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
