Food Stamps Application Instructions


The following documentation will be required during the application process and interview

  • Proof of identity e.g. driver's license, alien status
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Proof of income
  • Current bank statements
  • Utility Bills
  • Proof of dependent care expenses
  • Proof of medical expenses not paid by another source
  • Proof of obligation and payment

Walk-In/Mail Application

Georgia residents who are interested in applying for SNAP Food Stamps must complete an application and return it to their local County Department of Family and Children Services. The application form can also be downloaded at www.dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/foodstamps then mailed to your local County Department of Family and Children Service office. You can opt to return the form through an authorized representative.

Online Application

Georgia allows online applications by visiting COMPASS at www.compass.ga.gov/. Georgia COMPASS allows applicants to apply for Food Stamps online and also check their al eligibility courtesy of the Pre-screening tool. Applicants, who create an account in Georgia COMPASS, can check the status of their application online and make changes to their household circumstances through Georgia COMPASS.


Eligibility Requirements

Before receiving SNAP Food Stamp benefits in Georgia, you must meet SNAP's income limits. The requirement states that families must not exceed two sets of monthly income limits, gross and net. Gross income is the total of all income earned by the entire household, while net is the amount remaining after deductions.

Georgia mandates that healthy SNAP beneficiaries participate in work or school related activities in order to keep their benefits. You must participate in any one or a combination of the following activities as a condition of their SNAP eligibility:

  • Secondary Education
  • Job Search / Job Club / Job Readiness
  • Community Service
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Employment

Mandatory applicant requirements include:

  • Adults aged between 18 years and 59 years who are not receiving unemployment insurance or SSI.
  • Working 30 hours or less per week
  • Must not be a parent or guardian to a child less than six years old.

Exemptions include:

  • Children below 18 years old
  • Adults above 60 years old
  • Parent/guardian of child below six years old
  • Unemployment insurance applicant or recipient
  • Persons working more than 30 hours per week at federal minimum wage
  • Caregiver of a person with disabilities
  • Persons with health issues that affects their ability to participate
  • Pregnant women in their fourth, or later, month of pregnancy

Georgia counties require non-exempt SNAP recipient's to take part in community service or engage in on-job training if they are not in already school or sufficiently employed.

Reporting Changes Affecting Eligibility:

All SNAP participants must report any increase in their monthly gross income. SNAP beneficiaries are required to complete a review process after every 12 months. Most recertification and report forms will be mailed to you. You may not be required to report any other changes, but they may choose to report changes such as:

  • Addition of a household member, and their income.
  • Increase in other household expenses, such as shelter costs, daycare costs, etc.