11Alive has received solutions to some common problems, such as not receiving payments or having your card suspended.
ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp decided in August to spend up to $1.2 billion in payments of $350 per capita to poor Georgians, but since then, on 11Alive, people have received money from the state. Thousands of comments have been submitted about the problems they are having.
We dug into the issue and got an answer from the Georgia Department of Social Services.
The state said an ongoing issue with people enrolling in certain social welfare programs had been resolved, but it was found not to be the case for many people who depended on money to make ends meet. I got
RELATED: Kemp pledges $350 in cash to Georgians in certain social welfare programs.What you need to know
All Wade Bell wants is a fresh salad, but instead a fridge with almost nothing. One concern is that Bell may need hip surgery and has filed for disability.
“It was emotionally taxing because it was like a lot of things coming at once,” Bell said. I need a little help. ”
He applied for food stamps that are still waiting and hoped to get $350 in cash assistance. He said he wasn’t sure.
Bell then tried to call DHS, but was told there was no call back.
“I made about three or four calls and left messages each time,” Bell said.
Danielle Carr is also awaiting payment of $350 and checks her status daily on the Georgia Gateway Portal.
“It’s just bureaucracy. That’s it,” said Daniel Carr.
Carr said he tried calling DHS but was simply having no luck.
“You can’t make contact with humans,” Carr says. Quite frustrating. ”
11Alive contacted DHS with some of the most frequently asked questions and got answers.
First complaint was no card received.
“Plastic cards are being mailed to customers who have opted to receive U.S. mail-only communications. If you can’t find the email, please check your spam folder and deleted emails.If you still can’t find the email, you should call 1-833-907-0683.”
The second issue is pending cards. DHS responded as follows:
“Due to suspicious activity, cards may be temporarily suspended or locked due to lack of due diligence. Customers should log into the Cash Assistance Program Portal or call the card-specific hotline. to unlock the card.”
Another question from viewers is which stores accept cards.
“The virtual card can be used online or in stores anywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted in the United States. Owners may be able to purchase online and pick up in store, depending on their availability,” DHS said. “This plastic card can be used online or in stores anywhere in the United States where he accepts Mastercard debit cards.”
Bell patiently awaits payment, knowing it will take some of the weight off her shoulders.
“I reached out to everyone at 11Alive and I got a response back, which made me feel a little better knowing someone was listening,” Bell said.
RELATED: State says problem with Georgia’s $350 cash assistance payment ‘largely resolved’
