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.

Updated August 2026

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Verified against the official Georgia TANF agency site. View source