Georgia Medicaid applications are handled through the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), which operates offices in all 159 counties. Whether you prefer applying in person, online, or by phone, this guide covers every option along with the 2026 income limits you need to know before you walk in.
How Georgia Processes Medicaid Applications
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) administers the Medicaid program, but DFCS offices are where most residents go to apply and manage their benefits. The two agencies work together: DCH sets the rules and DCH-enrolled managed care organizations deliver coverage, while DFCS handles eligibility determination at the county level.
You can apply four ways:
- Online at Georgia Gateway (available 24/7)
- In person at your local DFCS county office
- By phone by calling 1-877-423-4746
- By mail by downloading a paper application from medicaid.georgia.gov
Most people get a determination within 45 days of submitting a complete application.
Major County DFCS Office Locations
Georgia has offices in every county. Below are locations for the most populated counties. For counties not listed, visit dfcs.georgia.gov/locations and select your county.
Fulton County (Atlanta)
Fulton County is split across multiple service centers.
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|
| Fulton NW County | 1249 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (877) 423-4746 |
| Fulton South County | South Atlanta area (see dfcs.georgia.gov for address) | (877) 423-4746 |
| Fulton SW County | Southwest Atlanta area (see dfcs.georgia.gov for address) | (877) 423-4746 |
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-in hours vary by location. Appointments available any day upon request.
DeKalb County (Decatur)
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|
| DeKalb County DFCS | 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA 30030 | (404) 370-5076 |
| DeKalb Satellite | 30 Warren Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30317 | (877) 423-4746 |
Gwinnett County (Lawrenceville)
| Office | Address |
|---|
| Gwinnett Main | 33 S. Clayton Street, Suite 100, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 |
| Gwinnett Norcross | 2211 Beaver Ruin Road, Suite 130, Norcross, GA 30071 |
Phone for all Gwinnett offices: 1-877-423-4746
Cobb County (Marietta)
| Office | Address |
|---|
| Cobb County DFCS | 1090 Northchase Pkwy SE, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30067 |
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone: 1-877-423-4746
Chatham County (Savannah)
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|
| Chatham County DFCS | 761 Wheaton Street, Savannah, GA 31401 | (912) 644-5956 |
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Other Major County Offices
General Office Hours Across Georgia
Most DFCS offices follow this schedule:
- Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (call center)
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (call center)
- Walk-in hours: Vary by county, typically 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Appointments: Available any weekday upon request, including outside standard walk-in windows
To confirm hours for your specific county before visiting, call 1-877-423-4746 or check dfcs.georgia.gov/locations.
2026 Georgia Medicaid Income Limits
Georgia has not fully expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Coverage is available through several programs, each with its own income rules.
Income Limits by Program (2026)
| Program | Who Qualifies | Monthly Income Limit (Single) | FPL % |
|---|
| Standard Medicaid for Children | Under age 19 | Up to $3,285/month (household) | 247% FPL |
| PeachCare for Kids | Children, family slightly above Medicaid | Up to $3,285/month (household) | 247% FPL |
| Medicaid for Pregnant Women | Pregnant adults | Up to $2,926/month | 220% FPL |
| Georgia Pathways (Adults 19 to 64) | Low-income adults with qualifying activity | Up to $1,330/month | 100% FPL |
| Medicaid for Parents | Parents of minor children | Up to $514/month | 39% FPL |
| Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) | Age 65 or older, blind, or disabled | Up to $994/month | Varies |
| Nursing Home Medicaid | Requires nursing-level care | Up to $2,982/month | Varies |
Income Limits by Household Size (100% FPL, 2026)
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|
| 1 | $1,330 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $1,803 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $2,277 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $2,750 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $3,223 | $38,680 |
| Each additional person | +$473 | +$5,680 |
Georgia Pathways: The Limited Expansion Program
Georgia Pathways to Coverage launched in July 2023 as a partial Medicaid expansion. Unlike full ACA expansion states, Georgia requires adults to meet an 80-hour monthly activity requirement to qualify. The program was extended through December 31, 2026.
Who can qualify through Pathways:
- Adults ages 19 to 64
- Income at or below 100% FPL ($1,330/month for a single adult)
- Must complete 80 hours per month of a qualifying activity: employment, job training, education, community service, or caregiving for a child under age 6
Key 2026 change: Parents staying home with children under age 6 can now count caregiving as a qualifying activity. Income reporting changed from monthly to annual.
Pathways coverage includes the same benefits as standard Georgia Medicaid: doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, behavioral health services, dental, and vision.
What to Bring to Your DFCS Appointment
Bring original documents or certified copies when applying in person. Staff cannot accept photos on a phone for most documents.
Identity and citizenship:
- U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate
- State-issued photo ID or driver's license
Proof of income:
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Most recent federal tax return if self-employed
- Social Security award letters if receiving SSI or SSDI
- Unemployment benefit statements
Residency:
- Utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your Georgia address
Household information:
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Birth certificates for children applying
Insurance information:
- Any current health insurance policy information (Medicaid may coordinate with other coverage)
How to Apply Online Through Georgia Gateway
Georgia Gateway at gateway.ga.gov lets you apply without visiting an office. The portal is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Step-by-step process:
- Go to gateway.ga.gov and click "Apply for Benefits"
- Create an account or log in if you have one
- Select "Medical Assistance" from the program list
- Complete all sections: household members, income, expenses, and residency
- Upload supporting documents if you have them digitally (not required upfront)
- Submit your application and save the confirmation number
- Check your status online or by calling 1-877-423-4746
- Watch for a letter with your eligibility decision, typically within 45 days
If documents are needed after submission, DFCS will contact you by mail or phone.
Applying by Phone
Call 1-877-423-4746 to apply over the phone or to schedule an appointment at your local office. The customer contact center handles questions about food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, TANF, and childcare assistance.
Call center hours:
- Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Use our free eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check your estimated eligibility before applying. The tool checks Medicaid alongside SNAP, CHIP, and other programs in about two minutes. You can also view the full Georgia benefits guide for additional state programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I go to apply for Medicaid in Georgia?
Apply in person at your county DFCS office, online at gateway.ga.gov, or by calling 1-877-423-4746. Georgia has DFCS offices in all 159 counties. Find your nearest location at dfcs.georgia.gov/locations.
What are the Georgia Medicaid income limits for 2026?
Income limits vary by program. Children qualify up to 247% FPL (about $3,285/month for a household). Pregnant women qualify up to 220% FPL ($2,926/month). Adults without children can apply through Georgia Pathways if they earn under 100% FPL ($1,330/month) and complete 80 qualifying activity hours per month. Parents of minor children face the strictest limit at 39% FPL ($514/month).
Does Georgia have full Medicaid expansion?
No. Georgia has not accepted full ACA Medicaid expansion. The state operates Georgia Pathways, a limited program covering adults with incomes up to 100% FPL who meet an 80-hour monthly work or qualifying activity requirement. The program runs through December 31, 2026.
How long does a Georgia Medicaid decision take?
Most applicants receive a determination within 45 days. Pregnant women and emergency cases may receive faster decisions. You will receive a letter in the mail with the eligibility outcome.
Can I apply for Medicaid online in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia Gateway at gateway.ga.gov accepts Medicaid applications 24 hours a day. You can create an account to check your application status and manage your benefits after approval.
What happens if I miss my Medicaid renewal in Georgia?
You may lose coverage. Georgia sends renewal notices before your coverage period ends. You can renew online at gateway.ga.gov, by calling 1-877-423-4746, or in person at your county DFCS office. Check staycovered.ga.gov for renewal deadlines and instructions.
What is PeachCare for Kids?
PeachCare for Kids is Georgia's CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) for children in families whose income is above the Medicaid limit but still low enough to qualify for subsidized coverage. It serves children up to 19 years old in households earning up to 247% FPL. Applications are processed through the same DFCS offices and Georgia Gateway portal.
Do Georgia DFCS offices take walk-ins?
Most offices accept walk-ins during morning hours, typically 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointment availability varies by office. Call 1-877-423-4746 or check dfcs.georgia.gov/locations before visiting to confirm your county's current walk-in policy.
