Deadline to receive backdated benefits for PACT Act approaching soon
DUBLIN, Ga. — According to the Veterans Affairs website, The PACT Act is was signed a year ago by President Biden that “expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.” If you submit an intent to file or apply by Wednesday, Aug. 9, you can be eligible for a year of backdated benefits. Click here to learn more.
GA Power Residents who qualify for help for their utility bills in zip codes 31087, 31031, 31082 have been sent notification that they are eligible for more financial help from GA Power, but they must complete the application on line this week before the MARCH 1 deadline.
This is a program through the Department of Community Affairs in Atlanta following the GA Rental Assistance Program. Please use the following search terms to get to the application. Complete it on-line by next Wednesday, March 1, and wait for correspondence from GA Power to get your help with your current electric bill. Zip codes 31087, 31031, 31082 are eligible but not 31061. Check this site for more information and to apply for assistance. paymyrent.ga.gov/ga-power
Current Georgia Medicaid Members
Don’t wait! Follow the instructions below to update your contact information before April 1, 2023.
Update your current account or create an account at gateway.ga.gov to stay in the know about your Medicaid status.
When updating your Gateway account, be sure to complete all required fields. When you visit Georgia Gateway, please scroll to find the following options:
- Click on “Manage My Account/Login” if you have used gateway.ga.gov to manage Medicaid benefits before. (You may have already used gateway.ga.gov to apply for or manage Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, MA, CAPS, or WIC benefits.)
- Click on “Create an Account” if you have not used gateway.ga.gov
You have the option to choose how you would like to receive notifications. Select “email” to get convenient updates online. More instructions are here.
If you select “email”, please enter the primary email address where you regularly access your email online to receive timely notifications. Note: If your immediate family members/children are covered by Medicaid and have an account on Georgia Gateway, please make sure you list the same primary email address for each member of your family.
On April 1, 2023, the state of Georgia must redetermine eligibility for ALL PEOPLE WHO CURRENTLY RECEIVE MEDICAID OR PEACH CARE FOR KIDS COVERAGE! Everyone who receives Medicaid funding must update your current account or create an account at this web site! Scroll down to “Manage My Account/Login” if you have used gateway.ga.gov to manage Medicaid benefits before. You may have already used gateway.ga.gov to apply for or manage Medicaid, SNAP, TANF MA, CAPS, or WIC benefits.
In addition, click on “Create an Account” if you have not used gateway.ga.gov before. You have the option to choose how you would like to receive notifications. Select “email” to get convenient updates online. You have the option to “Go Green” and get quicker notifications without getting paper letters through the mail.
Latest News: Baby Formula Shortage Information
Looking for a home, a job, or finding ways to save money? Look here and see this and more!
Milledgeville Cares has “Request for Assistance” forms available for download HERE, and in paper form at the Baldwin County Jail, the Milledgeville City Water Department, and the Department of Family and Children Services. Complete the form and mail it back to Milledgeville Cares. Due to their unusual situation, you must wear gloves and a face mask to pick up a form at the Baldwin County Jail.
There are two Facebook pages that announce where to find food and other mass-distributed items. One is Baldwin County Georgia People and the other is The Milledgeville Georgia Public Message Board. Check out these pages to find free items for your family.
Everyone is encouraged to search the MANY resources listed below for assistance finding jobs and homes, living happier lives, saving money, and more! The Resources Directory details many organizations and how they help.
Financial Assistance
The State of Georgia’s Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program can provide relief to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be used to bring past-due rent and utility payments current. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will administer this program which opened in March 2021. The money will be distributed directly to landlords, and eligible applicants will receive up to 12 months of payment relief. Individuals must qualify for unemployment or has experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and have household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). Visit the link above for more information and these instructions about requirement guidelines and to see if you qualify.
Stimulus Check Information
If you didn’t get the full amount of the first or second payment you were eligible for, you may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 tax return, even if you aren’t required to file.
The third Economic Impact Payment will not be used to calculate the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.
Using Get My Payment
Why can’t I access Get My Payment? (added March 13, 2021)
Payment Status
I expected a direct deposit of my payment. Why are you mailing it to me? (updated February 10, 2021)
What does it mean when Get My Payment says, “Need More Information”? (updated March 25, 2021)
Why am I getting “Payment Status Not Available”? (updated March 13, 2021)
Address Information
Missing Payments
Error Messages/Lockouts
Get My Payment says, “Please Try Again Later.” Why am I locked out? (updated February 10, 2021)
Bank Account Information
Where did the IRS get my bank information? (updated March 25, 2021)
EIP Card (Debit Card)
How is the EIP Card sent and how do I identify it? (added March 13, 2021)
Funerary Assistance for Covid-19 Deaths
Federal Emergency Management Agency Covid-19 Funeral Assistance
Telephone lines are flooded at this time. Look for requirements and get documentation together. Be patient, and you may get through and be eligible for some funding to help with funeral expenses. We are so sorry for your loss.
Parenting and Family
Best Parenting Advice in 6 Words
Eight Ways to Save When Eating Out
Frequent Moves During Childhood May Be Bad for Health
The Teenager With One Foot Out the Door
When Do You Worry About a Picky Eater
Folic Acid May Curb Childhood Obesity
Tips for Parenting and Children Kids to Obey
Baby Formula Shortage Information
Housing
Community Home Investment Program (CHIP)
(Additional CHIP Information)
Georgia Department Of Community Affairs Rental Assistance Program
Currently, only areas with 20,000 residents qualify, but our time is coming. Keep watching this site, our Federal Government wants to help you!
Guide to Housing Choice Voucher
Credit Scores and Section 8 Housing
Section 8 Affordable Housing – Voucher Program
Emergency Housing for Seniors – Click on this link for new and exciting information!
View the full site for Emergency Housing here
1. If you use Baldwin County, GA Section 8 or similar terms, you will find the
information on-line for Baldwin Co. is totally WRONG. Here’s the correct
information.
2. Section 8 can take about 2 years to get, but it’s worth it! Landlords are held to a
higher standard than public housing. Privately-owned apartments/homes are
subsidized by the government, and individuals with vouchers use these funds to
pay their rent. In Baldwin County, there are privately-owned apartments
(including Waterford Place), and lists are sent to those who are on the waiting
list. To get on the list to be approved for a voucher, you must call
1-888-858-6085.
3. Baldwin County is covered by the office in Waycross, GA – 500 Alice St.,
Waycross, GA 31501. Their local number is 912-285-6089, but don’t call this
number unless you want to speak to someone specifically.
4. To get on Section 8 YOU MUST CALL THE 1-888-858-6085 NUMBER. Follow
the directions!
Please note: This information was current in 2018. Since that time, the
Milledgeville Housing Department may be the Section 8 agent in this area.
Please call for clarification.
Emergency Solutions Grants for Homeless
Eligibility Requirements for HUD Mortgage Assistance
What is HomeSafe Georgia (Please note: This program may have been suspended during COVID-19 virus. If interested, please call them.)
Save Time on HomeSafe application
HomeSafe Hardship Letter Instructions
Home Access Program for Disabled
HUD Rental Assistance Programs
Saving Money
Internet Options for Low-Income Families
Water Bill Assistance Provided By Overview, Inc. (Nov. 1st – Dec. 31st, 2021)
11 Secret Store Policies That Will Save You Money
How to Save Money at the Grocery Store
Saving Time and Money at the Grocery Store
4 Reasons to Buy a Used Cell Phone
CreditCare for Medical Expenses
Financial Assitance for Those Impacted by COVID-19
Lifeline – Assistance for Telephone or Internet
US Financial Assistance Through COVID Times
Ways to Save Money on Expenses
Georgia Power Energy Assistance
Job Search
Healthy Living
Dental Resources in the Milledgeville, GA area
Disability/Fire Victims
Home Access Program for Disabled
Mental Health and Awareness
Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault
Resources for Seniors/Retirees
Georgia Crisis Hotlines
GA CARES Warm Line: 1-844-326-5400
Peer2Peer Warm Line: 1-888-945-1414
Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225
The Crisis Text Line – Free text line that serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to 24/7 support and information via texting. Text HOME to 741-741 from anywhere in the USA or Canada, anytime, about any type of crisis.
National Crisis Hotlines
Veterans Crisis Line – 1-800-273-8255
National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention
Stop A Suicide Today – Helpful website that provides suicide prevention information for someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, their friends, and family.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 – This national lifeline provides free confidential support 24/7, 365 to anyone who is suffering from a mental health crisis that involves thoughts of suicide.
Overdose Prevention
The Georgia Overdose Prevention Project – An advocacy and prevention organization that provides information on Georgia’s amnesty laws when it comes to helping an overdose victim as well as providing free naloxone kits to Georgians through the mail.
Addiction Resources
In The Rooms – Resource for finding virtual Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings 24/7.
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Helpful suggestions and resources on finding addiction treatment centers for friends or family members struggling with addiction.
The Summit Wellness Group – Comprehensive resource guides on topics like Georgia community support, suicide prevention, overdose prevention, and more.