Rhode Island Works Update Rhode Island Works beneficiaries will see an approximate 20% increase in benefits and up to $112.50 in additional income as a result of being able to keep a larger share of earned income. These changes were recently approved in the state budget. Amounts issued will vary by household circumstances. Beneficiaries of RI Works should refer to their specific notice for more details. Additional information is available online.
Call Center Update The Call Center has expanded the options available at 1-855-697-4347 when callers select menu option 2. Starting July 2024, callers using option 2 can now receive on-the-go information on their Rhode Island Works, Child Care Assistance, and General Public Assistance cases. This is in addition to the information already available for SNAP and Medicaid cases. Learn more about the improved functionality here: https://dhs.ri.gov/resources
Voter Registration for Upcoming Elections The Board of Elections is reminding residents about upcoming election deadlines for voting. In order to vote in the State Primary, residents must be registered to vote by August 11. The deadline to register to vote in the statewide general election is October 6. Registering to vote can be done online here: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/
Attention RI SNAP Beneficiaries Please be aware there is currently fraudulent activity taking place in other states affecting SNAP Benefits on EBT cards. While we do not believe there is any activity of this nature currently taking place in Rhode Island, please be advised you will never be asked to sign up for instant cash benefits or be asked to provide personal information, your card number, or PIN. If you ever receive a call, email, text, or social media invitation to do so, never click any links or provide the requested information.Please know, ebtEdge will never request this type of information from you. Please remember to protect yourself by changing your PIN frequently – using a different PIN each time – or by freezing your card. If you are uncertain about or confused by a suspicious inquiry, please contact DHS and call the EBT customer service line at 1-888-979-9939 to change your PIN. You can find more information on how best to protect yourself from possible SNAP-related fraud here.
Translation Services Available If you are seeking information about DHS programs and services in a language other than English, translation services are available to you at no cost. Persons with disabilities requiring another form of communication, such as auxiliary aids for hearing and the visually impaired, can inform DHS about their needs so appropriate accommodations can be made.
Programs and Services DHS' programs and services, including those offered by our four divisions, collectively serve more than 300,000 families, adults, children, older Rhode Islanders, individuals with disabilities and veterans each year. Each have their own eligibility requirements and our staff are happy to assist those who need us through the application process and any other needs. If you have internet access, many services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the online Customer Portal. You can view notices, report a change, submit a document we requested and apply all online. Click Tech Resources within the Resources tab above for useful how to guides. Child Care Subsidies to quality care, Head Start and support and licensing for the State's child care providers DHS Divisions Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) Office of Veterans Services (Vets) Energy Assistance Programs Heating and weatherization services for eligible low-income families General Public Assistance Small cash assistance for low-income adults 18+ while they await an SSI determination, GPA Hardship payments and Funeral/Burial payment assistance Long Term Services & Supports Custom services for older adults, people with disabilities or chronic care needs living in a variety of settings as well as the SSI Enhanced Assisted Living program Medicaid / Medicare Programs Multiple healthcare coverage options through the publicly-funded state Medicaid program as well as a Medicare Premium Payment Program for those with federal Medicare Refugee Assistance Program Supporting refugees with resettling in Rhode Island Rhode Island Works Financial and employment assistance for low-income families with children SSI State Supplemental Payment Program Small cash benefit for those aged, blind or disabled who receive federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Fighting domestic hunger with food assistance for those with little to zero income and eligible students not receiving school meals due to COVID-19