Rhode Island Food Assistance program is state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps. The program provides food to low-income households in Rhode Island so that they can meet their basic diet requirements and fight against poverty. Since the program serves as first line of defense against poverty, it only provides partial aid and households have to contribute from their own side as well to eat nutrition food throughout the month.

Rhode Island Food Stamps (SNAP) program is available for unemployed, working, and those preparing to work. The program also extends to homeless residents of the state. Those receiving a pension can also receive SNAP - Food Stamps benefits in Rhode Island.

Eligible applicants will start receiving Rhode Island SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits quickly. Participants have to buy food only that falls within the permitted food categories for SNAP. Generally, bread, milk, cereals, whole grain, soymilk, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, eggs, meat, and fish fall within the permitted category. To view the entire list, please download the PDF (http://www.dhs.ri.gov/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/SNAP/foods_to_buy.pdf).

Rhode Island SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits cannot be used to buy certain types of food such as food to be consumed in the store, hot food, beverages, liquor, beer, vine, cigarettes, pet food, medicines, vitamins, household items, and other non-food items.

Participants can buy low-cost meals from restaurants in some cases. However, they only have to buy such meal from designated restaurants. Check this list to locate a restaurant near you offering SNAP low cost meals.

Those looking to receive SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits in Rhode Island will have to meet certain eligibility criteria. The program generally extends its benefits to low-income families that cannot afford food. For that, the program checks general as well as income eligibility.

It's easy to apply for SNAP - Food Stamps in Rhode Island. You just have to print and application and send to SNAP office after completing it. After SNAP receives your application, it will schedule an appointment with you. You will be judged for program eligibility during the interview.

Eligibility Requirements

It's easy to qualify for SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits for low-income households in Rhode Island. Households will have to meet the following eligibility guidelines to participate in Rhode Island SNAP Food Stamps.

• Be a U.S citizen or a qualified alien
• Be a resident of Rhode Island
• Must have income and resources below the income limits set by SNAP

Resource Eligibility

Households will have to meet the following resources eligibility:

• Households with an elderly or disabled person: Such households can have up to $3,000 in resources
• All other households: Such households will can only have up to $2,000 in resources

Income Eligibility

Households with income below 185% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) will qualify for SNAP benefits if they meet other program requirements.

Here is an income chart according to the number of people in the household. It will help you determine quickly whether you meet income guidelines for Rhode Island SNAP (Food Stamps) or not:

Household Size	Gross Annual Income
1	$14,079/td>
2	$18,941
3	$23,803
4	$28,665
5	$33,527
6	$38,389
7	$43,251
8	$48,113

For a household with members exceeding eight, you can add $4,862 for each additional member of the household to compute gross annual income for SNAP Food Stamps.

You can use pre-screening tool to determine your eligibility for the Food Stamps program in Rhode Island. Please use this link for the tool.

Food Stamps Application Instructions

In order to apply for Rhode Island SNAP (Food Stamps) Food Assistance, please use one of the following methods:

Apply Online

You can apply online for Food Assistance through SNAP (Food Stamps) in Rhode Island. Use this link to file your application online.

Apply via Mail

You can also apply for Food Assistance through SNAP (Food Stamps) in Rhode Island by downloading application and sending to DHS office. Use this link to download SNAP application.

Please download this application if you're 60 years of age or above.

You can read instructions about filing an application through mail by clicking here.

Apply in Person

You can also apply for SNAP (Food Stamps) in person by visiting your local DHS office or Community Action Program office. You can use this link to find a DHS office near you.

What happens after you send your application

After you send your application to DHS either through online portal or by sending it in mail, you will given an appointment. You will have to take necessary documents with you when going to the interview. You can call at (401) 462-5300 to get information on what documents you may need to bring along for the interview.