Food & Nutrition

Rhode Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, once known as Food Stamps), helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Rhode Island pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Rhode Island to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Rhode Island SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is run by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS field offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Rhode Island?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DHS case worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Rhode Island SNAP:

Fill out an application: You can apply for Rhode Island SNAP by phone, in person, or by mail. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have a phone or in-person interview with a DHS case worker.
Wait for a decision: Most Rhode Island SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your Rhode Island EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

You must be a Rhode Island resident and a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen with a certain legal status.
You must have a Social Security number (or have applied for one).
If you're an adult without kids under 18 and you're able to work, you might have to work or take part in a work program to continue getting SNAP benefits.

The amount of money you will get in Rhode Island SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you
Your expenses
Your resources (in some cases)

What are the Rhode Island SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In Rhode Island, most households must meet a gross income limit of 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) as well as a net income limit of 100% FPL. Households with an older adult (age 60+) or someone with a disability must meet a gross income limit of 200% FPL.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A case worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

20% earned income deduction
Standard deduction, based on household size
Dependent care expenses
Certain housing expenses
Certain utility expenses
Legally obligated child support
Medical expenses in excess of $35 per month (for older adults and people with disabilities)

What are the Rhode Island SNAP resource limits?

Resources refer to the assets and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate).

For most households in Rhode Island, there is no resource test for SNAP benefits. For households with a member who is age 60+, there is a resource limit of $3,000 if the household has income above 200% FPL.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.

To apply for Rhode Island SNAP, you will need the following for everyone in your household (try to gather as much of it as possible):

Identification for you or the head of the household (a driver's license, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID)
Social Security numbers for each person in the household
Proof of immigration status for non-citizens
Proof of earned income (four weeks of paystubs or a letter from your employer)
Medical expenses (for people who are age 60+ or have a disability)
Proof of child support paid
Proof of resources (if requested)
Proof of unearned income (e.g., Social Security, workers’ compensation, child support, etc.)

If you don’t have all of this information handy, don’t worry. You can always go back and provide additional information after you’ve submitted your application. Benefits start from the day you submit your SNAP application.

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in Rhode Island?

There are several ways to apply for Rhode Island SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY IN PERSON

To apply for Rhode Island SNAP in person, visit your local DHS office and fill out an application. You can find the location closest to you here.

APPLY BY MAIL OR PHONE

To apply for Rhode Island SNAP and other benefits by phone, call 1-855-697-4347, and a DHS agent will help you complete the application.

To apply by mail, you must first download and print the benefits application below. Benefits applications are also available to download on the Rhode Island DHS website.

Once you complete the application, mail it to the Rhode Island DHS office closest to you.

If you don’t have a printer, call your local DHS office and ask them to mail you a paper application.

Simple SNAP application

Rhode Island offers a simplified version of the application for assistance. You may complete and submit the simplified application if:

Everyone in your household is age 60 or older or has a disability and purchases and prepares food together—and does not receive any earnings from work.
All household members age 60 or older or who have a disability—with no earnings from work—purchase and prepare food separately from other household members.

Visit the DHS website to download a Simple SNAP Application in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Instructions for how to submit your application are included on the form.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Rhode Island SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent and you can show proof of your identity. You may be eligible for expedited SNAP benefits if you meet one of the following conditions:

You have less than $100 in cash AND less than $150 in monthly earnings.
Your housing expenses exceed your monthly income.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker.

Need food today? Visit the RI Community Food Bank website to find local resources while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Rhode Island SNAP application. You can:

Call 1-855-697-4347.
Contact your local DHS office (find your nearest location).
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Rhode Island?

It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you will need to have an interview. This can take place in person or over the phone. DHS can interview you—or someone you choose to represent you.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from the agency, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DHS case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

Once you are approved for SNAP, your case will be active for a certain period of time (this is called your certification period). You will have to recertify every 12 or 24 months, depending on your household situation, to continue receiving benefits.

Shortly after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your Rhode Island EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Going forward, SNAP benefits will be deposited into your EBT account on the 1st of every month.

Other important tips to know

What if my Rhode Island SNAP application is denied?

Your SNAP decision notice will include instructions for requesting a fair hearing if you do not agree with the decision. Fair hearings can only be requested by phone, in person, or by mail.

How do I manage my Rhode Island EBT card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, have your card number ready and call the RI EBT Card Customer Service Line at 1‐888‐979‐9939. You can also visit the EBTEdge website to manage your card. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

Rhode Island SNAP households with a 12-month certification period must fill out an Interim Report before the end of the 6th month. A report form will be mailed a month before it is due. Reportable changes may include:

An increase in household income
Change in address
Change in household size

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island SNAP households must complete the recertification process in order to continue receiving benefits. You will be mailed a recertification packet (to the mailing address you reported to DHS) a month before your certification period ends.

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