How to Apply for TANF in Georgia
Georgia's TANF cash assistance program is run by the Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) within the Department of Human Services, and applications go through the state's Georgia Gateway portal — the same system used for SNAP and Medicaid. Georgia also allows you to apply entirely by phone through its Customer Contact Center, or mail in a paper Form 297 if you'd rather not use a computer. An application only counts as officially filed once DFCS has the head of household's name, address, date, and signature, so leaving off a signature can delay your case.
This site is an independent, non-government TANF directory and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any state or federal government agency. Always verify details directly with the official agency before visiting or applying.
Quick Answer
In Georgia, you apply for TANF through Division of Family & Children Services, online or by phone. Georgia's official Standard of Promptness requires DFCS to approve or deny a TANF application within 45 calendar days of the date the signed application is received.
What You'll Need
- Head of household's name, address, and signature
- Household income information
- Details on children under age 18 (or under 19 and in school full-time) or a pregnant household member
- Cooperation information for the Division of Child Support Services
- Completed Form 297 and Form 297A, if applying by mail
-
1
Choose how to apply
Apply online at gateway.ga.gov by selecting "Apply for Benefits" (available Monday-Friday, 5 a.m. to midnight), by calling the Customer Contact Center at (877) 423-4746, or by mailing a paper Form 297 - Application for Benefits to your local DFCS office.
-
2
Fill out Form 297 if applying by mail
Print and complete Form 297 (available in standard and large-print English, Spanish, and several other languages) along with Form 297A - Rights and Responsibilities, then mail both to your local DFCS office.
-
3
Make sure your application is complete
DFCS only considers an application officially filed once it includes the head of household's name, address, the date, and a signature from the head of household or another household member.
-
4
Cooperate with Child Support Services
Cooperating with the Division of Child Support Services is required to receive TANF benefits unless you can establish good cause not to.
-
5
Complete your renewal when due
TANF recipients must periodically renew eligibility, either through Georgia Gateway or by submitting Form 508 - the Food Stamp/Medicaid/TANF Renewal Form.
Submit Your Application
Need help before your application is processed?
Georgia's official Standard of Promptness requires DFCS to approve or deny a TANF application within 45 calendar days of the date the signed application is received. If your family needs money sooner, most states offer a faster, one-time emergency payment.
See emergency & one-time assistance →Compare Other States
TANF rules, income limits, and benefit amounts are set state by state. These share Georgia's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the same program.
Helpful Guides
TANF Eligibility & Frequently Asked Questions
Income limits, time limits, and work requirements, answered in plain language.
Learn more →How Much Does TANF Pay? Benefit Amounts Explained
How your payment is calculated, a real worked example, and how the amount scales by family size.
Learn more →TANF Income Limits by State
See each state's own income limit and maximum monthly benefit, side by side.
Learn more →How to Use Your TANF EBT Card
How to withdraw cash, avoid ATM fees, and what to do if your card is lost or stolen.
Learn more →TANF Work Requirements Explained
Hours, activities, exemptions, and how strictly states actually enforce this.
Learn more →What Is TANF?
What the program covers, who runs it, and how it varies by state.
Learn more →TANF Kinship Care & Relative Caregiver Benefits
Child-only TANF grants for grandparents and relatives raising a child — and how they differ from a regular case.
Learn more →TANF vs. SNAP: Is TANF the Same as Food Stamps?
How the two programs differ, and whether you can get both.
Learn more →