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.
RI Works Benefit Increase is Almost Here! Published on Friday, August 13, 2021 Approved in the legislative session that ended earlier this summer, the Rhode Island Works (RIW) cash assistance benefit increased by 30 percent, effective July 1, 2021. The RI Department of Human Services (DHS) needed time to update our system, but on August 16, 2021, RIW recipients will have two payments added to their EBT card: their normal RIW benefit AND a one-time payment of the additional benefits you should have received in July and August For example, if a RIW family of three usually receives $554 a month, on August 16th, they will have two deposits on their EBT card. Their normal RIW benefit: $277 (one half of their monthly benefit amount without the increase) Their one-time payment: $334 (the difference between $721 and $554 multiplied by the two months: July and August. $167 X 2= $334) The new, higher benefit amount will be issued starting September 1, 2021. RIW cash assistance will continue to be issued twice monthly with payments on the 1st and the 16th. Below is a chart with examples of what the benefit change may be for RIW families. The last column shows the amounts they will receive starting September 1, 2021. Larger households will also receive an increased benefit. If your family does NOT live in Public or Subsidized Housing RIW Household size If your family has been receiving Your new monthly benefit will be On the 1st and 16th you will receive 1 $327 $425 $212.50 2 $449 $584 $292.00 3 $554 $721 $360.50 4 $634 $825 $412.50 If your family LIVES in Public or Subsidized Housing RIW Household size If your family has been receiving Your new monthly benefit will be On the 1st and 16th you will receive 1 $277 $360 $180.00 2 $399 $519 $259.50 3 $504 $656 $328.00 4 $584 $760 $380.00 RIW recipients will also receive a Benefit Decision Notice telling them that their benefits have changed. Most people will receive a notice indicating their RI Works benefits have increased due to correction made to their case. The information about their “one-time payment” will be on the notice under the section “Corrected RI Works Benefit Issued”. The Benefit Decision Notice may also have information about a change in other benefits, such as SNAP, due to their RI Works benefit increase or other program changes. Other changes to your household income or size could also impact their benefit amount. If RIW recipients have questions about the amounts added to their card, they should call 1-855-MY-RIDHS (1-855-697-4347) Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:30AM to 3PM.