ATLANTA – Georgia’s new system for administering public benefits, Georgia Gateway, has received a national award by a national association of technology professionals, Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden announced Wednesday.

Georgia Gateway is the recipient of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers’ (NASCIO) Cross-Boundary Collaboration and Partnerships award. The award was announced this week at the organization’s conference in San Diego.

“This award is proof of what we can accomplish as a state when we work together,” Crittenden said. “The success of Georgia Gateway does not belong to a single state entity or agency, but to everyone who helped bring this system online. Thanks to the public and private partnerships that made this system possible, low-income Georgians now have a one-stop-shop to manage their benefits, which reduces paperwork, time spent in local offices and time on the phone with case managers. Georgia Gateway is designed with working Georgians in mind and built to support them on their path to self-sufficiency.”

The largest IT project in state history, Georgia Gateway serves as a single point of entry for Georgians seeking economic assistance and support with childcare, healthcare or feeding their families. The system was implemented in 2017. Its development required the collaboration of Georgia’s departments of Human Services, Community Health, Early Care and Learning and the Georgia Technology Authority.

“Government entities work best when they hold themselves accountable for properly responding to citizens’ needs,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “I commend DHS and its partner agencies for their hard work and collaboration in building Georgia Gateway, improving access to services that can lead to self-sufficiency, and serving those who call Georgia home.”

This marks the third time Georgia Gateway has been nationally recognized for its innovative use of technology in streamlining access for multiple benefit programs.

Georgia has received the State IT Innovation of the Year award from StateScoop 50 and an ISM Recognition Award for Excellence in Health and Human Services Technology from the American Public Human Services Association related to the development of Georgia Gateway.

About DHS
DHS, Georgia’s largest state agency, delivers a wide range of human services designed to promote self-sufficiency, safety and well-being for all Georgians. With a budget of $1.9 billion and more than 9,400 employees, the Department comprises three Divisions -- Aging Services, Child Support Services, and Family and Children Services.

About Georgia Gateway
Georgia Gateway is the state’s integrated system for determining eligibility across multiple benefits programs. These programs include Medical Assistance (Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids®, Planning for Healthy Babies, Aged, Blind and Disabled Medicaid, etc.), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS).