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.
SSI Enhanced Assisted Living Program The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Enhanced Assisted Living Program is a state and federal program for adults over age 65 and adults with disabilities. The program provides financial assistance to eligible individuals who are assessed and found to be in need of services provided in an Assisted Living Facility. The SSI Enhanced benefit allows for an increased Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment to help cover the cost of room and board. To qualify, an individual must participate in an assessment and be considered an appropriate candidate for admission. Am I eligible for this SSI Enhanced benefit? To qualify, you must meet the following criteria: Rhode Island resident Be at least 65 years old or an adult with a disability Have a gross income of less than $1,212 per month Your resources/assets must be less than $2,000 You CANNOT have whole life insurance worth more than $1,500 face value You must not require extensive medical services such as those provided in a nursing facility You must apply for or to be a recipient of SSI How do I apply? To apply and for more information, please contact The Point helpdesk, a free resource provided by our division, the Office of Healthy Aging, and its partnership with United Way 2-1-1, to help older adults, people living with disabilities and caregivers explore options from healthcare planning, employment opportunities and more. The Point helpdesk is available 24/7 by calling (401) 462-4444 (voice), 2-1-1 or (401) 462-4445 (TTY). You can also visit one of OHA's six Point offices during business hours. Find the one closest to you by going here. Forms to help with applying? SSI Enhanced Assisted Living Protocol SSI Enhanced Assisted Living Verification SSI Enhanced Assisted Living Assessment