Atlanta

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Public Assistance

Details on financial support, food assistance programs, and welfare options for those eligible.

Sections

1. Housing Assistance

Housing assistance programs in Atlanta aim to provide affordable housing options, prevent homelessness, and support low-income families.

Key Programs:

  • Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8):

    • Administered by the Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA), this program provides rental assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
    • Participants pay 30% of their income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest.

  • Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP):

    • Provides financial assistance for rent and utilities to households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Public Housing:

    • AHA manages public housing units for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Income must fall below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Section 8 and public housing.
  • U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
  • Priority is often given to families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Costs:

  • Costs vary based on income. Typically, participants pay 30% of their adjusted gross income toward rent.

How to Apply:

  • Visit the Atlanta Housing Authority website (www.atlantahousing.org) to check for open waitlists and apply online.
  • For ERAP, visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website (www.dca.ga.gov).

Local Offices:

  • Atlanta Housing Authority Main Office:
    • Address: 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
    • Phone: (404) 892-4700

2. Food Assistance

Food assistance programs help individuals and families access nutritious meals.

Key Programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
    • Provides monthly benefits to purchase groceries.
  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):
    • Offers nutrition assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.
  • Atlanta Community Food Bank:
    • Distributes food to local food pantries and meal programs.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • SNAP: Income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
  • WIC: Must meet income guidelines (185% of FPL) and have a nutritional risk.
  • Proof of residency and identity is required.

Costs:

  • No cost to apply or participate in these programs.

How to Apply:

  • SNAP: Apply online at gateway.ga.gov or call the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at (877) 423-4746.
  • WIC: Contact the Georgia WIC program at (800) 228-9173 or visit a local WIC clinic.
  • Food Bank: Use the Atlanta Community Food Bankโ€™s food locator tool (www.acfb.org) to find nearby food pantries.

Local Offices:

  • Georgia DFCS Office (Fulton County):
    • Address: 1249 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
    • Phone: (404) 206-5300

3. Healthcare Assistance

Healthcare programs provide access to medical services for low-income individuals and families.

Key Programs:

  • Medicaid:
    • Offers free or low-cost health insurance for low-income individuals, pregnant women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • PeachCare for Kids:
    • Provides affordable health insurance for children in families who do not qualify for Medicaid.
  • Grady Health System:
    • A public hospital in Atlanta offering sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Medicaid: Income limits vary by category (e.g., children, pregnant women, seniors).
  • PeachCare: Income must be below 247% of the FPL.
  • Proof of residency, income, and citizenship/immigration status is required.

Costs:

  • Medicaid: Free or minimal co-pays.
  • PeachCare: Monthly premiums range from $11 to $36 per child, with a maximum of $72 for two or more children.

How to Apply:

  • Medicaid and PeachCare: Apply online at gateway.ga.gov or call (877) 423-4746.
  • Grady Health System: Visit the Financial Assistance Office at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Local Offices:

  • Grady Memorial Hospital:
    • Address: 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
    • Phone: (404) 616-1000

4. Cash Assistance

Cash assistance programs provide temporary financial support to families in crisis.

Key Programs:

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF):
    • Offers cash assistance to low-income families with children for a limited time.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must have a dependent child under 18.
  • Income must be below the stateโ€™s threshold.
  • Must participate in work-related activities.

Costs:

  • No cost to apply or participate.

How to Apply:

Local Offices:

  • Georgia DFCS Office (Fulton County):
    • Address: 1249 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
    • Phone: (404) 206-5300

5. Utility Assistance

Utility assistance programs help residents pay for electricity, gas, and water bills.

Key Programs:

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
    • Provides financial assistance for heating and cooling costs.
  • Project SHARE:
    • Administered by the Salvation Army, this program helps with utility bills.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • LIHEAP: Income must be at or below 60% of the state median income.
  • Proof of income, residency, and utility bills is required.

Costs:

  • No cost to apply.

How to Apply:

  • LIHEAP: Contact the Georgia Community Action Association at (404) 361-4442 or visit www.georgiacaa.org.
  • Project SHARE: Call the Salvation Army at (800) 257-4273.

Local Offices:

  • Salvation Army Atlanta Temple Corps:
    • Address: 2090 N Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
    • Phone: (404) 486-2700

6. Employment Assistance

Employment programs help individuals find jobs and gain skills.

Key Programs:

  • WorkSource Atlanta:
    • Offers job training, career counseling, and employment services.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Open to all Atlanta residents, with priority for low-income individuals.

Costs:

  • Free.

How to Apply:

Local Offices:

  • WorkSource Atlanta Career Center:
    • Address: 818 Pollard Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
    • Phone: (404) 546-3000

Additional Resources

  • United Way of Greater Atlanta:

    • Provides a 2-1-1 helpline for referrals to local assistance programs.
    • Website: www.unitedwayatlanta.org
    • Phone: Dial 2-1-1

  • Catholic Charities Atlanta:

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of public assistance benefits in Atlanta. For further assistance, contact the relevant agencies or visit their websites to begin the application process.