We have compiled a list of 12 of the most popular questions we get from our readers about the Georgia EBT Card. After reviewing our list of Georgia EBT FAQs, it is our hope that you will be able to find answers to questions you’ve had about Georgia EBT or food stamps. If you have any further questions you would like us to provide answers to, please tell us in the comments section below.
Here is our list of the 12 Georgia EBT FAQs:
Georgia EBT FAQs
How do I apply for EBT/Food Stamps?
There are three ways to apply for EBT/Food stamps in Georgia:
- Option 1 – Apply for Food Stamps online through Georgia Gateway
- Option 2- Apply in person by contacting your local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office.
- Third Option – Call your local DFCS office to apply by phone or call the customer service hotline at 1-877-423-4746.
After you apply, DFCS will schedule your telephone interview.
You may be asked to provide:
- Proof of identity
- Citizenship or immigration status
- Social Security numbers for those requesting assistance
- Proof of household income.
How do I check my Georgia EBT Card Balance?
There are three ways to check the balance on your Georgia EBT Card:
Option 1 – Check your EBT Card balance online through the Connect EBT website.
Option 2- Check the balance on your GA EBT Card via phone by calling toll free at toll-free at 1-888-421-3281.
Third Option – You can also check your available balance by locating your last purchase receipt. Your card balance should be displayed at the bottom of your most recent receipt.
Can I use my Georgia EBT card in another state?
Yes, you can I use your Georgia Food Stamps EBT card anywhere in the United States including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. However, similar to the EBT rules in the state of Georgia, you can only use your card at an approved EBT retail location when out of state.
What fast food places take EBT in GA?
The restaurant meals program allows qualified individuals to use their EBT card to purchase food at approved restaurants, including some fast food places. However, the state of Georgia does not participate in the Restaurant means a program, therefore you cannot use your EBT card at fast food places in Georgia.
How long does Georgia EBT food stamps last?
EBT Food stamps benefits can last between 1 month to 3 years depending on your household situation. Adults without children or dependents can receive benefits for a maximum of 3 months every 36 months.
Households with children can receive benefits as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. However, you will be required to renew your benefits periodically to make sure you still meet the eligibility requirements.
Most households under the SNAP program receive benefits for a 6-month period before requiring renewal.
There are separate rules for elderly and disabled adults.
How do I check the status of my Georgia Food Stamps Application?
There are two ways to check the status of your Georgia food stamps application. You can check your benefits status by logging into the Georgia Gateway portal. You can also call the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877-423-4746.
Can I get emergency food stamps the same day?
If you have little or no income, you may be eligible to receive emergency Food Stamp benefits within 7 days of applying. Your application will be processed under the expedited benefits rules.
To determine if you are eligible, contact the Georgia DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877-423-4746 or apply online.
How long does it take to get food stamps on EBT Card once you are approved?
After you submit an application, It can take up to 30 days to receive benefits. Upon approval, if this is your first time applying for benefits, it takes 5-7 days to receive an EBT card.
However, If your case is under review, unless your case has been closed, you will receive benefits on your normal issuance cycle.
Furthermore, during a review of your benefits, if your case has been closed and you are being recertified after your normal issuance cycle, it takes 2 days for benefits to post to your EBT card.
Do food stamps benefits on my EBT card roll over to the next month?
Yes, any balance remaining on your EBT Card will roll over to the following month. Each monthly EBT deposit will remain in your account for 365 days (one year).
Any benefit not used during the 365 day period will be removed from your account. Once EBT benefit has been removed from your account due to inactivity, it cannot be replaced.
What time will my EBT Benefits Be Deposited?
Food stamps benefits in Georgia are deposited into EBT card from the 5th to the 23rd of every month and are available at 6 a.m on the payment date. However, when your payment is deposited depends on the last two digits of your ID number. Here is the schedule:
| If your ID Number ends in | Benefits are deposited on the |
| 00-09 | 5th of the month |
| 10-19 | 7th of the month |
| 20-29 | 9th of the month |
| 30-39 | 11th of the month |
| 40-49 | 13th of the month |
| 50-59 | 15th of the month |
| 60-69 | 17th of the month |
| 70-79 | 19th of the month |
| 80-89 | 21st of the month |
| 90-99 | 23rd of the month |
I didn’t get my Georgia food stamps this month
There are three reasons why you may not have received your Georgia food stamps this month. The first reason may be due to failure to renew your benefits on time or submit renewal documentation on time.
The second may be due to the fact that you are classified as an Adult without Dependent and according to the food stamps rules, you can only receive SNAP benefits for up to 3 months every 36 months unless you meet certain work requirements. Your 3 month period may have elapsed.
The third reason may be that your food stamps benefits have been cut off due to suspicion of fraud.
You should call your local DFCS office to find out why your benefits did not come through this month. To locate the nearest office, click here.
What can you buy with Georgia EBT card?
Here is the list of eligible items you can buy with your EBT Card, listed in alphabetical order:
However, this is not an exhaustive list but the list of the most frequently searched items by our readers.
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- Alcohol Mixers
- Baby Food (for example, infant formula, cereals, juices)
- Baker’s yeast
- Bottled water
- Baked Goods
- Breads and Cereals
- Cakes that are more than 50% edible
- Candy
- Coffee
- Cooking Ingredients
- Corn Husks
- Dairy Products
- Deli food (for example, cold sandwiches, subs, sushi, salads)
- Energy Drinks with Nutrition Label
- Frozen foods (for example, Entrees, Frozen Dinners, frozen vegetables, and fruits)
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Gift baskets (if the value of food item is at least 50% of the total price)
- Honey
- Ice (such as, cubed, bagged, or blocked)
- Ice Cream
- Lunch Meat
- Meats, Fish, Seafood, and Poultry
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
- Organic foods
- Rotisserie Chicken (If it is in a cold display case)
- Seeds
- Slimfast, Muscle Milk, Ensure
- Soft Drinks (Soda)
- Spices
- Sushi (deli packaged sushi to go)
- Uncooked Pizza
- Vegan foods
- Vegetable Plants
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Here is the list of eligible items you cannot buy with your EBT Card:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Soaps, paper products, cosmetics, grooming items
- Pet food (for example, dog food, cat food, etc.)
- Vitamins or medicines
- Food that will be eaten in the store
- Hot foods
Other Items you cannot buy with your EBT Card include:
- Charcoal
- Cod liver oil
- Cough drops
- Crabs (cooked and hot)
- Diapers
- Dietary Supplements (for example, GNC, and most protein powders)
- Dry ice
- Energy drinks with Supplement Information labels (for example, 5-Hour Energy)
- Fertilizer and insecticides
- Flax oil
- Fountain Drinks
- Gift baskets (if the food part of the gift basket is less than 50% of the total price)
- Ice cream cone/sundae
- Livestock (for example, live animals or birds)
- Cakes (that are more than 50% non-edible)
- Toilet paper
We hope our list of Georgia EBT FAQs provided you with the answer you are looking for. If this article was helpful to you, please share it using the “Share this” button below.
If you have other questions about Georgia EBT or Georgia food stamps you would like us to answer, please tell us in the comments section below.