Help for Low Income Families in Georgia
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families --- formerly known as welfare --- provides monthly cash assistance to families with eligible children. Under the program, a child must be under age 18, or up to age 19 if he is a full-time student. The child must be deprived of one parent due to absence from the home, disability or death. The household must meet income requirements and adults must participate in work activities. Georgia limits TANF benefits to 48 months over a lifetime.
- Federally funded and state-issued Medicaid provides health care coverage to qualifying low-income individuals. Generally, income limits range from 100 to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and asset limits may apply. The program is geared towards children, the elderly, disabled individuals and pregnant women. Able-bodied adults may qualify for Medicaid if they meet very low income limits. Additionally, qualifying individuals with incomes exceeding eligibility limits may qualify for Medically Needy Medicaid if they have high medical bills.
- The Food Stamp Program provides assistance with food purchases through monthly allotments. Generally, applicants must meet a gross income limit at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty limit and have a net income not exceeding 100 percent of the federal poverty limit. Georgia limits a household's countable assets to resources valued at $2,000, or $3,000 for families with an adult aged 60 or older. Food stamps may be used to purchase foods or food bearing seeds. Excluding qualifying prepared foods for homeless, elderly or disabled individuals, purchases are limited to unprepared food items. Deli or hot foods do not qualify.
- The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program helps low-income residents with energy costs during the summer and winter. Under the program, payments are made directly to energy providers. Families with monthly incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for assistance. Excluding homes with elderly adults or families in life-threatening situations, applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.