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.
Call Center Update DHS offices will be closed July 4 in observance of the holiday. To help ensure customers have ample opportunity to connect with DHS staff the week of July 4, the Call Center will adjust its schedule to take incoming calls Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Call Center will return to its normal schedule the following week.
Summer EBT Update This summer, families with school-age children who were income-eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the 2023-2024 school year will receive SUN Bucks (formerly Summer EBT), a $120 dollar benefit per child that can be used to buy groceries. Families will either see the benefit added to their SNAP EBT card or to a separate SUN Bucks card that will be mailed this month. Benefits will be available to use beginning July 1. If you have questions about SUN bucks, please call United Way of Rhode Island at 2-1-1. Additional information about SUN buck can be found here: https://dhs.ri.gov/sun-bucks
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