FAQs regarding partial federal government shutdown

United States Department of Agriculture Facts about SNAP After the Shutdown (updated Jan. 29, 2019)

In an effort to ensure families receive the food they need while the federal government is in a partial shutdown, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has released the February allotment of food stamp benefits early to all active Georgia recipients.

1) Will I receive additional Food Stamp benefits in February 2019?

Food Stamp benefits for the month of February 2019 were issued early in January 2019 and no additional benefits will be issued during the month of February.

2) Do I need to do anything to access my Food Stamp benefits?

There is nothing you need to do to access your benefits. Your February benefits were made available automatically on your EBT card.

3) Can I use February 2019 benefits in the month of January 2019?

Food Stamp benefits are available for immediate use and there will be no additional benefits issued during the month of February.

4) My neighbor received her February Food Stamps benefits early and I did not. Why not?

Households scheduled to receive benefits in February 2019, will receive their Food Stamps benefits early in January 2019 due to the government shutdown. However, if you have a pending application and/or renewal, you will receive your February benefits once the DFCS worker has completed your case. If you have pending verifications the worker needs to finish your case, please upload them to your customer account on www.georgiagateway.gov or upload the verifications at a kiosk in your local DFCS office. Using these two types verification submission modes make verifications immediately available to workers and eliminates mailing time. If you have additional questions, use the self-service options at 1-877-423-4746 to get up to date information on the status of your case.

5) I have not finished my renewal; will I still get my benefits?

When your renewal is completed and you have met all eligibility requirements, your case will be processed as normal. You are encouraged to submit any verification the worker has asked for or may need as soon as possible using the Gateway customer portal or using the kiosks in the local DFCS offices to eliminate mailing time.

6) How can I ensure my renewal has been received?

Log into your customer portal account on Georgia Gateway (www.gateway.ga.gov) or visit your local DFCS office to complete the renewal process.

7) Will I receive my March 2019 Food Stamps benefits?

Due to the government shutdown, it has not yet been determined if funding will be available for March benefits.

8) Will the local DFCS Office be open during the partial federal government shutdown?

All DFCS Offices will maintain normal hours of operation.

9) If the government shutdown ends, will I receive February 2019 benefits on my regular issuance cycle?

February benefits were issued in January. No additional February benefits will be provided, even if the partial federal government shutdown ends.

10) I lost my EBT card. Can I order a new EBT card?

Please call 1-888-421-3281 or contact EBT via https://www.connectebt.com/gaebtclient/ to request a replacement card.

11) I’ve heard that benefits will expire by either 6:00 PM or 9:00 PM on the day they are received. Is this true?
February Food Stamp benefits released early in response to the partial federal government shutdown, will not expire at 6 PM nor 9 PM as was incorrectly reported by some outlets. Benefits will be available on your EBT card and will not expire for 12 months.

A video message from DFCS Leadership: SNAP (In English)

(En español) Mensaje del Director Interino de DFCS Tom Rawlings: SNAP