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.
Workforce Registry The Rhode Island Start Early System (RISES) Workforce Registry provides a centralized hub for early educators to view key employment details, improving administrative efficiency and reporting. The Workforce Registry will help reduce manual tasks through the efficient tracking of employment details, credentials, and professional development—providing a tool for staff to monitor annual professional development hours directly from the dashboard. DHS licensed child care providers will find additional information and resources below: What is a Workforce Registry? RISES what is a WF registry (2.19.2024) PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes RISES Qué es el Registro de la Fuerza Laboral (2.19.2024) PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes LOGIN Rhode Island Start Early System (RISES) What You Need to Know The Workforce Registry system will actively contribute to the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) by providing a comprehensive understanding of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) landscape. Through the adoption of the tool, data collected will help inform future decisions, highlighting the daily contributions of the ECE workforce. System Benefits Overview This system will be a one-stop solution for workforce-related information, including: Professional development (PD) hours and certifications. Notification and access to upcoming trainings A comprehensive job board Uploading of staff resumes/CVs effortlessly Increased visibility into associations with current employers How Do I Begin? User guides and training manuals on the Workforce Registry are available for download below: Provider User Guide English - Updated PDF file, about 23mbmegabytes Guía Del Usuario Para Proveedores - Español Actualizado PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Educator User Guide — English PDF file, about 25mbmegabytes Guía Del Usuario Para Educadores — Español PDF file, about 5mbmegabytes RISES