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.
Apply for DHS Benefits There are multiple ways to apply for RI Department of Human Services benefits and support, and you can apply for multiple programs simultaneously. More information on the rights and responsibilities of our customers can be found here. Resources to help you with the Customer Portal and links to download the mobile app can be found on our Tech Resources page. Click anywhere on the picture and it will take you there. There are multiple ways to apply for RI Department of Human Services benefits and support, and you can apply for multiple programs simultaneously. More information on the rights and responsibilities of our customers can be found here. Our staff use a state-of-the-art eligibility system known as RIBridges to determine eligibility for our programs and Medicaid, which is administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The web-based system is also used to get other affordable healthcare coverage options offered by HealthSource RI (HSRI). HSRI is available to answer health coverage questions Monday through Friday 8AM to 6PM through their contact center, 1-855-840-4774. The three state agencies designed RIBridges together. The following are the ways to apply for DHS benefits and Medicaid. Apply Online By going to HealthyRhode RI. BEFORE APPLYING ONLINE, please view the HealthSourceRI Browsers table list for the most common internet browsers compatibility. Make sure your web/internet browser is up to date. To apply for any of the available human service programs, select the 'HealthyRhode RI' link shown above. Need help with using the HealthyRhode RI and the Customer Portal? How to guides can be found here. Customer Portal Tutorial The Department of Human Services has a new video on how to navigate the application process on the Customer Portal (healthyrhode.ri.gov). View the full video below. Apply by Mail By filling out the Application for Assistance that is available below in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The application can be mailed to DHS or put in any of our secure drop boxes at all DHS offices and regional locations. DHS-2 Application For Assistance (English, rev. 09/16) PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes DHS-2 Application For Assistance (Spanish, rev. 09/16) PDF file, about 1mbmegabytes DHS-2 Application For Assistance (Portuguese, rev. 09/16) PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Please mail the completed application to: RI Department of Human Services P.O. Box 8709 Cranston, RI 02920-8787 Application for Health Coverage Only Customers also have the option to fill out a paper application for health coverage only. Applications for health coverage can be downloaded below: HealthSource RI Application English PDF file, about 1mbmegabytes HealthSource RI Application Spanish PDF file, about 1mbmegabytes HealthSource RI Application Portuguese PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Protect Children Against COVID-19 The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to keep our children safe. The long-term effects of a pediatric COVID case can be serious and last months. The most common side effect of the COVID vaccine, which provides lasting protection, is a sore arm. The best way to protect children against COVID-19, including the Delta variant, is to get them vaccinated. Like other pediatric vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine was thoroughly tested on children before being recommended. Finding a vaccine is easy and getting vaccinated is free. Parents will be able to find available vaccine sites, including school-based vaccination clinics, and FAQs at the Rhode Island Department of Health website. Apply in Person Customers may submit an application in person by putting a paper application in any of our secure drop boxes located at all DHS regional offices. In addition to the availability of in-person services at regional offices, you may seek application assistance and support through outreach vendors. Application Reminders Fill out applications as honestly and completely as possible. Depending on the benefit(s) or program(s) you are applying for, additional documentation may be needed such as proof of identity, income, assets/resources and expenses. Click here to view the ways to apply for Long Term Services and Supports, and its Application for Assistance Cover Sheet. Community-supported application assistance is available with our Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) vendors. Learn more here. Elderly and Simplified Application (ESAP) Use this application for SNAP benefits if: Everyone in the household is age 60 or older or disabled, and purchases and prepares food together and does not receive any earnings from work; OR All household members age 60 or older or disabled, with no earnings from work, purchase and prepare food separately from other household members. Additional information about ESAP is available here. Rhode Island Assistance Application ESAP PDF file, about 1mbmegabytes