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.
LIHWAP Eligibility & How To Apply To receive help from LIHWAP... Households must meet 60% of Rhode Island's Median Income Levels that are set each program year. See the current guidelines here. Some of the program eligibility requirements are listed below: You don't have to be on public assistance You must have the water and/or wastewater in your name You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (permanent resident, etc.) Application Process DHS administers the program, but applications are taken at local Community Action Program (CAP) agencies. For documentation requirements, customers contact their local CAP agency. Your local CAP agency will walk you through the application process. Here are a few important points: New applicants should apply in person CAP agencies provide convenient, safe intake locations and will arrange for older adults or disabled individuals to apply at an intake site Learn more and how to apply by contacting your local Community Action Program agency. Applicants will be required to provide: Proof of identity for each member of the household Valid Social Security Numbers (SSN) for each member of the household Proof of residence (tax bill, mortgage statement, etc.) Documentation of earned and unearned income A water and/or wasterwater bill