Applying for Benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSDI)
Due to Covid-19, the government has announced changes to who qualifies for some benefits.
SNAP (Food Stamps). If you are an adult without a child in your household and you were told you didn't qualify for food stamps, you should reapply for SNAP now. Because of COVID-19 the government has temporarily suspended the work requirements for adults without children. If you were told that you could not get food stamps because you were over the three month time limit, you may be able to get them now.
If you are out of work or low-income, even if you were denied food stamps in the past, you should apply now:
Online at gateway.ga.gov, or
By phone at (877) 423-4746
On March 23rd Governor Kemp announced that people who get SNAP will receive the maximum benefits allowed for their family size in March and April. For example if you are a single person and were previously eligible for $15 of benefits,you are now eligible for $194 for at least March and April.
Recertifications. If you are supposed to renew or recertify your SNAP benefits in March, April or May, this deadline has been extended by 6 months. You do not have to submit your renewal in March, April, or May even if you got a notification telling you that you needed to. You will get a new notice when your renewal is due again.
Medicaid. You can apply for Medicaid benefits:
- Online or
- By phone at (877) 423-4746
Recertifications. If you are supposed to renew or recertify your Medical Assistance (Medicaid or PeachCare) benefits in March or April, this deadline has been extended by 4 months. You do not have to submit your renewal in March or April even if you got a notification telling you that you needed to. You will get a new notice when your renewal is due again.
Medicaid members can also visit their Care Management Organizations’ (CMOs) websites to find helpful information on COVID-19:
- Amerigroup
- CareSource
- Peach State Health Plan – Information for Members
- WellCare
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)/ Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The Social Security Administration announced that they will not be doing medical continuing disability reviews at this time. This means that during the Covid-19 crisis, Social Security will not be checking to see if you still have a disability. If you are currently getting SSI or SSDI, your benefits should continue through this crisis.
The SSA also announced that it will be extending deadlines wherever possible on things like:
Providing medical documents or
Filing an appeal.
Hearings. If you had a Social Security hearing scheduled, those will continue by phone.
Apply for benefits or get help:
Online, or
By phone at your local SSA office.