Financial Aid

Rhode Island offers financial aid to help low-income households, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Support includes housing, child care services, and food assistance, among other programs.

Food Stamps (SNAP)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is Food Assistance program in Rhode Island. The program, formerly known as Food Stamps, provides food to low-income households in Rhode Island. The Department of Human Services (DHS) monitors the program.

LIHEAP

Rhode Island Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists low-income families living in Rhode Island by making direct payments to gas or electric service. The assistance is available for households if they meet general guidelines and have income at or below 60% of the state median income level.

Medicaid

Rhode Island Medical Assistance Program is for eligible residents who need help in getting health care and paying medical bills. It is a state funded program. Rhode Island Medical is channeled to eligible residents through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS). People with disabilities may qualify for Rhode Island Medical Assistant program benefits if income and assets do not exceed the limit as designated by DHS. Residents who are approved for supplementary security income through the Social Security Administration are automatically enrolled in the Medicaid program.

Rhode Island Works (TANF)

Rhode Island Works does more than provide financial support—it focuses on employment training and opportunities to help families become self-sufficient. The program offers a range of services, including job readiness training and career counseling, designed to teach individuals with the necessary skills for stable and fulfilling employment.

RiteCare

RIte Care provides health insurance for uninsured low-income Rhode Island children, pregnant women and some low-income parents. It is funded jointly by both Federal and State governments through the Medicaid program. RIte Care provides affordable insurance by offering beneficiaries a choice of two different RIte Care managed healthcare plans through private insurers namely, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and United Healthcare of New England.

Eligibility is determined based upon family income and resources. Generally, children and pregnant women are eligible up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) while parents are eligible in families up to only 185% of the FPL. However, the Federal Poverty Level is measured differently depending on family size. Some families must pay a premium for RIte Care coverage while others receive coverage without cost-sharing depending on their income level and family size.

SSDI

Residents of Rhode Island who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can receive support in the form of monthly payments. The SSDI program is designed to help those who are unable to work because of a disability.

TEFAP

Rhode Island's TEFAP, with support from the USDA, provides emergency food assistance to those in need, offering nutritious food items to families and individuals through a network of local agencies. This program is key to Rhode Island's efforts to address hunger and support the health of its residents.

Unemployment

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) provides unemployment benefits for workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and have earned sufficient wages during the qualifying period. Such workers should be able and willing to accept work in order to continually receive such benefits. The Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits are funded by employers and workers don't pay anything at all. The amount of benefits you qualify to receive depends on wages you received during base period. You can easily apply for benefits if you meet the requirements by simply filling a form online. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training provides a simple and intuitive online system for filing and managing your claims online. Alternatively, you can file your claim via telephone.

Veterans Disability

Rhode Island offers Veterans Disability Benefits to veterans who have been injured or developed a medical condition during their active military service. There are a host of benefits available. In addition to disability benefits, Rhode Island veterans have access to VetSuccess on Campus, comprehensive healthcare services, VA pensions, job training programs, and much more.

WAP

Rhode Island Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income households with numerous weatherization services that help to improve home energy efficiency by reducing loss of energy. Services offered through the program include insulation, air sealing, and equipment repairing.

WIC

Rhode Island WIC provides food and education during the critical phase of growth to women, infants, and children living in Rhode Island and facing nutrition risk of either kind.