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.
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.
Proposed Rules, Regulations & Upcoming Hearings The following proposed rules, regulations and State plans are being considered for the named DHS programs and services. Please find more information, such as public hearing notices, when appropriate, and summaries of changes. Proposed Adoption of Social Services Block Grant Intended Use Plan In accordance to Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35 and 42 USC 9008, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services proposes the following DHS Intended Use Plan: 2024 Social Services Block Grant. A public hearing will be held to consider the proposed plan on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 11:00 AM, conducted by the RI Department of Human Services, at the RI Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building, Building #57, 25 Howard Avenue, 1st Floor Room #110, Cranston, RI 02920 in the West Wing Conference Room. Persons wishing to testify may do so by signing up at the hearing or by submitting written testimony by Tuesday, August 15, 2023 to Frederick Sneesby, Social Services Block Grant Administrator, Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Cranston RI 02920, or email to frederick.sneesby@dhs.ri.gov. The hearing will begin at 11:00 A.M. and will conclude when the last speaker finishes testimony or at 12:00 noon, whichever comes first. The RI Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals with hearing impairments may request an interpreter’s presence by calling 711 or RI Relay at 1-800-745-6575 (Voice) or 1-800-745-5555 (TTY). Requests for this service must be make at least 72 hours in advance of the Hearing date. The Department of Human Services does not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religious belief, political belief or handicap. Rhode Island SSBG 2024 Intended Use Plan PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Notice to Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Amendment to Rhode Island Works (218-RICR-20-00-2) During public comment periods from June through September, a technical error within the RICR system may have prevented comments submitted through RICR’s attachment field from being received by the agency. Any comments submitted directly through RICR’s text box option (with no attachments) or submitted directly to the agency were processed successfully. As a result of the technical error, the DHS is repromulgating the regulatory changes for this regulation. RICR Title 218 – Rhode Island Department of Human Services Chapter 20 – Individual and Family Support Programs Part 2 – Rhode Island Works Program Rules and Regulations Summary of Rulemaking Action: The Department of Human Services is filing the following changes to the Rhode Island Works rule as a direct final amendment to update the category of pregnant applicant. These changes were approved with the 2024 Rhode Island State Budget and will ensure that pregnant applicants will be reviewed for eligibility for the Rhode Island Works Program from the time they submit verification of the pregnancy: • Section 2.2 A. 16., 25., 26., 2.5.8 A. 2., 2.11.2 E. 1., 2.12.1 C. 2., and 2.18.3 A. 4. RIW Proposed Rule (10.5.2023 Refile) PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes RIW Public Notice (10.5.2023 Refile) PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Adoption of the 2024-2025 Community Services Block Grant Program In accordance to Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human services proposes the following DHS State Plan: 2024-2025 Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) The Community Services Block Grant provides funds to the State of Rhode Island and, in turn, Community Action Agencies to address the reduction of poverty, revitalization of low-income communities, and empowerment of low-income families and individuals to become fully self-sufficient. Rhode Island’s Community Services Block Grant is administered by the Department of Human Services. This proposed state plan is accessible on the DHS website http://www.dhs.ri.gov or available in hard copy upon request (401) 462-1669. A public hearing will be held to consider the proposed plan on Thursday, August 17, 2023, 10:00AM, at the RI Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building (Bldg. #57), 25 Howard Ave. 1st Floor, Cranston, RI 02920 in the West Wing Conference Room. Persons wishing to testify may do so by signing up at the hearing or by submitting written testimony by Wednesday, August 15, 2023 to Frederick Sneesby, Department of Human Services, Building #57, 25 Howard Avenue, Cranston RI 02920, or email to frederick.sneesby@dhs.ri.gov. The hearing will begin at 10:00 AM and will conclude when the last speaker finishes testimony or at 11:00 AM, whichever comes first. The RI Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals with hearing impairments may request an interpreter’s presence by calling 711 or RI Relay at 1-800-745-6575 (Voice) or 1-800-745-5555 (TTY). Requests for this service must be make at least 72 hours in advance of the Hearing date. The Department of Human Services does not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religious belief, political belief or handicap. Notice to Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Rhode Island CSBG State Plan FFY 2024-2025 PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Adoption of Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) State Plan In accordance to Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes the following DHS State Plan: DOE Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). A public hearing conducted by DHS will be held to consider the proposed plan on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. at DHS, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston, RI 02920. It will be held in the West Wing Conference Room on the first floor (Room #110). Persons wishing to testify may do so by signing up at the hearing or by submitting written testimony by Friday, April 28, 2023, to Julie Capobianco, WAP Program Manager, Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston RI 02920, or by emailing the testimony to julie.capobianco@dhs.ri.gov The hearing will begin at 1:00 P.M. and will conclude when the last speaker finishes their testimony or at 2:00 P.M., whichever comes first. The DHS Louis Pasteur Building is accessible to persons with disabilities. Individuals with hearing impairments may request an interpreter’s presence by calling 711 or RI Relay at 1-800-745-6575 (Voice) or 1-800-745-5555 (TTY). Requests for this service must be at least 72 hours in advance of the hearing date. Public Notice.pdf PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Notice to Interested Parties.pdf PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Interested Parties List.pdf PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes PY23 DOE WAP State Plan Application - final.pdf PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Amendment to the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired - Social Service/Independent Living Units (218-RICR-50-00-2) In accordance with Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35, the Department of Human Services hereby proposes an Amendment to the following program: RICR Title 218 - Department of Human Services Chapter 50 - Rehabilitation Services Part 2 - Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired - Social Service/Independent Living Units In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-2.8, an oral hearing will be granted if requested by twenty-five (25) persons, by a governmental agency or by an association having at least twenty-five (25) members. A request for an oral hearing must be made within ten (10) days of the publication of this notice. Written comments will be accepted until April 27th, 2023. Public Notice PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes 218-RICR-50-00-2 Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Notice to Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Amendment to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program Regulations (218-RICR-50-00-1) In accordance with Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35, the Department of Human Services hereby proposes an Amendment to the following program: RICR Title 218 - Department of Human Services Chapter 50 - Rehabilitation Services Part 1 - Vocational Rehabilitation Program Regulations In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-2.8, an oral hearing will be granted if requested by twenty-five (25) persons, by a governmental agency or by an association having at least twenty-five (25) members. A request for an oral hearing must be made within ten (10) days of the publication of this notice. Written comments will be accepted until April 26th, 2023. Public Notice PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes 218-RICR-50-00-1 Vocational Rehabilitation Program PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Notice to Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Adoption of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan In accordance to Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes the following DHS State Plan: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant. A public hearing conducted by DHS will be held to consider the proposed plan on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at DHS, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston, RI 02920. It will be held in the West Wing Conference Room on the first floor (Room #110). Persons wishing to testify may do so by signing up at the hearing or by submitting written testimony by Tuesday, March 14, 2023 to Kimberly Rauch, TANF Administrator, Department of Human Services, Hazard Building, 41 West Road, Building #74, Cranston RI 02920, or by emailing the testimony to Kimberly.rauch@dhs.ri.gov . The hearing will begin at 1:00 P.M. and will conclude when the last speaker finishes testimony or at 2:00 P.M., whichever comes first. The DHS Louis Pasteur Building is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals with hearing impairments may request an interpreter’s presence by calling 711 or RI Relay at 1-800-745-6575 (Voice) or 1-800-745-5555 (TTY). Requests for this service must be made at least 72 hours in advance of the hearing date. Notice to Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed TANF State Plan PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Adoption of Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) State Plan In accordance to Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes the following DHS State Plan: DOE Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). A public hearing conducted by DHS will be held to consider the proposed plan on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 11:30 AM. at DHS, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston, RI 02920. It will be held in the West Wing Conference Room on the first floor (Room #110). Persons wishing to testify may do so by signing up at the hearing or by submitting written testimony by Friday, November 25, 2022 to Julie Capobianco, WAP Program Manager, Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston RI 02920, or by emailing the testimony to julie.capobianco@dhs.ri.gov The hearing will begin at 11:30 A.M. and will conclude when the last speaker finishes testimony or at 12:30 P.M., whichever comes first. The DHS Louis Pasteur Building is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals with hearing impairments may request an interpreter’s presence by calling 711 or RI Relay at 1-800-745-6575 (Voice) or 1-800-745-5555 (TTY). Requests for this service must be make at least 72 hours in advance of the hearing date. Public Notice PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Notice to Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes List of Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed State Plan PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Adoption of SSBG State Plan In accordance to Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35 and 42 USC 9008, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services proposes the following DHS Intended Use Plan: 2023 Social Services Block Grant. A public hearing will be held to consider the proposed plan on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at 11:00 AM, conducted by the RI Department of Human Services, at the RI Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building, Building #57, 25 Howard Avenue, 1st Floor Room #110, Cranston, RI 02920 in the West Wing Conference Room. Persons wishing to testify may do so by signing up at the hearing or by submitting written testimony by Tuesday, August 23, 2022 to Frederick Sneesby, Social Services Block Grant Administrator, Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Cranston RI 02920, or email to frederick.sneesby@dhs.ri.gov. The hearing will begin at 11:00 A.M. and will conclude when the last speaker finishes testimony or at 12:00 noon, whichever comes first. The RI Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals with hearing impairments may request an interpreter’s presence by calling 711 or RI Relay at 1-800-745-6575 (Voice) or 1-800-745-5555 (TTY). Requests for this service must be make at least 72 hours in advance of the Hearing date. The Department of Human Services does not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religious belief, political belief or handicap. Notice to Interested Parties - SSBG FY 2023 State Plan PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed State Plan PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Adoption of 2023 LIHEAP State Plan In accordance to Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services proposes the State Plan for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Block Grant which is funded through the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This proposed state plan is accessible on the DHS website http://www.dhs.ri.gov or available in hard copy upon request (401) 462-6424. A public hearing will be held to consider the proposed plan on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 1:30 PM by the RI Department of Human Services at 25 Howard Ave., Building 57, Cranston, RI. Persons wishing to testify may do so by attending the meeting. You may submit written testimony by Monday, August 15, 2022 to Deirdre Weedon, Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building, 57 Howard Avenue, Cranston RI 02920, or email to deirdre.weedon@dhs.ri.gov. The Hearing will begin at 1:30 PM and will conclude when the last speaker finishes testimony or at 3:00 PM, whichever comes first. The Department of Human Services does not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religious belief, political belief or handicap. FFY 2023 LIHEAP State Plan Public Notice PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes FFY 2023 State Plan LIHEAP PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Adoption of Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) State Plan In accordance to Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes the following DHS State Plan: 2022 Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). A public hearing conducted by DHS will be held to consider the proposed plan on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM at DHS, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston, RI 02920. It will be held in the West Wing Conference Room on the first floor (Room #110). Persons wishing to testify may do so by signing up at the hearing or by submitting written testimony by Friday, April 29, 2022 to Julie Capobianco, WAP Program Manager, Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston RI 02920, or by emailing the testimony to julie.capobianco@dhs.ri.gov The hearing will begin at 10:00 A.M. and will conclude when the last speaker finishes testimony or at 12:00 P.M., whichever comes first. The DHS Louis Pasteur Building is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals with hearing impairments may request an interpreter’s presence by calling 711 or RI Relay at 1-800-745-6575 (Voice) or 1-800-745-5555 (TTY). Requests for this service must be make at least 72 hours in advance of the hearing date. Notice to Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Public Notice PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed State Plan PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Adoption of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) State Plan In accordance to Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes the State Plan for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) which is funded through the federal Department of Health and Human Services. This proposed State Plan is accessible below or available in hard copy upon request by calling (401) 462-1669. A public hearing will be held to consider the proposed plan on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 10:00AM at DHS, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston, RI 02920. It will be held in the West Wing Conference Room on the first floor (Room #110). Persons wishing to testify may do so by signing up at the hearing or by submitting written testimony by Wednesday, August 25, 2021 to Frederick Sneesby, Social Services Block Grant Administrator, Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston RI 02920, or by emailing the testimony to frederick.sneesby@dhs.ri.gov. The hearing will begin at 10:00 AM and will conclude when the last speaker finishes testimony or at 11:00 AM, whichever comes first. The DHS Louis Pasteur Building is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals with hearing impairments may request an interpreter’s presence by calling 711 or RI Relay at 1-800-745-6575 (Voice) or 1-800-745-5555 (TTY). Requests for this service must be made at least 72 hours in advance of the hearing date. Notice to Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Public Notice PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Adoption of State Plan PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed Adoption of Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) State Plan In accordance to Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35 and 42 USC 9008, notice is hereby given that the Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes the following DHS State Plan: 2022 Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). A public hearing conducted by DHS will be held to consider the proposed plan on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM at DHS, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston, RI 02920. It will be held in the West Wing Conference Room on the first floor (Room #110). Persons wishing to testify may do so by signing up at the hearing or by submitting written testimony by Wednesday, August 25, 2021 to Frederick Sneesby, Social Services Block Grant Administrator, Department of Human Services, Louis Pasteur Building, 25 Howard Avenue, Building #57, Cranston RI 02920, or by emailing the testimony to frederick.sneesby@dhs.ri.gov. The hearing will begin at 11:00 A.M. and will conclude when the last speaker finishes testimony or at 12:00 noon, whichever comes first. The DHS Louis Pasteur Building is accessible to the handicapped. Individuals with hearing impairments may request an interpreter’s presence by calling 711 or RI Relay at 1-800-745-6575 (Voice) or 1-800-745-5555 (TTY). Requests for this service must be make at least 72 hours in advance of the hearing date. Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Public Notice PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed State Plan PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Public Notice of Proposed DHS State Plan In accordance Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 42-35 and 42 USC 9008, notice is hereby given that the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes the following DHS State Plan: CCDF 2022-24 State Plan The Child Care Development Fund Grant is funded through the Administration for Children and Families. The CCDF State Plan serves as Rhode Island’s application for CCDF funds by providing a description of, and assurance about, the state’s child care program (CCAP) and all services available to eligible families. The CCDF program also provides funding to enhance the quality of child care for all children. In the development of this State Plan, consideration was given to the following: (1) alternative approaches; and (2) overlap or duplication with other statutory and regulatory provisions. No alternative approach or duplication or overlap was identified based upon available information. This proposed plan is accessible below or available in hard copy upon request by calling (401) 462-1669 or RI Relay by dialing 711. A remote public hearing to consider the proposed CCDF 2022-24 State Plan was held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 via a Zoom meeting. Notice to Interested Parties PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Public Notice PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Proposed State Plan PDF file, about 3mbmegabytes