While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Georgia TANF FAQ Sheet

Table of Contents 

What Is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program?

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.

Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.

To learn more about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Georgia and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Georgia TANF website here.

What Services Does TANF Provide in Georgia?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Georgia provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The TANF program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.

For more information on the services, the TANF program provides to participating families, review page 19 of Georgia’s TANF State Plan here.

What Is the Difference Between TANF and Food Assistance?

TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Georgia Division of Family Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TANF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.

Both TANF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, TANF benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.

Many TANF participants also qualify for Needy Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.

To apply for Needy Food Assistance and/or TANF, visit the Georgia Gateway benefit portal here.

If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call the Division of Family Services at (404) 657-3433.

How Much Assistance Does TANF Provide?

The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.

Eligible families of three can receive a maximum of $280 per month. Families can receive these benefits for up to 48 months throughout their lifetime.

Learn more information about TANF and benefit amounts in Georgia on page 19 of Georgia’s TANF State Plan here.

How to Qualify for TANF in Georgia

To qualify for TANF in Georgia, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident
  • Be a resident of Georgia
  • Have children in your care
  • Participate in the Georgia Work and Training Program
  • Meet the Georgia state income requirements for your household size

Learn more about income requirements and work and training requirements here.

Caretakers of children who cannot be taken care of by their immediate family may also qualify for benefits under the Caretaker Relative Grant or Child-Only TANF Grant. This grant takes into consideration the situation of emergency caregivers and will only count the resources and the income of the child (if any) and not those of the caretaker.

To learn more about who can receive TANF benefits, click here.

How to Apply for TANF in Georgia

Before you apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Georgia, complete the following three steps:

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.

Learn about the TANF eligibility requirements here.

  1. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

Find a list of what you need to apply on the Georgia Division of Family Services website here.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether online, in person, by phone, by fax or by mail.

To apply for TANF online, create an account on the Georgia Gateway benefit portal here and fill out the virtual application form.

To apply for TANF in person, click here to find the nearest Georgia Division of Family Services office location.

To apply for TANF by phone, call the Customer Contact Center at (877) 423-4746.

To apply for TANF by fax or mail, fill out the Application for Benefits here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the nearest Georgia Division of Family Services office. Click here to find the nearest Georgia Division of Family Services office location.

If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Georgia Division of Family Services at (404) 657-3433.

If you need an application in Spanish, click here.

How to Check Your Application Status

Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:

  • If you applied online, you can check your application status using the Georgia Gateway benefit portal here.
  • If you applied in person, contact the Georgia Division of Family Services office where you applied to check the status of your application. Find office contact information here.
  • If you applied by phone, fax or mail, you can call (404) 657-3433 or the Georgia Division of Family Services office where you applied to check the status of your application. Find office contact information here.

What Happens After You Apply for TANF?

If you applied for TANF online, by phone, by mail or by fax, you will need to complete an interview. If you applied in person at a local Division of Family Services office, you should have completed the interview when you applied.

You should receive a notice in the mail from the Division of Family Services within 45 days of the interview with your determination. If you're approved, you should also receive your benefit amount and an EBT card. Your TANF benefits will be deposited on the EBT card immediately.

Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.

Note that if you receive an EBT card, you will receive an ATM surcharge if you withdraw cash from a non-Comerica Bank ATM or an ATM without the MoneyPass or Mastercard logo.

Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed here.

If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call (404) 657-3433. 

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits

If you do not agree with the TANF benefit decision given to you by the Georgia Division of Family Services, you can appeal your decision in writing within 30 days of receiving your determination letter.

To file an appeal in person, visit a local Division of Family Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.

To file a claim by mail or fax, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • The reason for your appeal
  • Your desired solution for how the Division of Family Services should remedy the situation

You must also include a copy of your determination letter when you submit the request to the local Division of Family Services office. Find your nearest location here.

For more information on the appeal process, click here.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Georgia, or for any further questions about your application, call the Georgia Division of Family Services at (404) 657-3433 or the Customer Contact Center at (877) 423-4746.

You can also send an email to customer_services_dfcs@dhs.ga.gov or use the Online Contact Form here.

You can also visit or call a local Division of Family Services Office for Needy Further assistance. Find your nearest location here.

Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.