DHS Provides Update on SNAP Connect Pilot Launching in Pawtucket

Published on Friday, April 18, 2025

CRANSTON, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced that the SNAP Connect pilot will officially launch on April 21, 2025, for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries who live in Pawtucket.

SNAP Connect is a new on-demand service that allows SNAP beneficiaries to choose the ideal date and time for their interviews, helping reduce wait times and better accommodate the schedules of customers. The new operational model for SNAP interviews and recertifications starts with an initial call from DHS to the customer three days from the date their application is received. Customers can either complete the interview at that time or choose to call back anytime during regular Call Center hours. Customers enrolled in the SNAP Connect pilot will have a designated window of time to complete the required process for continuity of benefits.  

“We’re excited that the SNAP Connect pilot is finally here,” said DHS Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito “This is an important step toward making our services more efficient and customer friendly. We look forward to seeing Pawtucket residents begin using the system and experiencing greater flexibility and satisfaction in how they manage their SNAP benefits.”

This pilot phase is limited to Pawtucket residents only, with plans to assess and expand the initiative to other cities and towns in the coming months. The number for SNAP Connect is the Call Center number (1-855-697-4347), which will place SNAP Connect callers automatically in the appropriate queues. Participants are encouraged to use the phone number on their case when calling in for the timeliest service, though phone numbers linked to customer cases can be updated through the Customer Portal (healthyrhode.ri.gov) at any time. 

To further assist families and individuals, DHS has created a landing page for SNAP Connect at dhs.ri.gov/SNAPConnect where customers can access an FAQ sheet, brochure, and other materials to help with the transition to the new on-demand service. 

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