This month isn't just the start of the spooky-scary season. It's also when a major government program undergoes multiple changes.
On Oct. 1, SNAP benefits saw increases of $8 for single individuals, $23 for families of three, $29 for families of four, and $34 for families of five.
While this is good news, other changes are less-so. Georgia and other states will need to cover 75% of that tab when they previously only covered 50%. The Food Research and Action Center estimates this will add millions of dollars to each state's bill, with the lowest being Wyoming (estimated to incur $3 million in extra costs) and the highest being California (estimated to incur $670 million).
This would be on top of another update starting in 2027: States with a SNAP
recipient error above 6% are on the hook for a portion of benefits. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says Georgia had a Fiscal Year 2025 SNAP error rate of 15.21%.
How to qualify for SNAP benefits
There have also been changes to who is eligible for SNAP. Work requirements apply to able-bodied adults without dependents aged 18-64, up from 54. Also, families with children 14 and older are no longer eligible for an exemption from those work requirements.
Regarding immigrants, a green card is now required for SNAP, meaning refugees and asylum seekers are no longer eligible.
SNAP eligibility depends, in part, on household size and income. The maximum a single household can make is $1,696 per month gross, $1,305 per month net, and $2,152 per month gross for elderly and disabled individuals. The full chart for Georgia can be found at pamms.dhs.ga.gov.
More information on SNAP eligibility can be found at fna.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility.
Georgia food stamp population
Almost 1.77 million Georgians were on SNAP during FY2025, according to usafacts.org. That equates to about 15.6% of the population, and is an increase of more than 400,000 recipients since 2019. But, it's also a decrease since 2013 of almost 180,000 recipients.
Food stamp phone number
Those with questions about SNAP can call Georgia's Office of Family Independence at 1-877-423-4746. Self-service is available 24 hours a day.
Food stamp office near me
Those needing help with SNAP can also find their nearest Georgia Department of Family Services office, which can be found at dfcs.georgia.gov/locations.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Food stamps changed Thursday. What to know about SNAP in Georgia
