Georgians receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Progam) benefits will see cost of living adjustments for 2023. Many of these adjustments actually began in October 2022. The inflation rated adjustment bumped benefits up 12.5%. A single individual receives $281 in benefits; a two person household receives $516; a three person household receives $740; and a four person household receives $939. Each additional person in the household receives $211.
To qualify for SNAP benefits households must have no more than the following in before tax annual income. For a household of 1: $17,667; for a household of 2,: $23,803; for a household of 3: $29,939 and for a household of 4: $36,075. For every additional person in the household, add $6136 per person.
The percentage of households in Georgia receiving SNAP benefits is 16.85 percent. The average monthly benefits is $261.
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods and beverages. SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medicine, supplements, pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products or cosmetics. In Georgia, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase restaurant meals. SNAP benefits can be used at most grocery stores.
The federal SNAP benefit program is managed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The state of Georgia administers the program through Divison of Family and Children Services. To apply for SNAP benefits go to dfcs.georgia.gov.