Welfare Info

Rhode Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps single adults, couples, children and families, who may be working but are still struggling financially, to buy food and provide nutritional meals for themse...

What is Rhode Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ?

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps single adults, couples, children and families, who may be working but are still struggling financially, to buy food and provide nutritional meals for themselves. The program, the largest food and nutrition support program in the state, is a partnership between the Federal Government and the state. The Federal Government pays the full cost of an individual's SNAP benefits and approximately half of the state's cost to administer the program. Like several other DHS programs, adults qualify to receive SNAP benefits based on their income, the resources they have and the number of individuals in their household. SNAP is an important part of the services offered by DHS, but individuals do not need to be participating in other DHS programs, including the Family Independence Program, to receive SNAP benefits. They can be unemployed, working, preparing for work, or receiving a pension to qualify for SNAP benefits. Homeless individuals can also qualify to receive SNAP benefits. Additional eligibility criteria will also be taken into consideration including the amount of resources an individual/household owns (e.g., cash, stocks, bonds, checking/savings accounts, automobiles, etc.) before eligibility is determined.

Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Rhode Island and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself).

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $21,978
2 $29,637
3 $37,296
4 $44,955
5 $52,614
6 $60,273
7 $67,950
8 $75,646

*For households with more than eight people, add $7,696 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

Application Details

What is the application process for Rhode Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ?

To apply for this program online, visit:
http://www.dhs.ri.gov/Programs/SNAPApplyNow.php

Contact Info

401-462-5300