$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Georgia Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Georgia
SSDI in Georgia - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Georgia - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in Georgia as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA, 2026
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Georgia?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. This matters in Georgia, which has not expanded Medicaid, so coverage for non-elderly adults is otherwise very limited.
How long does SSDI take in Georgia?
Georgia processes initial claims through its Disability Adjudication Section. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Georgia - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Georgia - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Georgia, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Georgia does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in Georgia?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in Georgia Medicaid. No separate application needed.
Does Georgia add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. Georgia does not pay a general state supplement, so most recipients get only the federal amount. A state supplement exists only for SSI recipients living in certain Medicaid-funded facilities like nursing or hospice care.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Georgia
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Georgia
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS, 2026
GEORGIA PROPERTY TAX CUT
$126,526
The 2026 disabled-veteran homestead exemption knocks this much off your home value for property taxes
Georgia Dept. of Revenue, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Georgia offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Georgia gives eligible disabled veterans a homestead exemption that removes $126,526 of home value from property taxes in 2026, and the Georgia Department of Veterans Service can help you file. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Georgia
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Georgia
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout, 2026
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout, 2026
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout, 2026
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Georgia?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare counseling in Georgia?
Yes. GeorgiaCares, the state SHIP program run by the Division of Aging Services, offers free unbiased Medicare counseling at 1-866-552-4464. Turnout can also work with you one-on-one at no cost.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Georgia
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Georgia
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed, 2026
GEORGIA EVALUATION DEADLINE
60 days
Georgia schools must finish the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of your written consent
Georgia Dept. of Education, 2026
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Georgia public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you before every meeting, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Georgia?
Georgia schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of getting your written consent, then hold the meeting to develop the IEP within 30 calendar days of deciding the child is eligible.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Georgia
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Georgia residents.
Medicaid in Georgia
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Georgia residents.
Georgia Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. Georgia has not expanded Medicaid, so adult eligibility is limited to pregnant women, parents with very low income, people with disabilities, and seniors. A separate program called Pathways to Coverage covers some adults up to the poverty line who meet a monthly work requirement.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
2M+
Georgians covered by Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids combined in 2026
Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, 2026
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
Georgia Dept. of Community Health, 2026
PARENT INCOME LIMIT
$551/mo
The monthly income limit for a parent in a family of 3, one of the strictest in the country
Georgia DFCS PAMMS Appendix A2, 2025
Who qualifies
- Children in households up to about 247% of the federal poverty level through Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids
- Pregnant women up to 220% of the federal poverty level
- Parents with very low income (a family of 3 must earn under about $551 per month)
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability, and SSI recipients who are enrolled automatically
How to apply
Apply online through Georgia Gateway at gateway.ga.gov, or call the Georgia Medicaid help line at 1-877-423-4746. Have proof of income, identity, and Georgia residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed. Georgia Gateway is the same portal used for SNAP, TANF, and WIC.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Georgia?
The core program keeps the name Medicaid, run by the Department of Community Health. The children's program is called PeachCare for Kids, and managed-care plans are branded Georgia Families.
What is Georgia Pathways to Coverage?
Pathways is a Georgia program that covers some adults up to the poverty line who complete 80 hours a month of work, school, or other qualifying activity. It is separate from regular Medicaid and is set to change in 2027.
Who qualifies for Georgia Medicaid?
Children, pregnant women, very low income parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Because Georgia has not fully expanded Medicaid, many other adults do not qualify unless they enroll through Pathways to Coverage.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Georgia
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Georgia
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP, still commonly called Food Stamps in Georgia, is a federal program that helps qualifying households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto an EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, and many farmers markets. The program is run by the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS).
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~1.4M
Georgians received SNAP benefits on average each month in early 2026
USDA FNS, January 2026
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
USDA / Georgia DFCS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Georgia
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through Georgia Gateway at gateway.ga.gov, or in person at your county DFCS office. An interview is required, but it can usually be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need. Georgia Gateway is the same portal used for Medicaid, TANF, and WIC.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Georgia?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
How long does SNAP approval take in Georgia?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. An interview is required but can usually be done by phone.
Can I use my EBT card online or at farmers markets?
Yes. The Georgia EBT card is accepted at most grocery stores and at retailers like Walmart and Amazon for online orders, plus many farmers markets across the state.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Georgia
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Georgia
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA, 2026
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF are automatically income-eligible
- Georgia residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call 1-800-228-9173 or your local county health department to schedule an appointment, or apply through Georgia Gateway at gateway.ga.gov. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Georgia residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF enrollment. If approved, you receive your Georgia eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Georgia's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Georgia
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Georgia
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
Georgia's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating and cooling bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. The program is federally funded and administered by the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) through local community action agencies. Cooling assistance matters in Georgia, where summer heat and humidity drive up bills.
INCOME LIMIT
60% of state median
Households at or below 60% of the state median income can qualify for heating, cooling, and crisis help
Georgia DFCS FFY2026 LIHEAP State Plan
CRISIS HELP
Up to $810
Maximum winter crisis benefit for households facing shutoff; summer crisis is up to $500
Georgia DFCS FFY2026 LIHEAP State Plan
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
Georgia DFCS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Georgia households with income at or below 60% of the state median income
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on SNAP, TANF, or SSI are generally income-eligible
How to apply
Apply through your local community action agency, not DFCS directly. Find your agency by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the DFCS energy assistance page. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID for household members, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. Heating and crisis assistance runs December through July and funds are first come, first served, so apply early. If approved, the benefit is credited to your utility account.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIHEAP?
Georgia uses a 60% state median income limit, which is higher than many people expect. If you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI, you generally meet the income test.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
When can I apply for heating or cooling help in Georgia?
Heating and crisis assistance generally runs December 1 through July 31, and cooling assistance runs April 1 through July 31. Older adults and medically homebound households may be able to apply earlier.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Georgia Access (ACA Marketplace)
Subsidized health insurance through Georgia's own marketplace, Georgia Access.
Georgia Access (ACA Marketplace)
Subsidized health insurance through Georgia's own marketplace, Georgia Access.
Georgia Access is the state-run health insurance marketplace where Georgians buy coverage and claim federal subsidies that lower the monthly cost. Starting with the 2025 plan year, Georgia runs its own marketplace at georgiaaccess.gov instead of using HealthCare.gov. Because Georgia has not fully expanded Medicaid, the marketplace is often the main coverage option for adults who do not fit a narrow Medicaid category.
WHO GETS SUBSIDIES
9 in 10
About 89% of Georgians who enrolled for 2026 received premium subsidies that lower their monthly cost
CMS, 2026
WHERE TO ENROLL
Georgia Access
Georgia runs its own marketplace at georgiaaccess.gov, not HealthCare.gov
Georgia Office of Insurance, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for the plan year. Special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
Georgia Access, 2026
Who qualifies
- Georgians without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 100% of the federal poverty level
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, PeachCare, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Georgia
How to apply
Apply online at georgiaaccess.gov, or call the Georgia Access help center at 1-888-687-1503. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child.
Frequently asked questions
Does Georgia use HealthCare.gov?
No. Georgia now runs its own marketplace, Georgia Access, at georgiaaccess.gov. If you go to HealthCare.gov, you will be pointed to Georgia Access to enroll.
What if my income is too low for subsidies?
Apply anyway. Georgia Access screens for Medicaid and PeachCare. Because Georgia has not fully expanded Medicaid, some adults below the poverty level who do not fit a Medicaid category may fall into a coverage gap, though Pathways to Coverage may be an option.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. About 9 in 10 Georgia enrollees receive subsidies, applied automatically when you enroll through Georgia Access.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Georgia
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Georgia
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) provides short-term cash to Georgia families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto a debit card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is run by the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) and comes with a work requirement and a lifetime limit on months of assistance.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$280
The maximum cash grant for a family of 3 with no countable income, unchanged for about 30 years and among the lowest in the country
Georgia DFCS TANF Appendix A, 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
48 months
Georgia's lifetime cap on cash assistance for adults, shorter than the federal 60-month limit
Georgia DFCS, 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
$784/mo
The gross monthly income limit for a family of 3 to qualify, which is higher than the benefit actually paid
Georgia DFCS TANF Appendix A, 2026
Who qualifies
- Georgia residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 18 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income (a family of 3 must earn under about $784 per month)
- Adults must participate in work or employment services unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through Georgia Gateway at gateway.ga.gov, or in person at your county DFCS office. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through Georgia Gateway also screens you for SNAP and Medicaid. If approved, benefits are loaded onto a debit card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive TANF in Georgia?
Georgia sets a 48-month lifetime cap for adults, shorter than the federal 60-month limit. After the adult reaches the limit, a child-only grant may still cover the children.
How much does Georgia TANF actually pay?
The maximum for a family of 3 with no other income is $280 a month. Note this is the benefit paid, which is lower than the roughly $784 income limit to qualify.
Can I receive TANF and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. TANF recipients are generally categorically eligible for SNAP and Medicaid. Applying at Georgia Gateway screens you for all three at once.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Georgia (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Georgia (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. The amount depends on your income and family size, and you have to file a tax return to claim it. Georgia does not have its own state EITC, so the federal credit is what applies.
WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
The EITC is refundable, so you receive the full amount as a refund even if you owe nothing
IRS, 2026
COMMONLY MISSED
1 in 5 skip it
About 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim the EITC, often just because they don't file a return
IRS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. Claim it for the year you qualified, and you can still file for past years you missed. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers. Georgia does not add a state EITC, so there is nothing extra to file at the state level.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Does Georgia have its own state EITC?
No. Georgia does not offer a state earned income tax credit. Only the federal EITC is available to Georgia workers.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Georgia
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Georgia
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Georgia families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Georgia also has a new state child tax credit worth up to $250 for each child under age 6, starting with tax year 2026.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS, 2026
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
NEW GEORGIA CREDIT
$250 per child
Georgia added a nonrefundable state credit for each child under age 6, starting with tax year 2026
Georgia HB 136, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you. Georgia's new state credit for young children is claimed on your Georgia state return.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the federal Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does Georgia have a state Child Tax Credit?
Yes, starting with tax year 2026. Georgia created a nonrefundable state credit of up to $250 for each child under age 6, claimed on your Georgia return in addition to the federal credit.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Georgia (CAPS)
Subsidized child care for working Georgia families.
Child Care Assistance in Georgia (CAPS)
Subsidized child care for working Georgia families.
Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services program, or CAPS, helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). The program pays providers directly, with families paying a sliding-scale share based on income.
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a co-pay based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
Georgia DECAL, 2026
INCOME LIMIT
50% of state median
Families enter the program at or below 50% of the state median income and can keep coverage until income reaches 85% of the state median
Georgia DECAL CAPS Family Support Guide, 2026
NOT AN ENTITLEMENT
Limited slots
CAPS serves only about 15% of eligible children, so priority groups enroll first and others may wait
GEEARS / Georgia DECAL, 2026
Who qualifies
- Georgia residents with a child under 13, or under 18 with a disability
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- Households at or below the state income limit (enter at 50% of the state median income; stay until 85% of state median income)
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through the Georgia Gateway portal at gateway.ga.gov, linked from the DECAL CAPS page. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, immunization records, and documentation of your work or training schedule. Because CAPS is not an entitlement and slots are limited, apply as soon as you know you need care and ask about priority categories.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider registered with CAPS, including licensed centers and licensed family child care homes.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale co-pay applies based on your income and family size. Lower-income families may pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay more.
Is there a waitlist for CAPS in Georgia?
Sometimes. CAPS is not an entitlement and serves only a portion of eligible children, so priority groups such as families in protective services, homeless families, and children with disabilities enroll first while others may wait for funding.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
