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Georgia SNAP Application (Food Stamps): Application for Benefits
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Form 297 in short
Form 297 is the Georgia DFCS paper Application for Benefits. One form covers SNAP (food stamps), TANF cash assistance and Medicaid, and you can use it for SNAP only. You hand deliver, fax or mail it to your local county DFCS office.
| Issued by | Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) |
|---|---|
| Current version | Form 297 (Rev. 10/2024) (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | Anyone in Georgia who wants SNAP, TANF or Medicaid. The form says that for SNAP and Medicaid you may ask someone else to apply for you. Applicants age 60 or older may use the separate Senior SNAP process instead. |
| Who receives it | Your local county office of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). |
| Where to send it | Hand deliver, fax or mail pages 3 to 16 to your local county DFCS office. Find your office at dfcs.georgia.gov/locations. DFCS also takes applications online at gateway.ga.gov and by phone at (877) 423-4746. |
| Deadline | No deadline to apply. The form says SNAP takes up to 30 days, and you may get SNAP within 7 days if you qualify. SNAP benefits are provided from the date DFCS receives the application with your name, address and signature. |
| Fee | None |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF |
What changed
The edition linked from the DFCS SNAP page on 25 October 2026 is Form 297 (Rev. 10/2024).
How to fill out Form 297, line by line
| Page 3 | What am I applying for Tick SNAP. You can also tick TANF, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Refugee Cash Assistance or Medicaid. |
| Page 3 | Applicant details Your name, home and mailing address, phone numbers, homeless status, preferred language and whether you need an interpreter for the interview. |
| Page 3 to 4 | Disability accommodation Say if you need a reasonable modification or communication help, such as large print, an interpreter or a home visit interview. |
| Page 4 | Signature Sign and date the penalty of perjury statement. If you sign with an X, a witness signs too. |
| Pages 4 to 5 | Authorized representatives Optional. Name up to two people or organizations who can fill out the application, do the interview or use your EBT card. |
| Page 6 | SNAP within 7 days Answer the questions about migrant or seasonal farm work, this month's income, cash and housing costs so DFCS can check for expedited SNAP. |
| Pages 7 to 10 | Applicant and household members List everyone in the household and answer the program questions, such as disqualifications and felony questions for SNAP. |
| Pages 11 to 13 | Resources, income and expenses Bank accounts and other resources, income, child support paid, rent or mortgage and other bills. |
| Page 16 | Final signature Sign and date the declaration for all SNAP, TANF and Medicaid applicants. An authorized representative signs on the next line if one is used. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Turning in the whole booklet. The form says to tear off pages 1 and 2 and 17 to 20 and keep them, and to send pages 3 to 16.
- Leaving off your name, address, date or signature. DFCS treats the application as filed only when it has these and DFCS has received it.
- Skipping the expedited questions on page 6. They decide if you can get SNAP within 7 days.
- Not telling DFCS about expenses. The form says if you fail to report or verify expenses, DFCS will not budget them in your SNAP amount.
- Missing the phone interview. The DFCS SNAP page says you or a household member must complete a phone interview after the application is filed.
- Mailing it to a state address. The form says to hand deliver, fax or mail it to your local county office.
Questions about Form 297
Where do I send Georgia Form 297?
Hand deliver, fax or mail it to your local county DFCS office. Office addresses are at dfcs.georgia.gov/locations.
Is there an interview?
Yes. The DFCS SNAP page says you or a member of your household must complete a phone interview with a DFCS eligibility worker after the application is filed.
How long does SNAP take in Georgia?
The form says up to 30 days. You may get SNAP within 7 days if you qualify for expedited service.
What documents might I need?
The form lists proof of identity, citizenship or qualified immigrant status for those requesting benefits, Social Security numbers, proof of income and proof of expenses such as rent, child care and medical bills. DFCS says paper proof is not required to submit the application.
Can I apply online or by phone?
Yes. Apply online at gateway.ga.gov or call the DFCS Customer Contact Center at (877) 423-4746.
Can I apply with only part of the form filled in?
Yes. The form says you can file with only your name, address and signature, but a complete form may be processed faster.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.