Georgia's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), is the state's main program for providing financial aid to low-income families with children. This program is designed to help families with kids under 18 years old, as well as pregnant women in low-income situations, who meet certain requirements.

Like TANF programs in other states, the benefits in Georgia are for a limited time. Families can get help for up to 48 months. However, there are special cases where this time can be extended, based on the family's needs. When a family is getting close to the end of their time on the program, they'll get a form to fill out to see if they are eligible to keep receiving help.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for TANF benefits in Georgia, families must meet these criteria:

Age: A child in the family must be under 18 years old (or 19 if they're a full-time student).

Applying for Other Benefits: Families must apply for other benefits they might qualify for, like Unemployment Compensation, Worker’s Compensation, SSI, Child Support, etc.

Citizenship: Recipients must be U.S. citizens or lawful resident aliens.

Deprivation: A child must lack support due to:

• The long-term absence of at least one parent.
• A parent's physical or mental incapacity.
• The death of a parent.
• In two-parent families, where both are able-bodied, one parent must have recently been connected to the workforce.

Social Security Numbers: All family members must have or apply for a Social Security number.

School Attendance: Children aged 6-17 who haven't graduated high school must attend school regularly.

Immunization: All preschool-aged children must be up-to-date with immunizations.

Income and Assets: The family's net income and assets must be below certain limits, which vary based on family size. For instance, a family of three must have a gross income below $784 a month and assets less than $1,000.

Lifetime Limits: Cash assistance is limited to 48 months in a lifetime, though extensions may be granted for hardships like domestic violence or disability.

Paternity Establishment: Families must cooperate in establishing paternity at application and whenever adding a child to an active case.

Work Requirement: Adult recipients are required to participate in work activities and training for at least 30 hours weekly.

Cooperation with Child Support Services: Families must work with the Office of Child Support Services.

Using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

Georgia TANF recipients receive their benefits through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, which functions similarly to a debit card system. Every month, TANF benefits are deposited into the recipient's EBT account. They are provided with an EBT card, which can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs or to make purchases at stores that accept EBT transactions.

For security, each card is protected by a Personal Identification Number (PIN). It's essential for cardholders to keep this PIN confidential to prevent any unauthorized use of their benefits.

Additionally, recipients can conveniently check their EBT account balance either online or through a phone service, allowing them to manage their benefits effectively and securely.

TANF Application Instructions

Applying for Georgia TANF benefits can be done in several ways:

Online Application:

• Visit the Georgia Gateway portal, Georgia's social benefits application system
• Follow the instructions to complete and submit the TANF application.

In-Person Application:

• Go to your local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office.
• Request and complete the TANF application form.

By Mail:

• Contact your local DFCS office to get a TANF application form mailed to you.
• Fill out the form and mail it back to the office.

By Phone:

• Call your local DFCS office.
• Request assistance for completing the TANF application over the phone.

Georgia's TANF program is a crucial support system for the state's low-income families. Its aim is not only to offer financial assistance but also to create pathways towards self-sufficiency. This is achieved through a focus on employment and training opportunities. By providing these essential resources, Georgia TANF helps families meet their immediate needs while also equipping them with the skills and experience necessary for long-term independence and stability.

Georgia TANF Office

Department of Human Services
Division of Family & Children Services
47 Trinity Ave. S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30334
(877) 423-4746