Georgia Department of Human Services - Application for Benefits - Form 297 - Rev. 04.13

Sep 19, 2026

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Georgia Department of Human Services benefit application covering services provided by DFCS, including Food Assistance (Food Stamps), Cash Assistance/Employment Support Services (TANF and refugee financial assistance), Medicaid Medical Assistance, and Community Outreach Services. Guidance explains how to apply in steps, what information and proofs are needed, how timelines for Food Stamps, TANF, and Medicaid work, and how benefits are delivered via EBT or Medicaid cards. It also details use of personal data and nondiscrimination complaint procedures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

What services are offered (DFCS)

Food Assistance

Cash Assistance/Employment Support Services

Medical Assistance

Community Outreach Services

How do I apply for benefits?

Step 1: Fill out the application

Step 2: Turn in the application

Step 3: Talk with us (interview)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get benefits?

How much will I get?

How will I get my benefits?

What information will I need to provide?

How do we use the applicant’s personal information?

Can someone else apply for me?

Nondiscrimination and complaint contacts

Georgia Department of Human Services Application for Benefits If you need help filling out this application, ask us or call 1-877-423-4746. If you have a hearing impairment, call GA Relay at 1-800-255-0135. Our services are free. What Services Do We Offer at the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)? DFCS offers the following services: Food Assistance Food Stamps are benefits that you can use to buy food at any store that has the EBT/Quest sign. We will subtract the price of your food purchase from your Food Stamp account. Cash Assistance/Employment Support Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance to families with dependent children for a limited time. Parents or caretakers who are included in the grant are required to participate in a work program. Cash Assistance program also provides financial assistance to refugee households who are not eligible for the TANF program. Medical Assistance Medicaid, for those who are eligible, may help pay medical bills, doctor’s visits, and Medicare premiums. Community Outreach Services For more information about Community Outreach Services, please visit our website at: [http://www.dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov](http://www.dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov or call)[ or call](http://www.dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov or call) 1-877- 423-4746. How Do I Apply for Benefits? Step 1. Fill out the application. Read the questions carefully and give accurate information. Sign and date the application. Step 2. Turn in the application. You will need to tear off pages 1 -3 and keep it for yourself. Mail, fax, or bring in pages 4-8 of this application to your local Division of family & Children Services (DFCS) office. If you or the person for whom you are applying is eligible for benefits , Food Stamps or TANF benefits will be provided from the date that we receive the application with your name, address, and signature on it. If you apply for Food Stamps, and/or Medicaid you can file an application for benefits with only your name, address and signature. However, it may help us to process your application quicker if you complete the entire form. Step 3. Talk with us. You may need to complete an interview with a case manager. If so, we will give you an appointment. This interview can be completed by phone. Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to get benefits? Food Stamps: up to 30 days TANF: up to 45 days Medicaid: 10 to 60 days You may be able to get Food Stamps within 7 days if you qualify. See page 5. How much will I get? Your income, resources, and family size determine benefit amounts. We will be able to give you specific information once we determine your eligibility. How will I get my benefits? For Food Stamps and TANF, you will get an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to access your benefits. For Medicaid, you will receive a Medicaid card for each eligible member. What information will I need to provide? It is a good idea to provide the following: • Proof of identity for the applicant if applying for Food Stamps and/or TANF. Proof of identity for everyone requesting Medicaid if applying for Medicaid. Ex: An identification card (ID) or driver’s license (DL) • Proof of US citizenship/qualified immigrant status for everyone requesting benefits • Social Security numbers of everyone requesting assistance • Proof of income for example, pay stubs, child support payments, and income award letters • Proof of expenses like child care receipts, medical bills , medical transportation costs, and child support payments You will be given time to return any information to our office. If you need help getting this information, please tell us. How do we use the applicant’s personal information? You only have to provide Social Security Numbers (SSN) and citizenship or immigration status for persons who want to apply for benefits. This information will be used to check the income and eligibility verif

FAQs

How long does it take to get benefits?

Food Stamps can take up to 30 days, TANF up to 45 days, and Medicaid 10 to 60 days. Food Stamps may be available within 7 days if qualified.

How will I receive my benefits?

Food Stamps and TANF use an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Medicaid provides a Medicaid card for each eligible member.

What information and proof do I need to provide?

Provide identity proof (for Food Stamps/TANF applicants, and for everyone requesting Medicaid), proof of U.S. citizenship or qualified immigrant status, Social Security numbers, proof of income (e.g., pay stubs), and proof of expenses (e.g., childcare receipts and medical bills).

How is my personal information used, and can someone else apply for me?

Social Security numbers and citizenship/immigration status are used to verify eligibility and income and may be matched with federal, state, and local agencies. For Food Stamps and Medicaid, you may ask someone to apply for you; for TANF, anyone can apply but the parent or caretaker must be interviewed.

Sep 19, 2026

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