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.
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 the interview changes due to COVID-19. A verification checklist can be found below. SNAP Verification Checklist (rev. June 2021) PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Please submit only the documents needed to complete your application or re-certification. Prior to the telephone interview, please send in copies of the required documents BEFORE the scheduled interview date. When IN-OFFICE INTERVIEWS resume, bring the required documents with you. 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. 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.