SNAP Outreach Program

SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

SNAP is a state program administered by the RI Department of Human Services (DHS). The Food Bank’s SNAP Outreach program provides SNAP information and assistance to guests of our member agencies. Our trained staff assists families and individuals in filling out and applying for the program. We also assist with other SNAP related questions regarding benefits, re-certification, and more, and refers problematic SNAP cases to RI Legal Services.

Meet our SNAP Outreach Team!

Lihna Agostini

Lihna

Community Outreach Manager

(401) 230-1698
Email Lihna

Ermelinda Flores

SNAP Outreach Coordinator

(401) 230-1718
Email Ermelinda

Johanny Sanchez

SNAP Outreach Coordinator

(401) 230-1697
Email Johanny

SNAP Outreach Program Calendar

SEE OUR SCHEDULE BELOW TO MEET US AT YOUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY 

Who’s Eligible & How to Apply

Households must meet certain requirements to be eligible for SNAP and receive benefits. Eligibility and benefit amounts are based on:

  • Income
  • Expenses
  • Number of people living in the household

 Individuals, couples, and families may qualify if their income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

SNAP for Families with Children – English SNAP for Families with Children – Spanish

 

For seniors (aged 60 and older), eligibility and benefits depend on income and expenses. For seniors/disabled with household income over 200% FPL there is a resource test.

SNAP for Seniors – English SNAP for Seniors-Spanish

 

If you are age 60 or over, or disabled, your medical expenses can be deducted from your income, and may increase your SNAP benefits.

Check out our SNAP Medical Deduction Guides, available in English and Spanish.

SNAP Medical Deductions – English SNAP Medical Deductions -Spanish

 

For people who don’t have a permanent address, they may still qualify for SNAP and may use the address of an authorized representative as a place to receive mail from SNAP. Or it can be mailed to the shelter where the person lives. A person is homeless if they “lack a fixed and regular nighttime residence”. This includes individuals or families who are temporarily staying in a shelter, motel or someone else’s home for less than 90 days. Getting SNAP benefits does not require a permanent address. Learn more with this guide. Note: This is a State document.  Available in English only.

SNAP for Homeless Individuals and Families – English

 

For most households there is no resource test. For seniors/disabled with household income over 200% FPL there is a resource test of $3,750 in the bank account/stocks/bonds resources. These amounts are updated annually. However, certain resources are NOT counted when determining eligibility for SNAP:

  • Home
  • Resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Resources of people who receive Rhode Island Works (RIW)
  • Retirement and pension plans
Guidelines for Individuals and Families – English Guidelines for Individuals and Families – Spanish

 

Check out these special guidelines for the homeless and members of the disabled community, available in English and Spanish.

Guidelines for the Homeless and Members of the Disabled Community – English Guidelines for Homeless and Members of the Disabled Community – Spanish

 

How to Apply:

  • Applications are accepted online, by paper, by phone, or in person when DHS opens its lobbies. Currently, lobbies are closed for safety due to COVID-19.
  • -OR- check out our calendar above and come see us at a pantry for assistance.
Everything You Need to Apply for SNAP – English Everything You Need to Apply for SNAP – Spanish

 

What Happens After I Apply for SNAP – English What Happens After I Apply for SNAP – Spanish

Application for SNAP Benefits can be completed or downloaded here.

Are Non-Citizens Eligible for SNAP?

Undocumented individuals or Visa holders are NOT eligible for SNAP (but their children may be).  Applying for SNAP benefits does not affect any future application for Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status or citizenship. Children of immigrants can get SNAP even if their parents are not eligible.  If the child is a LPR or a citizen, their parent can apply for them.

Appealing a SNAP Decision – English Appealing a SNAP Decision – Spanish

 

Immigrants who have come to the United States as a refugee or asylee may be eligible for SNAP benefits. Applying for SNAP benefits will not affect any future application for Legal Permanent Residency (LPR) for citizenship. An immigrant will not be deported, denied entry to the U.S., or denied permanent status because their family receives SNAP. Immigrants with LPR status may be eligible for SNAP.  

Non-Citizen Eligibility – English Non-Citizen Eligibility – Spanish

 

Receiving SNAP:

SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. Benefits are automatically loaded into the account each month. EBT cards can be used to buy groceries at authorized food stores and retailers. Benefits are made available on the first day of every month.

EBT Cards – English EBT Cards – Spanish
Additional Benefits for SNAP Recipients:

There are many other ways that being on SNAP (even at the minimum monthly benefit of $20/month) can help participants.

  • Free School breakfast/Lunch program
  • Broadband benefits
    • Reduced internet charge for Cox customers with students age K-12
    • Verizon Lifeline Broadband – reduced internet charge
    • Emergency Broadband – A one-time benefit up to $100 to purchase laptop/desktop computer or tablet and one month discount of $50 toward internet service. www.getemergencybroadband.org or call 1-833-511-0311
  • Farmers Markets offer “Bonus bucks” which double the SNAP benefits when you buy fruits and vegetables. www.farmfreshri.org
Additional Benefits – English Additional Benefits – Spanish