While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The Rhode Island SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS). Learn more about SNAP on the Rhode Island Department of Human Services website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,116 |
| 6 | $1,339 |
| 7 | $1,480 |
| 8 | $1,691 |
| Each additional household member | +211 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To learn more about your benefit amount in Rhode Island, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in Rhode Island, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Rhode Island’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Rhode Island Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Rhode Island’s Benefit Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Rhode Island DHS office location. (Note: Due to COVID-19, all in-person applications will be drop-off only.)
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
RI Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 8709
Cranston, RI 02920-8787
If you do not have access to a printer or Adobe reader in order to print out your paper application, call your local DHS office for assistance here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Rhode Island Department of Human Services Call Center at 1 (855) 697-4347.
To view the Application for Assistance in multiple languages, click here.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for SNAP benefits in Rhode Island online, in person or by mail, the Department of Human Services will call and interview you to determine your eligibility. If you need to provide the department with additional documents or information, you have 10 days to do so or your application will be considered incomplete. Necessary documents the department may need from you can be found here.
After your interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services (DHS) with your determination and benefit amount within 30 days. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 14 days of your determination letter.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 979-9939. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within the number of days enclosed in your benefit letter.
To file an appeal for a Fair Hearing, you can submit your request by mail or by fax.
To appeal by fax, you will need to fill out the request form found here and send it to 1 (401) 223-6317
To appeal by mail, fill out the Fair Hearing Request form found here and mail it to the following address:
State of Rhode Island
P.O. Box 8709
Cranston, RI 02920-8787
If you need assistance filing your request form call 1 (855) 840-4774 or visit the appeals page here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 979-9939. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Rhode Island Department of Human Services EBT card page here.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Rhode Island’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 979-9939.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a DHS office in Rhode Island.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) at 1 (855) 697-4347.
To send the Rhode Island Department of Human Services information physically, you can mail them using the following address:
RI Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 8709
Cranston, RI 02920-8787
You can also visit or call a local DHS Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
Last Updated: September 26, 2022
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Rhode Island Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Rhode Island’s Benefit Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Rhode Island DHS office location. (Note: Due to COVID-19, all in-person applications will be drop-off only.)
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
RI Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 8709
Cranston, RI 02920-8787
If you do not have access to a printer or Adobe reader in order to print out your paper application, call your local DHS office for assistance here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Rhode Island Department of Human Services Call Center at 1 (855) 697-4347.
To view the Application for Assistance in multiple languages, click here.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for SNAP benefits in Rhode Island online, in person or by mail, the Department of Human Services will call and interview you to determine your eligibility. If you need to provide the department with additional documents or information, you have 10 days to do so or your application will be considered incomplete. Necessary documents the department may need from you can be found here.
After your interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services (DHS) with your determination and benefit amount within 30 days. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 14 days of your determination letter.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 979-9939. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within the number of days enclosed in your benefit letter.
To file an appeal for a Fair Hearing, you can submit your request by mail or by fax.
To appeal by fax, you will need to fill out the request form found here and send it to 1 (401) 223-6317
To appeal by mail, fill out the Fair Hearing Request form found here and mail it to the following address:
State of Rhode Island
P.O. Box 8709
Cranston, RI 02920-8787
If you need assistance filing your request form call 1 (855) 840-4774 or visit the appeals page here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 979-9939. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Rhode Island Department of Human Services EBT card page here.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Rhode Island’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 979-9939.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a DHS office in Rhode Island.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) at 1 (855) 697-4347.
To send the Rhode Island Department of Human Services information physically, you can mail them using the following address:
RI Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 8709
Cranston, RI 02920-8787
You can also visit or call a local DHS Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
Last Updated: September 26, 2022