Georgia DFCS TANF Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Why DFCS Requires an Interview

Every TANF application in Georgia includes a mandatory interview before approval. For child-only cases where a grandparent or relative is applying on behalf of a child, the interview serves a specific purpose: the caseworker confirms the living arrangement, verifies your relationship to the child, and reviews the documents you submitted through Georgia Gateway or at the county office.

The interview is usually conducted by phone, though some counties still offer in-person appointments. DFCS will contact you after receiving your application — keep your phone nearby, because the call may come from a number you do not recognize.

What the Caseworker Will Ask

For a non-needy caretaker relative applying for child-only TANF, expect questions in three categories:

Living arrangement and relationship:

• How long has the child been living with you?
• What is your relationship to the child (grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling)?
• Is either biological parent living in the home?
• How did the child come to live with you (informal agreement, DFCS involvement, court order)?

Child's income and resources:

• Does the child receive child support from either parent?
• Does the child have Social Security benefits in their own name?
• Does the child have any employment income?

Documentation status:

• Have you uploaded all requested verification documents to Gateway?
• Are any documents still pending (waiting on Vital Records, school enrollment verification)?

The caseworker is not evaluating your personal income, savings, or employment status. In a child-only case, those are irrelevant. If the caseworker starts asking about your retirement income or assets, clarify that you are applying as a non-needy caretaker relative — the assistance unit includes only the child.

Responding to a Verification Request

After the interview, your caseworker may identify remaining verification items and send a written request, Form 173. DFCS must allow at least 14 days to provide the requested verification. Follow the due date on the notice and contact your caseworker promptly if you need more time.

Documents DFCS commonly requests after the interview:

• Proof of the child's date of birth (if the birth certificate was not uploaded)
• Verification of the child's Social Security number
• Proof of relationship (a birth certificate showing the family connection)
• Proof of Georgia residency (a utility bill or lease in your name)

If you cannot get a document by the due date, contact your caseworker before it expires and explain what you have requested and when you expect it.

How Long Approval Takes

DFCS's application processing standard is 45 calendar days from receipt of the signed application. If all documents are in order and the interview confirms eligibility, approval often comes in two to four weeks.

If 45 days pass without a decision, contact your county DFCS office and ask for a status update. TANF policy also permits a fair hearing request for failure to act with reasonable promptness.

Once approved, you receive a written notice with the monthly grant amount, the date benefits begin, and your recertification schedule. Cash is loaded onto a Georgia EBT card.

If You Miss the Interview Call

If you miss the interview, contact DFCS before the 45th day after receipt of your signed application. Under DFCS policy, the agency must schedule a subsequent interview when you make contact before that day; otherwise, the application may be denied.

The Georgia Kinship Financial Help Guide includes a complete interview preparation worksheet and document checklist so you can walk into the conversation with every item ready and nothing left to chance.

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