RIBridges Updates The RIBridges system managed by Deloitte is currently offline, and the State is working closely with Deloitte to address the cybersecurity threat and bring the system back online. The programs managed through the RIBridges system include but are not limited to: Medicaid, HSRI medical coverage, SNAP, RI Works, CCAP, LTSS, GPA, LTSS, and At Home Cost Share. Customers can take steps today to protect themselves, utilizing credit freezes, fraud alerts, and updating passwords. Any customer who sees suspicious activity on their EBT card should change their PIN. Changing your EBT PIN frequently, before or around the time of benefit issuance, is a fraud prevention best practice to protect your benefits. To change your PIN, call ebtEdge at 1-888-979-9939. Additional instructions on how to protect your benefits can be found here. -Please be advised benefits for the month of December for most programs have already been disbursed. -DHS regional offices remain open and are processing paper applications and forms at this time. -The Pawtucket and both Providence Offices, as well as the Call Center, will be offering extended hours from 4-7 p.m. Monday (12/23), Thursday (12/26), and Friday (12/27).
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households pay their heating bills through federal grants to the household. There are two components to this program. Heating Assistance: A grant to assist a household in meeting heating costs. The grant may be paid to either a heating fuel vendor or utility company, or in a few cases, directly to the applicant. Crisis Assistance: A grant to help resolve a home heating crisis caused by a heat shut-off because of failure to pay a regulated energy bill, the inability to pay for deliverable fuel, or the failure of a heating system that is not repairable. Reporting Fraud: Fraud occurs when a person makes false statements and/or misrepresents facts or circumstances to the Rhode Island Department of Human Services to receive benefits illegally. For examples of fraud, click here. If you suspect fraud is occurring, report online and fill out a Office of Internal Audit Fraud Complaint Form or by calling the Fraud Unit at (401) 574-8175. LIHEAP Eligibility & How to Apply Learn about eligibility for heating assistance and how to apply here. Find helpful resources here.