The 1.6 million Georgia residents who receive food stamps will get their benefits in two parts next month.

Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services announced the change to the normal timing of food stamp distribution as a way to make sure recipients won't have to wait too long between getting their benefits. DFCS manages the state's food stamp distribution.

February benefits were issued on Jan. 14 at the direction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the federal government shutdown.

DFCS will send those who receive food stamps half of their monthly benefits on March 2. The division will distribute the other half on a staggered schedule between March 5 and 23.

April benefits will be delivered according to each recipient’s usual schedule.

About the Author

Keep Reading

With the closure of the labor and delivery unit in St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia, expectant mothers will instead be directed to deliver at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, about 45 miles away.  (Photo Illustration / Getty Images)

Credit: Getty Images

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com