Many Georgians who rely on food stamps have noticed their benefits are running late this month. Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are an essential lifeline for low-income families and individuals. Delays in receiving this vital assistance can cause financial and personal hardship. This article will examine the reasons why food stamp payments are late in Georgia this October and provide the latest information on when recipients can expect to receive their SNAP benefits.
When are food stamps usually paid in Georgia?
First, let’s review the normal schedule for Georgia food stamp payments. SNAP benefits are deposited monthly into recipient’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts. The deposits occur between the 5th and the 23rd of every month, depending on two factors:
- The last digit of the recipient’s case number
- The first letter of the recipient’s last name
Here is a breakdown of the normal monthly schedule:
| Case Number Ends In | Last Name Begins With | Benefits Available |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | A through H | 5th |
| 1 | I through Q | 7th |
| 2 | R through Z | 9th |
| 3 or 4 | A through H | 11th |
| 5 or 6 | I through Q | 13th |
| 7 or 8 | R through Z | 15th |
| 9 | A through H | 17th |
| All | All | 19th to 23rd |
So in normal circumstances, Georgia food stamp recipients receive their monthly benefits between the 5th and 23rd depending on this schedule.
Why are October 2022 payments delayed?
In October 2022, food stamp payments in Georgia are running behind schedule. Most recipients have reported not receiving their SNAP deposits on the usual date. There are a few factors causing this month’s delays:
EBT card vendor issues
Georgia contracts with FIS Global to provide EBT card services. FIS Global has reported some technical issues on their end that have caused delays in posting monthly food stamp deposits to EBT accounts. They have stated they are working to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.
Early benefit distribution last month
Another factor is that Georgia distributed September food stamp benefits earlier than usual due to the anticipation of Hurricane Ian making landfall. Many recipients received their September benefits by September 2nd. As a result, the early distribution last month has pushed back the payment schedule for October.
Ongoing SNAP administration issues
Some delays are also being attributed to ongoing administrative and staffing challenges in Georgia’s Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS), which oversees SNAP distribution in the state. DFCS has faced budget constraints and worker shortages which have led to backlogs in applications and benefit renewals.
When will late October benefits be paid?
DFCS and FIS Global have stated that delayed October benefits will be paid by October 23 at the latest to all eligible SNAP recipients in Georgia. They acknowledge that many households rely on these monthly disbursements to buy groceries and other necessities. Steps are being taken to clear the backlogs and technical issues so that benefits can be posted as soon as possible.
FIS Global released the following statement on October 7th regarding the delayed food stamp payments:
“FIS Global is working urgently to resolve an EBT card vendor issue that is causing delays in posting monthly SNAP benefits to EBT accounts in Georgia. We understand delays in receiving SNAP benefits cause hardship and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. All eligible SNAP recipients will receive their full October benefits by October 23rd.”
DFCS also affirms they are processing applications and renewals as quickly as possible with their limited staff in order to catch up on the backlog by the 23rd.
What to do if you are still waiting on October food stamps after the 23rd
Georgia SNAP participants who do not receive their October benefits by October 23rd are advised to take the following steps:
- Call the DFCS Contact Center at 1-877-423-4746 to verify your status and see if there are any issues specific to your case.
- If needed, submit another SNAP application or renewal form to DFCS. There have been reported issues with documents getting lost or delayed.
- Contact your local DFCS office to speak with a case worker in person and possibly expedite your pending application.
- Notify community support organizations like food banks that additional assistance may be needed until SNAP benefits come through.
- Speak with utility companies, landlords, etc. to explain the situation and request waived late fees due to benefit delays.
Continuing to engage with DFCS is important to get your case resolved. You can also contact elected officials and state representatives to raise awareness if you are suffering serious hardship from the delayed benefits.
Will I receive the full October benefit amount?
DFCS and FIS Global confirm that all eligible Georgia households will receive their full allotted SNAP amounts for October 2022, regardless of when the payments post. Benefit amounts are calculated based on household size, income, deductible expenses, etc. The current maximum monthly allotment for one person is $281, while the maximum for a four person household is $835.
So rest assured that even with the delays, you will ultimately receive the entire SNAP benefit you have been approved for this month. Any issues with receiving the wrong amount should be reported to DFCS immediately.
Are emergency SNAP benefits available?
In emergency situations where a SNAP recipient faces dire need before their next benefit payment, it may be possible to request expedited SNAP benefits:
- Expedited benefits are generally $200 or the full monthly benefit amount, whichever is less
- You must meet certain criteria related to income, assets, housing status, utility shut offs, lack of food, etc.
- Request expedited benefits through your local DFCS office by scheduling an in-person appointment
- Provide documents to verify your emergency situation
DFCS aims to make eligibility determinations for expedited benefits within 5 days. So this option may be helpful for those facing extreme hardships due to the current delays.
Are there other food assistance options?
If you are waiting on delayed SNAP benefits in Georgia, here are some other programs that may be able to help meet your food needs:
Food banks and pantries
Food banks like the Atlanta Community Food Bank have emergency food boxes available. Local food pantries often provide groceries and meals to those in need on certain dates. Search online for listings in your county.
School free breakfast/lunch programs
Children in Georgia can receive free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches at their school through the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program.
WIC – Women, Infants, and Children
WIC provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and other services to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 years old.
Food Stamps Interim Application
In certain situations, you may be eligible to receive Georgia food stamp benefits on an emergency basis while your standard application is pending. Ask your local DFCS office for details.
Community food distributions
Some local organizations like churches and nonprofits arrange food distributions where produce, meats, and other groceries are handed out to community members in need.
Focus on nutrition during the delays
Not receiving SNAP benefits on time can make it very difficult to maintain proper nutrition. Here are some tips to stay nourished if food is limited:
- Prioritize lean proteins like beans, eggs, canned tuna, etc. to feel full.
- Take advantage of food pantries and community distributions when available.
- Choose fresh fruits like apples and oranges when possible for nutrients.
- Opt for frozen vegetables to get vitamins on a budget.
- Buy day-old bread which is often discounted at grocery stores.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks like juice or soda.
- Look online for sales, coupons, and store loyalty programs.
- Avoid buying junk food which is expensive and unhealthy.
Focusing on basic healthy foods can help you maximize nutrition even with limited funds due to delayed SNAP assistance.
Staying organized
Missing your normal Georgia food stamp deposit date can quickly throw off your monthly budget. Try these tips to stay organized:
- Contact all creditors like utilities, phone, internet, etc. to explain the situation and ask for due date extensions.
- Prioritize bills like rent, medications, transportation that are essential.
- Move due dates where possible to align with the revised SNAP deposit schedule.
- Note all due dates on a wall calendar to avoid late fees.
- Let family and friends know you may need to borrow money for groceries.
- Use online banking and income tracking if available.
Staying on top of obligations and asking for help will reduce stress during this challenging period.
Long-term planning
While an unexpected delay this month is difficult, you may consider these longer-term strategies:
- Build emergency savings to cover 1-2 months of expenses.
- Ask about splitting SNAP benefits over multiple deposits each month.
- Enroll in autopay for consistent bill payments.
- Get on payment plan options for larger bills.
- Look for ways to increase income through a new job, benefits, refunds, etc.
Planning ahead and increasing financial margins can help overcome periodic benefit disruptions.
October food stamp delays: What to remember
In summary, here are some key points about the current delays in Georgia’s October SNAP payments:
- EBT vendor issues and early September deposits have pushed back the normal payment schedule.
- All eligible recipients should receive benefits by October 23rd.
- Contact DFCS if you do not receive funds after the 23rd to resolve your case.
- Expedited and emergency benefits may be available for those facing extreme hardships.
- Utilize food banks, pantries, and other assistance while waiting.
- Focus on nutrition and organization to get through this period.
The late benefits have been extremely disruptive for many Georgia families. Contact elected officials and state representatives if the delays are causing you severe financial strain. With some focus on health and planning, hopefully the situation will be resolved soon.