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.
General Public Assistance The General Public Assistance (GPA) program provides time-limited cash assistance to adults 18 to 64 years of age who have very limited income and resources and an illness or medical condition that keeps them from working while awaiting SSI determination. Covered Benefits Bridge Fund (GPA-Bridge) Many individuals that apply for federal SSI benefits have to wait three to four months before their application are approved. SSI Applicants may be eligible to receive cash payments of up to $200 per month through the GPA Bridge program while their application is pending. Once the SSI application is approved, the applicant will receive a retroactive payment from the Social Security Administration starting from the date of the application. When that happens, the total amount of bridge payments is refunded to the State from the retroactive SSI payment and the payment to the recipient is reduced accordingly. Hardship Program (GPA-Hardship) Each year's budget sets aside a portion of the overall GPA funding to be used as a “hardship contingency fund” under the sole discretion of the DHS Director. GPA Hardship payments are intended to be a benefit of last resort for Rhode Islanders who do not qualify for Rhode Island Works or SSI. Those determined to be eligible for hardship funds may receive up to $100 per month ($50 bi-weekly). Funeral/Burial Payment Assistance (GPA-Burial) The GPA program also funds funeral and burial services for GPA recipients and indigent individuals. The cost of burial services is limited to $900 and is reduced based on the income and resources of the deceased and any legally liable relatives. Eligibility and How to Apply For eligibility, how to apply and more benefit details, including helpful information about GPA-Burial for families and funeral homes, go here.