COVID-19 Resources

Georgia Court & Agency Closings

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On March 14, the Georgia Supreme Court issued a statewide judicial emergency. This means that all Georgia Courts will be stopping all but “essential functions” through at least Friday, June 12, 2020. These functions include:

  • where an immediate liberty or safety concern is present requiring the attention of the court as soon as the court is available; 

  • criminal court search warrants, arrest warrants, initial appearances, and bond reviews;

  • domestic abuse temporary protective orders and restraining orders; 

  • juvenile court delinquency detention hearings and emergency removal matters; and 

  • mental health commitment hearings.


If you have an ongoing court case in a Georgia State court, contact the court where your case was filed to find out the status of your case. Hearings, filing deadlines, and more will most likely be postponed. Read all state court emergency orders on the Georgia Courts website.

Many government agencies are also closing their offices, which may affect the status of administrative hearings and how you apply for benefits.

  • Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings. In response to COVID-19, OSAH hearings at ALL hearing locations have been cancelled for March 16 through March 31.

  • Social Security Agency. All local Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020.  Online services remain available. Local offices will continue to provide critical services over the phone.

  • Public Housing Authorities. Many PHAs are closing their offices. Check with your local housing authority to see if it is closed.
  • Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS). The Division of Family & Children Services offices are open and operating; however DFCS is temporarily reducing in-person operations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You are encouraged to use self-service options during this time.
  • Department of Veterans Service. GDVS field service offices remain open and ready to assist veterans and their families. Offices located in VA medical centers and clinics may have reduced visitation due to COVID-19. Please call your local office before visiting.

  • State Board of Workers’ Compensation.  All workers’ compensation hearings scheduled for March 16, 2020 through April 13, 2020 are postponed. 

    • The board will continue to handle PMTs, motions, conference calls and any emergency situation.

    • All in-person meditations for March 16-April 13, 2020 are suspended. These may be done by telephone. Call (404) 656-2939 for more information about mediations.

  • Georgia Department of Labor.

    • Hearings. The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) holds appeals hearings for Unemployment Insurance cases (both Appeals Tribunal and Board of Review hearings) by telephone and these will continue as scheduled. Read more about how to file an appeal on the GDOL website.

    • The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) is temporarily closing its career centers to the public beginning Wednesday, March 18. 

      • If you do not have access to the internet, you can file a claim by phone by contacting your local career center.

      • The GDOL is providing online access to unemployment services, partial claim access for employers, and resources for other reemployment assistance. 

  • Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). If you are required to regularly report to ICE, these check-ins are now being done by phone. If you are scheduled to appear in person at ICE for a check-in, instead call the Atlanta field office at 404-893-1248.