qualify as separate households.
Disabled or elderly individuals (60+) unable to prepare meals due to a permanent disability may form a separate household if their combined income with others is below 165% of the FPL (e.g., $2,375/month for one person).
Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), aged 18–52, must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week, or
- Participate in an approved employment or training program (e.g., SNAP Works Program through Georgia Workforce Services).
Non-compliance limits benefits to 3 months within a 3-year period. Exemptions include:
- Under 18 or over 52
- Pregnant
- Caring for a dependent child
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Receiving disability-related benefits (e.g., SSI, Social Security disability)
All non-exempt adults aged 16–59 must register for work at application and every 12 months thereafter. Note: Recent changes effective in 2025 have tightened work requirements, removing exemptions for certain groups like veterans. Contact your SNAP caseworker for clarification.
Deductions to Improve Eligibility
Deductions reduce countable income, increasing eligibility chances:
- Standard Deduction: $204 (1-3 people), $291 (6+)
- Earned Income: 20% deduction
- Dependent Care: Costs for child or dependent care needed for work or school
- Medical Expenses: Over $35/month for elderly or disabled (unreimbursed costs only; standard deduction of $136 available without full verification)
- Shelter Costs: Rent/mortgage and utilities, up to $712 (no cap for households with elderly/disabled members)
- Standard Utility Allowance: Varies (e.g., $374 for heating/cooling, or lower for single utilities like electricity or phone)
- Homeless Deduction: Up to $190.30
- Court-Ordered Child Support: Payments made to non-household members
Georgia SNAP Benefit Amounts (2025)
Maximum monthly allotments by household size (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025):
| Household Size | Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,755 |
| Each Add’l | +$220 |
Benefits are calculated by multiplying net monthly income by 0.3 and subtracting the result from the maximum allotment for the household size. Households with no net income receive the maximum benefit. A 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) has been applied for 2025 to account for rising food prices.
Applying for SNAP in Georgia
Apply through the following methods:
- Online: Georgia Gateway portal
- In-Person: Visit a local DFCS office
- Mail: Download, complete, and mail the application (Form 297) from the DFCS website to a DFCS office
- Fax: Fax the completed application to a DFCS office (check local office for fax number)
- Phone: Call (877) 423-4746 or Georgia 2-1-1 for assistance
An interview (phone or in-person) is required to finalize the application. Households with urgent needs (e.g., less than $150 monthly gross income and under $100 in liquid resources, or combined income and resources less than monthly housing costs) may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. Keep your confirmation number and copies of submitted documents.
Post-Approval Process
- Receive a Georgia EBT Card by mail, which must be activated before use.
- Use it to purchase eligible food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or online (e.g., Amazon, Walmart). SNAP cannot cover delivery fees.
- Benefits are loaded monthly on a staggered schedule based on the last two digits of your case number (e.g., case numbers ending in 00-09 load on the 5th, 10-19 on the 7th, etc.).
- Check balances via receipts, the Georgia Gateway portal/app, by calling 1-888-421-3281, or through resources like How to Check SNAP Balance.
- Protect your EBT card from scams by changing your PIN regularly and reporting issues immediately to 1-888-421-3281. Note: Replacement of stolen SNAP benefits due to electronic theft (e.g., card skimming) is not available for thefts occurring after December 20, 2024.
EBT Card Perks
- Online Shopping: Accepted at Amazon, Walmart, and other approved retailers.
- Farmers’ Markets: Purchase fresh produce at participating markets.
- Discount Programs: Discounts on services like Amazon Prime or museum admissions (check Museums for All).
Items Not Covered by SNAP
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods
- Non-food items (e.g., pet food, cleaning supplies)
- Vitamins or medications
Key Information
- Income and benefit limits are updated annually (October 1).
- Most Georgia households are categorically eligible, easing income and asset restrictions.
- Use the Georgia Gateway SNAP Eligibility Screener to estimate eligibility.
- Apply even if unsure—you may qualify.
- Report stolen benefits (for thefts before December 20, 2024) using Form 841 within 30 days of discovery and seek emergency food assistance via Georgia 2-1-1 or the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Resources
- Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)
- USDA SNAP Eligibility
- Atlanta Community Food Bank: (678) 553-5917
- Wholesome Wave Georgia SNAP Assistance: (706) 736-1199
- Georgia 2-1-1 for emergency food assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for SNAP in Georgia?
Apply online at the Georgia Gateway portal, in person at a DFCS office, by mail, fax, or call 2-1-1 for help.
What are the 2025 SNAP income limits for Georgia?
For a single-person household, the gross monthly income limit is $2,878 (200% FPL). Limits vary by household size. Categorically eligible households may have higher limits.
How long does SNAP approval take in Georgia?
Approval takes up to 30 days, but expedited benefits may be issued within 7 days for emergencies.
Can I use my Georgia SNAP EBT card online?
Yes, it’s accepted at retailers like Amazon and Walmart for eligible grocery purchases.
Are there work requirements for Georgia SNAP?
Adults aged 18–52 without dependents must work 20 hours per week or participate in training, unless exempt (e.g., disabled, pregnant, or caring for a child).
This guide is based on 2025 federal and Georgia DFCS guidelines. Verify details with your local DFCS office for accuracy.