Daily Fun
06/14/2026 · Wilcox & Crisp Region
The Live Music Venue Renaissance Is Real and Your Local Club Deserves Your Money This Weekend
After years of streaming-induced hibernation, people are actually leaving their homes to hear bands play in sweaty rooms again—and honestly, it's the best thing happening to culture right now.
McCloud Falls Trail Taught Me That Spring Runoff Is Nature's Way of Saying "Turn Back
California's McCloud Falls loop offers three waterfalls, zero crowds, and one very good reason to respect fast water.
06/14/2026
Fall Bass in Shallow Water — Why November's Best Bite Happens When You Stop Overthinking It
The leaves are down, the water's cooling, and bass are staging in 4-6 feet of water like they're late for work. Here's what I caught last week—and why I almost missed it.
06/14/2026
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed That Won't Collapse in Three Years
Most people assemble their first raised bed like they're playing Jenga blindfolded. Here's how to do it right—and why corner braces matter more than you think.
06/14/2026
Why Your Cast Iron Needs a Good Seasoning — and Why You're Probably Doing It Wrong
Stop babying that pan. A properly seasoned cast iron doesn't need coddling — it needs heat, fat, and your willingness to let it work.
06/14/2026
Mercury's Gone Rogue (Again), and Gemini Is Absolutely Thriving—While Everyone Else Scrambles for Their Passwords
The week after New Year's resolutions begins with communication chaos, but one sign just walked into their power like they own the place. Here's who's winning and who's checking their bank statements twice.
06/14/2026
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View allApply to the New Option Waiver Program & Comprehensive Support Waiver Program
Apply to New Option Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Support Waiver Program (COMP) | Georgia.gov Skip to main content State of Emergency Declared Ahead of Hurricane Isaias Prepare for severe weather and follow official updates. These Medicaid waiver programs support eligible Georgians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities A Medicaid waiver provides funding for services that support people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. These services are typically provided in the home or community rather than in an institution. NOW supports individuals who can live independently or with family. COMP serves individuals with more intensive needs, including residential care. The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) administers Medicaid and partners with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to operate these programs. NOW and COMP services are accessed through DBHDD regional field offices and the Georgia Collaborative Administrative Services Organization (ASO). Make Sure You’re Eligible To qualify for NOW and COMP, you must be eligible for Medicaid and: Have an intellectual disability before age 18 or a related developmental disability such as autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy before age 22. Have significant limitations in intellectual or adaptive functioning Require the level of care provided in an intermediate care facility DBHDD does not determine Medicaid eligibility. You may need to apply for Medicaid separately through DCH. Gather What You’ll Need Proof of citizenship Social Security and Medicaid cards Psychological evaluations and/or records from schools, providers, or care facilities You can upload required documents during the online application process. Fill Out and Submit Your Application You can apply for NOW and COMP services online, in person, or by mail. NOW & COMP - Fill Out and Submit Your Application Apply online Visit the Georgia Collaborative ASO website and access the Individual IDD Connects portal Create an account to start your application Complete and submit the referral form Upload all required documents directly to your account You can save your progress and return later if needed Online applications are processed faster. Paper applications must be manually entered into the system, which may delay processing. Apply in person Download and print the following forms:Application for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services Authorization for Release of Information Form (Attachment A) Notice of Privacy Practices Policy (Attachment A) Visit your local DBHDD regional field office. Staff can help you complete and submit your application. DBHDD’s Intake and Evaluation will check the application to ensure it’s correct. The first step toward determining eligibility will include a psychologist’s review and a possible face-to-face interview. DBHDD staff will meet the individual or representative to begin screenings and assessment. Response time: Within 14 business days of receiving an application, a DBHDD staff member will schedule a screening assessment. Apply by mail Download and print the following forms:Application for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services Authorization for Release of Information Form (Attachment A) Notice of Privacy Practices Policy (Attachment A) Complete the form and send it to your DBHDD regional field office. (Forms can also be faxed.) DBHDD’s Intake and Evaluation will check the application to ensure it’s correct. The first step toward determining eligibility will include a psychologist’s review and a possible face-to-face interview. DBHDD staff will meet the individual or representative to begin screenings and assessment. Response time: Within 14 business days of receiving an application, a DBHDD staff member will schedule a screening assessment. Next Steps Application Review DBHDD staff will review your application to make sure it is complete You will be contacted if additional documents are needed Your application must be fully submitted, not just started, before review begins Pre-eligibility Determination A DBHDD psychologist reviews your application You may be contacted for more information or an interview You will receive a letter with the decision If denied, you will receive information about how to appeal Planning List Placement If pre-eligible, you will be placed on the planning list for developmental disabilities services Priority is based on the level of need such as health, safety, and caregiver support, not time on the list Final Eligibility and Funding Individuals with the highest needs are reviewed by an external partner, Alliant-Georgia Medical Care Foundation, for final eligibility If approved, you will receive waiver funding Begin Services A service plan will be developed based on your strengths, needs, and goals You will choose providers and begin receiving services in your home or community NOW and COMP services must be reviewed and renewed each year. Last updated April 2026 Primary 200 Piedmont Avenue, S.E. West Tower, 14th Floor Atlanta, GA 30334 Hours Closed Sunday: closed Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday: closed All in Eastern Time Zone Primary (404) 657-2252 Facebook page for Main Phone X page for Main Phone LinkedIn page for Main Phone DBHDD Regional Field Offices Search by city, county, or zip code More Resources Related Services Apply for Medicaid Did you find what you were looking for on this page? Extra feedback Send feedback
Renew Your Medicaid Benefits
Medicaid benefits must be renewed at least once every 12 months. Eligible Medicaid members will receive a notice, online or by mail, the month before their renewal month. You can submit a renewal within 90 days after termination to have coverage reinstated back to the first of the month following termination. The additional 90 days apply when coverage ended because required renewal information wasn't submitted. Coverage may be suspended during that period, and QMB and Planning for Healthy Babies have different reinstatement rules. Changes to your personal situation – for example, if you get a different job, if your family size changes, or if you move – may affect your eligibility for Medicaid. If that happens, a case worker must review your eligibility. Get Prepared Whether you are renewing your benefits or appealing a case, make a note of any and all documents you send about your account. Be sure to note the time, date, and the name of the person you gave them to for your records. If you have a disability that must be verified, be aware that the process may take up to 60 days. Gather What You'll Need Proof of citizenship for any new members of your household The most recent pay stubs for anyone who works Proof of any income you receive other than by working If you stopped working, proof that your job ended Fill Out and Submit Your Renewal You can renew your Medicaid benefits online, by mail, by phone or in person. Renew your Medicaid benefits - Fill Out and Submit Your Renewal Renew Online You can renew online through Georgia Gateway. Sign in with your existing login information. If you have a Gateway account, but have forgotten or misplaced your Gateway password or your Gateway user ID, please refer to the Gateway website for instructions:Forgot Password Forgot User ID Fill out all of the required information and submit your renewal. You will receive a notice when your renewal has been completed by DFCS, your case will remain open until then. Renew by mail Download and print the Medicaid renewal form. Mail the completed form to your local DFCS office. You will receive a notice when your renewal has been completed by DFCS, your case will remain open until then. Renew by phone You can speak with someone about your renewal by calling (877) 423-4746, and dial 711 for Georgia Relay. You will receive a notice when your renewal has been completed by DFCS, your case will remain open until then. Renew in-person Download and print the Medicaid renewal form. Bring the completed form to your local DFCS office. You will receive a notice when your renewal has been completed by DFCS, your case will remain open until then. Next Steps Once the renewal has been completed you will receive notice through the mail. Your coverage will remain intact while your renewal is being completed, and your existing Medicaid cards will continue to be valid for each enrolled family member if you submit everything by your deadline. Late submissions may result in suspended coverage while the case is reviewed. If you have any questions about your card or how to use it, call the Member Contact Center at (866) 211-0950. If you believe you have been cut off from Medicaid in error or get a notice saying a service will not be covered, ask for a fair hearing right away. You have 30 days to request a fair hearing and 14 days to request continued coverage while waiting. There is a hearing request form at the end of the notice you received. You can also call (877) 423-4746 to ask for the hearing. After calling, follow up in writing within 15 days. Last updated August 2026
Apply for the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
Apply for the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program | Georgia.gov Skip to main content State of Emergency Declared Ahead of Hurricane Isaias Prepare for severe weather and follow official updates. The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program provides affordable mortgage financing for eligible homebuyers. The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program makes purchasing a home possible for eligible residents. Georgia Dream provides affordable financing options, down payment and closing cost assistance, and homebuyer education. Active military members, public protectors, educators, healthcare providers, and residents with family members living with a disability qualify for special down payment loan options. Determine if You’re Eligible To qualify for the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, you must: Be a first-time homebuyer, have not owned a home in the past three years, or be purchasing a home in certain areas of Georgia. Not have a household income that exceeds the maximum household income (visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website for income limits). Have liquid assets of no more than $20,000 or 20% of the sales price (whichever is greater). Meet mortgage loan credit requirements. Be purchasing a home with a sales price that does not exceed the limit (varies by county). Visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website for more eligibility details. Gather What You’ll Need Qualifying for a mortgage through the Georgia Dream program requires certain documentation. Please work closely with your lender to collect and fill out all the required forms and paperwork. Required documents include: Most recent 3 consecutive years IRS transcripts Most recent signed complete personal tax returns A copy of lender’s Delegated Underwriter’s Transmittal signed 92900LT form with comments stating his/her review of the application Credit report Fraud report A signed Application Affidavit form (required by Georgia Dream) Signed letter of explanation addressing all prior addresses and no prior homeownership or a copy of the no-record results to the IRS request for the prior 3 years 1098 transcripts A minimum of $1,000 to put toward your home purchase Get Qualified Contact a Georgia Dream Participating Lender to pre-qualify and begin the mortgage loan process. Visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) website for a list of participating lenders or call DCA at 1-800-359-HOME (4663) to get started. Next Steps Once you are pre-qualified, you can begin your home search process. Homebuyer counseling is required for all Georgia Dream loans. Georgia Dream borrowers must attend and complete either a homebuyer education workshop, an individual housing counseling session, or an online homebuyer education course through E-Home America. The average Georgia Dream process takes about 60 days from application to closing. Last updated April 2026 Primary 60 Executive Park South NE Atlanta, GA 30329 Primary (404) 679-4840 HCV Helpline (470) 802-4707 Facebook page for Department of Community Affairs X page for Department of Community Affairs LinkedIn page for Department of Community Affairs Instagram page for Department of Community Affairs Youtube page for Department of Community Affairs More Resources Related Services Find Available Rental Housing Apply for Housing Choice Voucher Program Related Links Georgia Dream Homeownership Program Did you find what you were looking for on this page? Extra feedback Send feedback
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