Eligibility & How to Apply

Am I eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

Eligibility and benefit amounts are based on:

• Income 
• Expenses 
• Resources
• Number of people living in the household

SNAP has two income levels:

• Households without an older adult (someone age 60 or older) or someone with a disability may qualify if their income is less than 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Households with an older adult or someone with a disability may qualify if their income is less than 200 percent of the FPL.

In order to receive SNAP benefits, most households will also have to meet a net income test of 100 percent FPL. Households with a member who is elderly or disabled may have higher gross incomes as long as they meet the net. Households of one or two people may be eligible by meeting the gross and not the net.

Please note that adjustments to SNAP benefits, deductions, and income eligibility are updated every year in October by the USDA FNS to account for changes in the cost of living, also known as the SNAP Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). See FPL income guidelines below for the SNAP Monthly Gross Income Limits from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. New adjustments will take effect on October 1, 2023. Additional information on 2023 SNAP COLA changes is available below. 

NEW SNAP Income Guidelines Effective October 1, 2023

In addition to the income guidelines, what else is changing on October 1, 2023?

At the beginning of every federal fiscal year, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) adjusts maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, deductions and income eligibility standards. These adjustments are known as the “SNAP Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).”

The SNAP COLA is based on changes in the cost of living and takes effect on October 1st of each year. Please read the following to learn about all the changes, some already reflected on this page as well as additional elements of the COLA, that become effective on October 1, 2023. 

To get SNAP, you need to: 

• Apply online, by paper application, by phone or or in person when our lobbies reopen. Currently, they are closed for safety due to COVID-19. 
• Meet eligibility requirements
• Provide the required documentation. A verification checklist can also be found here.
• Have an interview with DHS staff *

* Due to the pandemic, the federal government has allowed required in-person interviews to happen over the phone. DHS is also allowed to postpone interviews for SNAP applicants who are eligible on an expedited timeline and offers the flexibility to skip the interview entirely if DHS has all the information necessary to make an eligibility decision.

You may have another person act as an authorized representative by applying and being interviewed on your behalf by designating an authorized representative in writing.

To receive SNAP benefits, you must apply in the State in which you currently live. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities here. 

How much SNAP can I receive? 

The amount of money your family receives depends on the above eligibility factors. Effective until September 30, 2023, the maximum amount per household size each month is: 

• Household of one - $281
• Household of two - $516
• Household of three - $740
• Household of four - $939
• Household of five - $1,116
• Household of six - $1,339
• Household of seven - $1,480
• Household of eight - $1,691

Beginning October 1, 2023, the maximum amount per household size is:

How will I receive the benefits?

Benefits are added monthly to an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card is like debit card that can be used at supermarkets, grocery/convenience stores and farmers’ markets. Go here to see what you can buy with your SNAP benefits. 

How do I apply?

There are multiple ways you can apply. All can be found on our Apply Now page. 

What happens next?

Once you have submitted an application for SNAP benefits, DHS has 30 days to determine your eligibility. DHS is required to review SNAP expedited applications and make a decision within 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited SNAP benefits if you:

• have less than $100 in cash AND less than $150 in monthly earnings OR
• if your housing expenses exceed your monthly income OR
• if you are a migrant or seasonal farm worker

Additional steps in the application process are:

1. You will need to gather documents verifying your situation. You may mail or drop off photocopies to DHS or upload the requested to the online Customer Portal or to the HealthyRhode Mobile App. 
2. If an interview is needed, you will receive a phone call from DHS to conduct your interview. If you are unable to take that call, you will receive a notice in the mail informing you of the date and time of the interview. You can also call DHS to schedule a time that is more convenient for you. If you miss your interviews and do not call to reschedule, you may be denied. 
3. If you are asked to provide further documentation, you have 10 days to get it to DHS.
4. You will be given or mailed an EBT card and asked to select a personal identification number.
5. You have a right to appeal the decision. 

For more information...

Call 1-855-MY-RIDHS (1-855-697-4347) or TTY 1-800-745-5555 (for hearing impaired).