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Do You Have to Include Child Support When Applying for Georgia Medicaid?

Although Medicaid is a federal program, each state has its own eligibility criteria and guidelines for Medicaid. In Georgia, applicants deemed eligible for Medicaid must fall within the income limits to receive coverage, though it is common to wonder if child support payments are counted as income.

  1. Sources of Income

    • In Georgia, all sources of income are included. Earned and unearned income are calculated to determine your total gross income each month. Child support payments received by you or any other household members are considered unearned income. Additional sources of unearned income include interest from bank accounts or investments and Social Security payments.

    Income Limits

    • Georgia Medicaid determines the income guidelines by comparing the household size with a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. The federal government sets income limits to define the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) annually. Families are limited to an income of 100 percent of the FPL. If you are applying exclusively for children, the income limits are higher. For children ages 1 through 5, the income threshold is 133 percent of the FPL. Families with children under age 19 and who have an income 185 percent of FPL may qualify for low cost health insurance through the Georgia Right from the Start Medicaid program.

    Proof of Child Support

    • Documents are typically required to provide proof of all sources of income. If you receive court-ordered child support, provide a copy of the court order. You can also contact the local courthouse or child support enforcement agency for the payment history. Sometimes the amount received is not equal to the amount paid. If you are receiving less than what you are owed, child support payments stop or you experience any other change in income, report the change to Georgia Family and Children Services within 10 days (see "Resources").

    Cooperation with Child Support Enforcement

    • You are required to cooperate with child support enforcement to receive benefits. If you are currently receiving child support from an absent parent without a court order, you will need to establish an official court order. Visit the local child support enforcement agency to initiate the process.

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