Documents You May Need
Documents You May Need for SNAP Approval
The examples below are provided to help you get ready for your SNAP interview with your DHS worker should you have one. See Eligibility & How to Apply for more information about SNAP. If you don't know what documents to bring to your interview, please use the verification checklist below.
Please submit only the documents needed to complete your application or re-certification. If possible, please send in copies of the required documents with the application/re-certification.
If you need help obtaining or copying any of these documents, please visit your local community action agency or our SNAP Outreach vendors for assistance.
Child Support Paid
A copy of the court order and proof of the amount paid, such as a canceled check or a written statement.
Earned Income
Provide four weeks of paystubs or a letter from your employer.
Identification
An applicant and/or authorized representative will need at least ONE form of identification such as: Passport or Certificate of Naturalization; driver's license; birth certificate; voter registration card; military or RI state ID card; work or school ID card; health benefit or a library card. A Social Security number for all household members applying for benefits is required. (Social Security cards are not required.)
Immigration Status
If a non-citizen, proof of immigration status is required and sponsorship information may be needed.
Housing Expenses
Provide verification of your housing/utility expenses. Documentation may include rent receipt, lease, mortgage statement, most recent Gas bill, most recent Electric bill, Oil/propane delivery receipt.
Medical Expenses
Individuals with a disability or age 60 or above: medical costs that are NOT REIMBURSED including doctor co-pays, mileage costs, therapy expenses, prescription costs, Medicare card showing "Part B" and "Part-D" coverage.
Residency
One document indicating current address (i.e. utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
Resources (Only send to DHS if requested by staff)
In SOME CASES, resources may apply. They include verification of liquid resources, bank statements, stock and bond certificates, and proof of property ownership. Vehicle registration may be required.
Student Income
An applicant may be required to provide verification of educational (Loans/Grants/Scholarship) expenses including, but not limited to, tuition and fees.
Unearned Income
Most recent copy of Social Security award letter; proof of unemployment; Worker's Compensation; pension; child support; alimony; TDI; rental income; dividends or any interest income; adoption subsidy; EITC; foster care income; out of state assistance, etc.
Introducing Rhode Island’s New Income Verification Tool: Truv
What Is Truv?
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services is now working with Truv to help you quickly and safely share your household income. Truv connects your income sources, including your job, gig work, self-employment and/or payroll information, to your RI DHS benefits account. This helps prove how much money you make.
Truv is easy and safe to use. Your information will only be used to check if you can get SNAP benefits. Your decision to use Truv will not affect your eligibility for SNAP.
Here’s how it works:
- Log In: Click the button to connect to Truv. A new window will open. You will not need to create an account with Truv. When you connect to Truv, you agree to Truv’s Terms of Use.
- Share Your Income: Sign in and connect your income source(s), including your job or payroll account, or gig work information. If you are self-employed, you can connect to your bank or financial account where you manage payments for this income. If you are unable to connect to an income source, you can upload documents through Truv. Do this for everyone in your household with income.
- Finish and Review: After adding your income information, click “Finish and review.” You will now be able to review the income that Truv retrieves from your income sources and be prompted to certify it or report an issue. For self-employment income, Truv will categorize the income it recognizes, but make sure to check it in case you need to categorize any income manually. To do this, you will enter the Business Name for each deposit and categorize the type of income (i.e. Self-employment/gig). After completing your review and certification steps, click “Verify and submit” to safely send your income information to RI DHS.
Truv is the fastest way to securely verify your income for SNAP eligibility. Once set up, Truv works automatically. Other options are available through the RI DHS portal or RI DHS HealthyRhode app.
Why is RI DHS using Truv?
Truv is a tool that helps you verify your income. It makes it simple to show how much you earned. RI DHS will use this information to check if you qualify for programs like SNAP.
When would I use Truv?
RI DHS will let you know if you can use Truv to verify your income at your renewal or application.
What kind of income can Truv verify?
Truv can verify wages from employment, payroll provider, gig work, and self-employment income.
What kind of income can Truv NOT verify?
Truv has connectivity to millions of employers, but cannot verify income from all employers, or other income types, like rental income. For income sources that Truv does not support, you will need to submit this information to RI DHS. If you can’t, or don’t want to use Truv, you can upload your documents through the RI DHS portal or RI DHS HealthyRhode app.
Does Truv tell me if I qualify for SNAP?
No. After you submit your information through Truv, RI DHS will review it. RI DHS will let you know if they need anything else to determine if you qualify for SNAP.
What should I do if the Truv link I got in a text has expired?
The Truv text link will work for 14 days. If your link expires, please upload your income documents. You can do this through the RI DHS portal or the RI DHS HealthyRhode app.
What should I do if I have issues using Truv?
Eligibility Technicians can help you use Truv during the interview but cannot complete it for you. Eligibility Technicians are able to assist with any questions regarding the tool when utilizing it during the interview.
RI DHS can assist with additional info by calling 1-855-697-4347.