Staying Informed Webinar: Child Care Assistance Overview

SNAP COLA Changes Coming October 1, 2026

Effective October 1, 2026, the federal government will be adjusting SNAP benefits, deductions, and income eligibility standards as part of the annual USDA Food and Nutrition Administration’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Affected customers will receive benefit decision notices notifying them of any changes to their benefits. You can find additional information about the COLA online here: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/supplemental-nutrition-0

DHS Facilities Update

The DHS office at the Shepard Building and the DHS Pawtucket office are under active treatment for pest management and are both operating under a remote service model until further notice. All scheduled appointments at these offices have been transitioned to either a telephone appointment or to another office as appropriate. Customers continue to have access to their case via the customer portal (healthyrhode.ri.gov), the mobile app, the call center, and other regional offices. Please refer to the Best Ways document on this page to learn about the multiple ways to connect with DHS in order to complete any needed actions to your case.

Best Ways and What Happens Next

For more information on resources, please reference these documents: Best Ways to Reach Us and What Happens Next. They can be found under the General Resources and Supports page. Thank you.

Updated Benefit Decision Notice (BDN)

DHS, Medicaid and HealthSource RI are introducing a new look to our Benefit Decision Notice, starting in mid-September. View a sample online to know what to expect when you next receive one in the mail or in your HealthyRhode portal. Learn more at: https://staycovered.ri.gov/renew-your-medicaid/notices-you-may-get