SUN Bucks Update Families who received SUN Bucks benefits for their eligible school-age child on July 1, 2024 have until October 30 to use the benefits on their EBT or SUN Bucks card(s). These benefits were issued over the summer, automatically with some exceptions, to eligible school-age children who would have received free or reduced priced lunch during the regular school year. These extra benefits will be removed from cards if they are not used by October 30. Additional information about SUN Bucks is available online here: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/supplemental-nutrition-10
Interpretation Services Available If you are seeking information about DHS programs and services in a language other than English, please be advised that interpretation services and/or interpreters 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.
P-EBT Update Published on Monday, November 23, 2020 The federal Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has recently provided States with guidance to continue giving Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits for October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021. A student is eligible for P-EBT if - The student would be eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs were operating normally, AND IF - The student does not receive free or reduced-price meals at the school because the school is closed or has been operating with reduced attendance or hours for at least 5 consecutive days in the current school year. "Operating with reduced attendance or hours" is new. This would apply to schools with a hybrid schedule where students attend some days in person and others virtually for at least 5 consecutive days. The benefit amount is $5.86 per day. Families do not have to apply for this benefit. The Department of Human Services (DHS) will be working with the RI Department of Education (RIDE) to receive student information from the schools. Benefits will either be placed on the student's current P-EBT card or SNAP EBT card. If a student is newly eligible and is not receiving SNAP benefits, a P-EBT card will be mailed to the student at the address on file with the school. DHS must receive approval from FNS before issuing benefits. Once approved, benefits will be issued back to October 1 and DHS will share the dates that benefits will be given at that time.