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.
Due to COVID-19, DHS Closing Customer Facing Lobby Operations Published on Monday, March 16, 2020 As news about the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) continues to develop, I want share with you the steps we are taking at the RI Department of Human Services to prepare and keep you connected to the services and benefits you need. The Governor announced in an afternoon press conference on Monday, March 16, that state agencies will be closing customer facing lobby operations, effective March 17, until further notice. DHS will be implementing remote service for its customers. It's important to emphasize that DHS customers still have access to benefits through the following channels: • Customer Portal: login to your portal to access your benefits, instructions can be found on the DHS website (visit: http://www.dhs.ri.gov/) • DHS Phone: 1-855-MY-RIDHS (1-855-697-4347) • Drop off materials at our offices and DHS staff will follow up via telephone • The DHS Call Center capacity has been increased by 63% to allow for the expected increase in phone calls DHS' main commitment at this time is to make sure our customers can access their benefits safely and that we ensure the safety of our DHS staff. We appreciate your patience and partnership during this time. Please be sure that you are aware of the following sources of information and are checking back with these sources frequently: • The State of Rhode Island Department of Health (see link below) • Center for Disease Control and Prevention (see link below)The Rhode Island Department of Health has launched a 24-hour hotline for anyone with questions about the Coronavirus (401-222-8022). Residents can also call 211 for assistance. I also encourage everyone take preventative actions as recommended by the CDC (visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html). Rhode Islanders are also encouraged to contact the BH Link (see link below) if you or anyone you know or care about is experiencing a behavioral health care crisis. State of RI Department of Health Center for Disease Control and Prevention BH Link