As the coronavirus pandemic intensifies, Georgia leaders are leaders are providing more assistance to residents. In addition, Governor Brian Kemp is applying for block grants from the federal government. Kemps says the request will help offset the increase demand for benefits, particularly for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
“Last week alone, the Division of Family and Children Services received nearly 12,000 online applications - up from 6,400 online applications two weeks ago. Those numbers do not include paper applications.”
Kemp is increasing the amount Georgia households will qualify for during March and April. About $200 million in SNAP benefits is distributed in Georgia each month, with the average amount of $225. The governor plans to increase that amount in March and April, with approximately one million Georgians receiving SNAP getting an additional $100 in nutrition benefits.
"This change could be a major support to senior citizens in our state, who typically receive about $15 in SNAP benefits each month,” according to Kemp. “This supplement will allow them to get the maximum benefit amount for their household size, which is $194 for a household of one, in March and April.”
Kemp says there has also been a significant increase in requests for medical assistance, such as Peachcare for Kids and Medicaid.
