How to apply for a Georgia Compass EBT Card (Food Stamps)

In Georgia, eligible families can receive the Georgia Compass Card, an  EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), or essentially, an electronic version of food stamps. When your card is used at approved grocery stores, the amount is automatically deducted from a monthly allowance.

The Georgia Food Stamp Program provides these benefits to low-income households to help pay for the cost of food. Additionally, the program provides education and information to families that receive food stamps to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles as well as employment and training opportunities for single childless adults. They also provide outreach activities to promote the Food Stamp Program to communities and low-income individuals.

To Apply

Each county has a Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office. This department takes applications for food stamp benefits. Look under the county government section of your telephone book or go to the website of the Department of Human Resources at www.dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/locations to find the address and telephone number of your local department.

All Department of Family and Children Services offices are open Monday through Friday, except for holidays, and office hours are usually from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Call your local county department for the office hours in your area. Online applications are available 24 hours a day via www.compass.ga.gov.

To make an application for benefits, the head of household, household member, or authorized person representing the household completes an application for assistance. An application form can be obtained from your local County Department of Family and Children Services or from the website. You can go to the office to apply or call the office to request that an application form be mailed to your household or have someone get a form for you. You may copy the blank application found on the website at: www.dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/foodstamps. Complete the form and mail or fax or take it to your local County Department.

The table below shows the maximum income allowed to qualify, as well as the maximum amount of food stamp benefits that could be available to use on your Georgia Compass Card:

What if I have questions about my Compass Card?

Call the Helpline, the Helpline is open for your questions:

TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-869-1150
IN ATLANTA AREA: (404) 657-9358
 

When should I call the Helpline?

• Call IMMEDIATLY if your Georgia Compass Card is lost or stolen.
• Call if your Compass Card is bent or otherwise damaged
• Call when you need to know your Compass Card balance.
• Call if you have other questions or need additional help with your Compass Card.

How do the benefits work?

Benefits will be credited to your EBT account from the 5^th through the 14^th of each month. In order to access your benefits, you will need your EBT card as well as your PIN. If your EBT card is lost or stolen or you forget your PIN, please call the customer service help line at 1-800-869-1150. Your lost or stolen card will then be cancelled.

A new EBT card and/or PIN will be issued to your household. To obtain information on-line about your EBT account, log on to: www.ebtaccount.jpmorgan.com. Using your card number and Personal Identification Number (PIN), you can:

•  Check your current account balance
• Review your transaction history
• Change your PIN
• Contact Customer Service 

You should have your card number ready in order to access your information. Remember ... keep your EBT and PIN numbers in a safe place. If someone gains access to your EBT card and PIN, that person is able to use your benefits. Benefits taken from your EBT account are not replaced by DFCS and the state of Georgia.

Other helpful areas of our site:

• Our Debt Reduction area.
• Low Income Assistance