How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Georgia

To apply for SNAP benefits in Georgia, you can submit an application online, in-person, or by mail. Each method is straightforward.

Apply Online

Applying online through the Georgia Gateway portal is the fastest method. You can complete the process from a computer or mobile device with an internet connection at any time.

To start, visit the Georgia DFCS website. You will need to create an account to fill out and submit your application. Be prepared to upload documents verifying your identity, residency, and income.

Apply In Person

Applying in person allows you to receive direct assistance. You can visit your local county Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) office to complete the application with a caseworker.

Bring all necessary documents with you, such as proof of income, identification, and residency. A staff member can help you fill out the forms and answer any questions you may have.

Apply By Mail

If you prefer a paper application or lack reliable internet, you can apply by mail. This method is slower, so plan for extra processing time for your application to be received.

You can download and print the application from the DFCS website. After filling it out completely, mail it to your local county DFCS office for processing.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Georgia

• For application help, call the Customer Contact Center at 1-877-423-4746. Press 2 for Spanish.

• Live agents are available Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.

• They can answer general questions about SNAP/EBT and the Georgia Gateway portal.

See Georgia EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Georgia

Once you're approved for SNAP, you'll need to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Think of it like a debit card, but specifically for your food assistance funds. You will receive it in the mail once your application is approved.

Using your EBT card is simple. At an authorized store, you just swipe or insert your card into the point-of-sale (POS) machine and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The process works very similarly to using a regular debit card.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple food items to help you prepare meals at home. This includes most groceries that you would find in a typical supermarket, allowing you to maintain a healthy diet for your family.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Other snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat

However, there are restrictions on what you can buy. Your EBT card cannot be used for non-food items or prepared meals that are hot at the point of sale. Knowing these rules helps you shop with confidence.

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Live animals (with some exceptions)

• Foods that are hot at the point of sale

• Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Effectively managing your benefits helps you budget for groceries and ensures you have food assistance when you need it most.

How to Check Your EBT Balance

Keeping track of your EBT card balance is simple. You can check it online, by phone, or through a mobile app before you go shopping.

To check your balance online, log into your Georgia Gateway account. You can also call the EBT customer service number at 1-888-421-3281, which is available 24/7.

Another way to track your balance is by looking at your last grocery receipt. Most stores print your remaining SNAP balance at the bottom.

For real-time updates on your phone, you can use the Benny app. It shows your current SNAP and EBT Cash balance and helps you find cashback opportunities on eligible purchases.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Georgia

In Georgia, SNAP benefits are deposited onto your EBT card between the 5th and the 23rd of each month. Your specific deposit date depends on the last two digits of your client ID number.

You can find your client ID number on letters from DFCS. Once you have it, you can use the schedule to know exactly when to expect your benefits each month.

• Ends in 00-09: 5th of the month

• Ends in 10-19: 7th of the month

• Ends in 20-29: 9th of the month

• Ends in 30-39: 11th of the month

• Ends in 40-49: 13th of the month

• Ends in 50-59: 15th of the month

• Ends in 60-69: 17th of the month

• Ends in 70-79: 19th of the month

• Ends in 80-89: 21st of the month

• Ends in 90-99: 23rd of the month

Renewing Your SNAP Benefits

Your SNAP benefits are not permanent and must be renewed periodically. This process, also known as recertification, ensures you still meet the eligibility requirements for food assistance.

The DFCS will mail you a renewal packet before your benefit period ends. It is important to complete and return this paperwork by the deadline to avoid any interruption in your benefits.

You can submit your renewal application online through the Georgia Gateway portal or by mailing the completed forms to your local DFCS office. The process is similar to your initial application.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Georgia

In Georgia, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 5th and 23rd of the month. Your specific payment date is based on the last two digits of your client ID, which helps you budget for groceries.

Check our Georgia deposit schedule for your specific payment date.

See Georgia EBT deposit schedule 2026

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your balance through the Georgia ConnectEBT website, by calling the number on your card, or on your last store or ATM receipt. The Benny app also shows your balance and helps you find cashback.

Check out our guide covering each method on how to check your EBT balance.

Check Your Georgia EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items. Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.