Apply For Rhode Island TANF

This page provides the Rhode Island TANF eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet both state and federal guidelines for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Individuals who apply for TANF must meet the monetary and non-monetary state guidelines, complete work-related activities, provide paternity information about the children in the household and report as required by the state.

Rhode Island residents who qualify for welfare are required to furnish information such as citizenship, income, resources, and age. Only household members who are eligible can receive Rhode Island welfare benefits. Read on for more information about applying for TANF. If you have additional questions or issues about this program, then contact TANF Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Works

The Department of Human Services' Rhode Island Works Program offers temporary cash assistance, health coverage, child care assistance, and help finding job training or a job. This program is available for pregnant women and adults with children under age 18 (or under age 19 if child is a full-time student). Services are available statewide. The Rhode Island Works used to be called the Family Independence Program (FIP).


How it Works

The RI Works Program encourages adult family members to work by offering the following benefits and support services:


TANF Eligibility

Eligibility for the RI Works program is based on a family's income and resources. For more information, please make an appointment to see a DHS worker at a local DHS Office.


How to Apply For TANF

To apply, contact your local DHS Office. You will need to complete an application and provide proof of identity, income, assets/resources and expenses.


Am I eligible to receive cash assistance?

To receive cash through the Department of Human Service's Rhode Island Works Program:


Because the overall goal of RI Works is to encourage families to work and become self-sufficient, parents who work may still qualify for cash assistance and other help, including health care coverage, childcare subsidies and SNAP benefits (formerly called food stamps).

DHS Social Caseworkers work with parents to develop an employment plan that outlines activities they must do to improve their success in the job market. Most parents will first be required to search for employment. Single parents must work or prepare for work an average of 20 or 30 hours per week depending on the age of the youngest child. Job training and education may be recommended.


How much cash assistance will I receive?

The amount of money your family receives depends on your income, household size and housing situation. Typically, each month eligible families receive:


Usually, a family is given $80 a month for each additional member. Also, families are given $50 less a month if they receive subsidized housing assistance.


Asset limits

Applicants may have up to $1,000 in resources (their home is excluded) and may have one vehicle for each adult in the household, but no more than two vehicles per household.

Two parent familiesTwo parent families are eligible if they meet eligibility requirements. One parent must work or prepare for work at least 35 hours per week. If the family uses a childcare subsidy, both parents must work or prepare for work a total of 55 hours per week.

Minor parents
Parents or pregnant girls who are younger than 18 who wish to receive cash assistance must live at home with a parent or legal guardian, or if this is found to be inappropriate, with a caretaker relative, legal guardian, or in a supervised supportive living arrangement approved and monitored by the DHS Adolescent Self Sufficiency Collaborative. In most cases, the cash payment is given to the parent, relative, or the legal guardian on behalf of the minor parent. In addition, the minor parents must participate in secondary education.

When parents work
Parents are allowed to keep the first $170 of earnings per month without receiving less cash assistance from the state. After the first $170 in earnings, the cash benefit is reduced $1 for every $2 earned. The money that a dependent child earns is not included. Changes in earned income of $100 or more per month must be reported.


How long do benefits last?

Adults can receive cash assistance for up to 24 months out of any 60 month period for a lifetime limit of 48 months. Generally, children will receive cash assistance only while the parents are receiving cash assistance.


How will I receive the cash?

You get paid twice a month paid through an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. With your EBT card, you can withdraw cash at bank ATMs and supermarkets like you would a debit card.


Rhode Island Employment Search

Part of the requirement, while on the TANF program, is finding a job to help sustain your financial needs. Rhode Island provides an online job site for you to search for employment. You can view the job site by clicking here.


Apply Online For Rhode Island TANF

If you have questions about applying for TANF benefits, or you want to see if you can apply for TANF Georgia online, then visit the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families website here.