Cash Assistance to Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids®, SNAP, and/or TANF Recipients

In 2022, Governor Brian P. Kemp dedicated more than $1 billion to the Department of Human Services to provide cash assistance of up to $350 for active enrollees of Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids®, SNAP, and/or TANF. Georgians who are enrolled in more than one of these programs will only receive one cash assistance payment.

All initial Cash Assistance Program cards have been issued to Georgia Gateway users enrolled in Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, SNAP, and/or TANF.

In addition to these populations, Georgia’s children in foster care and children whose parents receive adoption assistance are eligible for the program, provided they were enrolled and actively receiving Medicaid benefits on July 31, 2022. Funds for these children will be disbursed in February through regular payment methods. Since children are the named recipients of the $350, they should – with parental guidance – have discretion in how the funds are spent. More information will be posted here and shared on our social channels as available.

Since the Cash Assistance Program launched on Sept. 20:

$1,061,773,300 has been sent to

3,033,638 Georgians with

$856,816,450 claimed and

$779,482,654 spent

*This information is updated weekly.*

Watch this tutorial video for instructions on redeeming your cash assistance card. Instructions begin at the 1:30 mark. 

FAQs

Most Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. My cash assistance card was sent to an old email. I've already changed my email address with DHS, but I still haven't received my card? Once your email address has been updated with DHS, we will send your information to the card issuer. You can expect to receive your virtual card within 30 business days. If you had a physical address that was deemed deliverable, we are working to issue physical cards first rather than rely on outdated emails.
  2. I updated my address with DHS so that I could receive my card, but I still have not received it. Why? Once your address has been updated with DHS, we will send your information to the card issuer. In the case of a plastic card, they have to generate a new card and send it for delivery, so there may be some time between when you update your address with us and when your new card arrives. 
  3. I am unable to activate my card. Can you please help me? Please contact the card issuer at 1-833-907-0683. If you need assistance with your client ID, please call 877-423-4746.
  4. I don’t know my client ID and I don’t have access to Gateway and/or I don’t have any paperwork with my client ID on it. Can you help me? For assistance with obtaining your client ID, call 877-423-4746.
  5. I am eligible for the cash assistance card, but I never got one. Why? First, ensure that your contact information is correct in your Gateway account. Your email address and physical address must be correct to ensure proper delivery of your digital or physical card.
  6. My card was locked because I put the PIN in too many times. How do I get my card unlocked? Please contact the card issuer at 1-833-907-0683 for assistance with unlocking your card.

Locating Client ID:

  1. How do I find my client ID? Your client ID is available in your Gateway account. Once you have logged in, your client ID will be displayed under “My Benefits Summary” in the one-time cash assistance table.

Eligibility/Timeline:

  1. Who is eligible to receive a Cash Assistance program prepaid card? You must have been enrolled and actively receiving Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids®, SNAP, and/or TANF benefits on July 31, 2022, to be eligible. If you're not sure if you’re eligible, you can visit gateway.ga.gov and navigate to the “Check My Benefits – Case Selection” page. It will display whether you and/or any household member(s) are eligible or ineligible.
  2. Do I have to apply to receive the prepaid card? No, you do not have to apply.
  3. When will I receive the prepaid card? If you opted to receive email only or email and U.S. mail communications in Gateway, you should have received your virtual prepaid card by email from [email protected] on or before October 11. If you  opted to receive U.S. mail only communications, you should have received a physical prepaid card in mid-October.
  4. Will each eligible person receive their own prepaid card? Yes. If you have multiple eligible people in your household, you will receive one prepaid card for each eligible person.

Fraud Detection and Prevention:

A basic phishing attack attempts to trick you into sharing personal details or other confidential information, such as your Social Security number, credit card number, client ID, and/or account passwords. You should NEVER share this information (or information like it) with an unsolicited requestor. You should also be wary of what you post on social media; publicly posting birthdays, children or pet names, workplaces, where you grew up, and other personal historical information can let scammers successfully answer challenge questions and reset passwords on your accounts without needing to interact with you at all.

Phishers may contact you through a fraudulent email, phone call, text message, website, or social media page/account. Generally, phishers will make an offer that sounds too good to be true; promise that you can win or make money; request your bank account details or credit card number when you are not making a purchase; use scare tactics to make you act immediately; or contact you to ask for personal information DHS already has.

  1. I received a call about the Cash Assistance Program that I think is a scam. What should I do? If you suspect that a call you receive is a scam, hang up and call DHS directly using the contact information at https://dhs.georgia.gov/contact.
  2. I suspect that an email/text message/website/social media page is a scam. What should I do? Don’t open any suspicious links or attachments that you receive. Instead, call DHS directly using the contact information at https://dhs.georgia.gov/contact or go to our website via a web search.
  3. How do I know I’m interacting with DHS on social media and not a fake page/account? DHS shares information about the Cash Assistance Program on Facebook (@GeorgiaDepartmentofHumanServices) and Twitter (@GADHS). On both platforms, DHS has a blue verified badge by its screen name. Be advised that DHS may serve you via social media but will never ask you for your Social Security number nor banking details.
  4. I think I’ve been phished. Can you help me? If you think you’ve been successfully phished, immediately change the passwords on any affected accounts, and anywhere else that you might use the same password. If you’ve lost money, or been a victim of identity theft, please file a report with your local law enforcement agency.  
  5. When I log in to the Cash Assistance website, it says I need to enter a one-time code. Why is that? To prevent fraud, we’ve implemented the one-time code that we’ll send to your email as an identity check to confirm that it’s you interacting with your account(s) when you log in using a different device or browser. The code shouldn’t be given to anyone else, and we will never contact you asking for this code. However, if you initiate contact with our customer service team, we may need to ask for your code in order to provide assistance.

Gateway Logins:

  1. I can’t access my Gateway account. Can you help me? Yes, see below some common login issues and resolutions.
    • I know my password and user ID, but I am receiving an error when I try to log in. Gateway may be experiencing a high volume of traffic. Please try again after a brief wait period.
    • I forgot my user ID. Please use the “Forgot user ID” function to recover your user ID.
    • I forgot my password. Please use the “Forgot password” function to reset your password.
  2. How do I update my email address? The email address that DHS will utilize for your prepaid card is the address related to your regular Gateway communications. If you would like to change your contact information or preference, navigate to your “Benefits Summary” screen and click “Change Notification Method.” If you want to receive email communications, select “Email” or “U.S. Mail and Email.” You will then need to enter your email, retype your email, and select “Verify” to receive your email verification code. Once you receive the email with your verification code, enter the code and read the terms and conditions. If you agree, select “Update.”

Card Activation:

  1. What information is needed to redeem the prepaid card? You will need your client ID and date of birth to redeem your card. If you have more than one eligible person in your household, make sure you use the client ID and date of birth for the person the email was addressed to.
  2. How do I find my client ID? Your client ID is available in your Gateway account. Once you have logged in, your client ID will be displayed under “My Benefits Summary” in the one-time cash assistance table.
  3. What happens if I can't access the email the prepaid card initially went to, and if I update it in Gateway will the card come to the new email? Yes, please go in and make sure you have the correct email listed in Gateway in the “Notifications” screen.

Plastic Card:

  1. Where will I receive my plastic card? If you have opted to receive U.S. mail only communications in Gateway, you will receive a plastic card at the mailing address on your case profile in Georgia Gateway. To find this address, go to “Benefits Summary,” then select “Click Here to View the Details” under the “My Benefit” section. View the mailing and residential address by selecting “Click Here for More Information.”
  2. If I have opted to receive mail only communications, when will I receive my card in the mail? Plastic cards will be mailed out in mid-October.
  3. Where can the plastic card be used? If you receive a physical card, swipe it anywhere that Mastercard debit cards are accepted in the U.S.
  4. How can I check the balance of my plastic card? You may visit the Cash Assistance Program website or call 1-833-907-0683.
  5. What can I spend this money on? The card can be used anywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted in the U.S. Impermissible uses include the following: Attempts to transfer card balance to Apple Cash, Cash App, or Zelle; attempts to purchase money orders or convert a card balance to cash; attempts to use card balance for any impermissible transactions, such as gaming, gambling, lottery, adult entertainment, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or firearm purchase. Some merchants do not allow virtual card payments, but cardholders may be able to Buy Online and Pick-up In-Store, according to their availability.
  6. My available balance won't cover my purchase amount. Can I still use my card? When using your card in person, tell the cashier in advance how much to deduct from your prepaid card and how much you will pay using an alternate payment method. This process, known as “split tender,” may not be supported by all merchants. When using your card online, your balance must cover the entire purchase amount (including taxes + shipping). Some transactions with service-oriented merchants may require a hold of up to 20% above the purchase amount. See your cardholder agreement for more information.
  7. What do I need to know about using my card at restaurants, gas stations, and other service-oriented merchants? When using your card at a gas station, you should pay inside instead of paying at the pump. When you pay at the pump, most stations preauthorize a fixed amount (typically $75-$100 per fill up). Your card balance must exceed this amount for your card to be accepted at the pump. Go inside and ask the attendant to charge the desired amount to your card, then pump your gas. Service-oriented merchants like restaurants pre-authorize a 15-20%. For your card to be accepted, your total bill plus the automatic tip authorization must not exceed your available balance.
  8. When do I need to use my PIN? You may be asked to enter your PIN to complete a transaction in store. You can create your PIN on the website after redeeming your payment.
  9. What should I do if I do not receive a refund I am expecting on my card? Please wait at least 10 business days from the date the credit was issued for the credit to appear back on your card. If you still do not see the credit after 10 business days, reach out to the merchant first for confirmation that the credit processed. Once the merchant provides you confirmation and you still have not received the funds, you will need to file a dispute on the original charge. Call 1-833-907-0683 to file a dispute on any charge.
  10. What happens if I lose my card or if it is stolen? We recommend that you write down and save your card number, expiration date, CVV2 code, and the toll-free number that appears on the back of the card in case your card is lost or stolen. Immediately call 1-833-907-0683 to report a lost or stolen card. If you think the card may be at home or in your vehicle, you can temporarily suspend use on the card by calling 1-833-907-0683.
  11. Does the card expire? The card expires on the “valid thru” date shown on the card. If funds still remain on the card after the “valid thru” date, please call 1-833-907-0683 to have a replacement card with an updated “valid thru” date mailed to you.

Virtual Card:

  1. How will I receive my virtual card? If you have opted to receive email only or email and U.S. mail communications in Gateway, you will receive your card at the email address you provided in “My Notification Settings” in Georgia Gateway. You can access this page by clicking “Update Email Option” after logging in.
  2. Tell me about the email I will receive. What will it look like? When you are issued your cash assistance virtual card, you will get an email from gateway.ga.gov. The email you’re looking for will have the subject line, “Your Cash Assistance Payment is Available.”
  3. Will I get a separate email for each eligible recipient in my household? Yes, one email will be addressed to each recipient.
  4. What do I do if I received my payment email and deleted it or lost it? If you accidentally deleted your email, please check your junk folder and deleted emails. If you still cannot locate the deleted email, call 1-833-907-0683.
  5. How does the virtual card work? The virtual card can be used for online purchases or added to your digital wallet for in-store use where Mastercard and tap-to-pay are accepted. To use the card online, you can use your virtual card number, expiration date, and CVV code the same way you would a debit card. See below instructions for adding the card to three common digital wallets.
  6. If I add the virtual card to my digital wallet, can I use it immediately? Yes. Once you have successfully loaded the card to the wallet, you can use it immediately for purchases at locations that accept that wallet for payments.
  7. How can I check the balance of my virtual card? You can check your card balance on the Cash Assistance Program website where you redeemed your virtual card.
  8. When do I need to use my PIN? You may be asked to enter your PIN to complete a transaction in store. You can create your PIN on the website after redeeming your payment.
  9. What can I spend this money on? The card can be used anywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted in the U.S. Impermissible uses include the following: Attempts to transfer card balance to Apple Cash, Cash App, or Zelle; attempts to purchase money orders or convert a card balance to cash; attempts to use card balance for any impermissible transactions, such as gaming, gambling, lottery, adult entertainment, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or firearm purchase. Some merchants do not allow virtual card payments, but cardholders may be able to Buy Online and Pick-up In-Store, according to their availability.
  10. My available balance won't cover my purchase amount. Can I still use my card? When using your virtual card in store, tell the cashier in advance how much to deduct from your prepaid card and how much you will pay using an alternate payment method. This process, known as “split tender,” may not be supported by all merchants. When using your card online, your balance must cover the entire purchase amount (including taxes + shipping). Some transactions with service-oriented merchants may require a hold of up to 20% above the purchase amount. See your cardholder agreement for more information.
  11. What do I need to know about using my card at restaurants, gas stations, and other service-oriented merchants? When using your card at a gas station, you should pay inside instead of paying at the pump. When you pay at the pump, most stations preauthorize a fixed amount (typically $75-$100 per fill up). Your card balance must exceed this amount for your card to be accepted at the pump. Go inside and ask the attendant to charge the desired amount to your card, then pump your gas. Service-oriented merchants like restaurants pre-authorize a 15-20%. For your card to be accepted, your total bill plus the automatic tip authorization must not exceed your available balance.
  12. My phone doesn’t support a digital wallet or tap and pay. How can I use the virtual card? You can still use the virtual card as you would a regular debit card. When making purchases online, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV code. If a merchant requires your address or zip code, use the ones associated with your Gateway account. If you’d like, you can also request a plastic card.
  13. What should I do if I do not receive a refund I am expecting on my card? Please wait at least 10 business days from the date the credit was issued for the credit to appear back on your card. If you still do not see the credit after 10 business days, reach out to the merchant first for confirmation that the credit processed. Once the merchant provides you confirmation and you still have not received the funds, you will need to file a dispute on the original charge. Call 1-833-907-0683 to file a dispute on any charge.
  14. Does the card expire? The card expires on the “valid thru” date shown on the card. If funds still remain on the card after the “valid thru” date, please call 1-833-907-0683.
  15. Do I need to do anything different for subsequent logins to the Cash Assistance website? When you log in for the second time, and any time after that, a one-time code will be sent to your email as an identity check to confirm that it’s you interacting with your account(s) when you log in using a different device or browser. The code shouldn’t be given to anyone else, and we will never contact you asking for this code. However, if you initiate contact with our customer service team, we may need to ask for your code in order to provide assistance.