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Grants for Single Mothers in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at HealthyRhode.ri.gov – you can get benefits within 7 days if you qualify
  3. Contact Rhode Island Community Food Bank at (401) 942-6325 for emergency food assistance

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

Rhode Island offers comprehensive assistance for single mothers through 15+ programs. Emergency help available within 1-7 days. Key programs include food assistance for families earning under $3,981/month, cash assistance up to $700+/month (after recent 20% increase), and childcare help for families earning up to 261% of federal poverty level.

Top Programs by Urgency:

  • Emergency Food: SNAP benefits up to $768/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Cash: Rhode Island Works up to $700+/month after 20% increase
  • Emergency Housing: Coordinated Entry System at (401) 277-4316
  • Tax Benefits: EITC up to $8,046/year, Child Tax Credit up to $2,000 per child
  • Childcare: Child Care Assistance Program covers costs while working or in school

Main Points

Rhode Island offers substantial support for single mothers, but the system can be complex to navigate. According to the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, approximately 8,700 RI Works families received a permanent 20% increase in benefits in 2025, showing the state’s commitment to helping families.

What you need to know:

  • Real help exists – Programs like Rhode Island Works provide monthly cash assistance while you build job skills
  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and utility help within weeks
  • Childcare support matters – Effective January 1, 2025, families with income less than 261% of FPL are eligible for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), the highest eligibility level in the state’s history
  • Healthcare is covered – RiteCare (Medicaid) provides comprehensive health coverage for families
  • Education opportunities exist – State and private scholarships help single mothers pursue college degrees

Reality Check: Approximately 650,000 people were impacted by the data breach of the RIBridges system in December 2024, which may affect how you apply for some programs. Always verify current application processes with the agencies directly.

Cash Assistance That Actually Helps

Rhode Island Works (TANF)

Rhode Island Works is a financial and employment assistance program for parents and families with little to no income who have children high school age or younger. The program provides both immediate cash help and long-term support to help families become self-sufficient.

What they provide:

  • Monthly cash benefits that increased by 20% in 2025
  • Job training and employment services
  • Childcare assistance while working or in school
  • Healthcare coverage through RiteCare
  • Transportation assistance

Current benefit amounts (after 20% increase):

  • Family of 1: Approximately $420/month
  • Family of 2: Approximately $560/month
  • Family of 3: Approximately $700+/month
  • Amounts vary based on income and housing situation

Who qualifies:

  • You must live in Rhode Island and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Must have children under 18 (or under 20 if in school)
  • Must meet income limits (typically under 185% of federal poverty level)
  • Must participate in work activities unless exempt

Work requirements:

  • 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 count as work activities
  • Exemptions available for certain situations

How to apply:

  1. Apply online at HealthyRhode.ri.gov
  2. Call (855) 697-4347
  3. Visit your local DHS office

Processing time: 30-45 days from application date

Reality Check: Rhode Island Works provides cash assistance to families with children up to age 18, with time limits of 60 months for parents and caretaker relatives. Plan for eventually transitioning to work or education programs.

Food Assistance That Makes a Difference

SNAP (Food Assistance)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps families buy nutritious food through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at grocery stores.

Current benefit amounts (October 2024 – September 2025):

Family Size Maximum Monthly Benefit Gross Income Limit
1 person $292 $2,322
2 people $536 $3,152
3 people $768 $3,981
4 people $975 $4,810

Who qualifies:

  • Individuals, couples and families may qualify if their income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • Rhode Island has expanded eligibility beyond the standard federal SNAP eligibility requirements
  • There is no asset limit in Rhode Island

Emergency SNAP:

  • You may be eligible for expedited SNAP benefits if you have less than $100 in cash AND less than $150 in monthly earnings
  • DHS is required to review SNAP expedited applications and make a decision within 7 days

How to apply:

  1. Online at HealthyRhode.ri.gov
  2. Call (855) 697-4347
  3. Visit local DHS office

Processing time: DHS has 30 days to determine your eligibility for regular SNAP benefits

Reality Check: Most families receive less than the maximum amount based on their income and expenses. Your actual benefit depends on household size, income, and allowable deductions.

Healthcare Coverage for Your Family

RiteCare (Rhode Island Medicaid)

RIte Care is Rhode Island’s Medicaid managed care program for families with children, pregnant women, and children under age 19.

Income limits:

Family Size Monthly Income Limit (133% FPL) Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,801 $21,597
2 people $2,433 $29,180
3 people $3,064 $36,763
4 people $3,696 $44,346

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Hospital and emergency room care
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Preventive care including mammograms and screenings
  • Dental care through RIte Smiles for children

For children: Children up to age 19 with income up to 261 percent of the FPL can qualify for coverage.

For pregnant women: Pregnant women with income up to 253 percent of the FPL are eligible.

How to apply:

Cost: There is no cost for families or children who enroll in a RIte Care health plan

Childcare Help While You Work or Study

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Rhode Island CCAP helps eligible families in Rhode Island pay for child care while they work, go to school or training, or participate in other work-related activities.

Major eligibility expansion: Effective January 1, 2025, families with income less than 261% of FPL are eligible for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). This is the highest eligibility level in the state’s history.

Income limits (261% of Federal Poverty Level):

Family Size Monthly Income Limit
1 parent, 1 child $4,120
1 parent, 2 children $5,162
1 parent, 3 children $6,204

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents (minimum 20 hours/week)
  • Parents in approved education/training programs
  • Families can continue to participate in the program until their income is above 300% of the federal poverty level, or $6,455 a month for a family of three

Cost: Depending on their family size, income level, and number of children, families may be required to pay a co-payment — usually no more than 7% of their income

How to apply:

  • Contact local Child Care Assistance office
  • Apply through HealthyRhode.ri.gov
  • Call (855) 697-4347

Housing Help and Emergency Assistance

Emergency Housing Resources

If facing homelessness: All referrals must be made by contacting the Coordinated Entry System (CES) directly. Please call (401)-277-4316

Emergency rental assistance programs:

  • United Way of Rhode Island: Connects residents with local services and emergency assistance
  • Amos House Emergency Assistance: Housing assistance including help covering utility bills, rental assistance, and other costs associated with securing housing

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal assistance program that seeks to help low-income families, those who are disabled, and elderly residents afford housing through the use of vouchers that can be used to offset a portion of their rent.

Who qualifies:

  • Low-income families (typically under 50% of area median income)
  • Public housing authorities must administer funds in accordance with the law which dictates that those whose income does not exceed 30% of the median income are to receive 75% of available vouchers

How to apply:

  • Contact local Public Housing Authority
  • Be prepared for waiting lists of 1-3 years in most areas

Reality Check: The Eviction Prevention Assistance Program is now closed. The funding for this program has been depleted and additional funding is not expected. Apply for multiple housing programs to improve your chances.

Real Educational Grants and Scholarships

Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship

The Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship is designed to support single parents in Rhode Island, both men and women, who are striving to pursue higher education.

What they provide:

  • Award: $500 – $2,000; past recipients are eligible to reapply
  • Renewable scholarship for ongoing support
  • Preference given to parents currently or previously receiving state aid or those who have been previously incarcerated

How to apply:

  • Complete Rhode Island Foundation’s Universal Eligibility Quiz
  • Submit scholarship application through rifoundation.org

Rhode Island Commission on Women/Freda Goldman Education Award

Each year, the Award grants between $500 and $2,000 to assist multiple Rhode Island women with transportation, child care, tutoring, educational materials, and/or other support services.

Who qualifies:

  • Rhode Island women pursuing education or job training beyond high school
  • Preference is given to highly motivated, self-supporting, low-income women completing their first undergraduate degree or certificate program

Rhode Island Foundation Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of many Rhode Islanders, the Foundation is able to offer scholarships and fellowships to students from middle school to post-graduate level, from communities throughout the state, and in many different fields of study.

Important: All Rhode Island students, regardless of immigration status, are eligible to apply

Contact for assistance:

  • General information: Monica Benson at (401) 427-4017 or scholarships@rifoundation.org
  • Si necesita asistencia en Español, por favor de comunicarse con Zaida Hernandez al (401) 427-4039 o zhernandez@rifoundation.org

Utility and Emergency Bill Help

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Rhode Island’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps income eligible families pay their heating bills.

What they provide:

  • Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $1,148
  • In some emergency situations, crisis assistance is also available to help households in immediate danger of being without heat

When to apply: RIHEAP usually opens in October each year and runs through April

Income requirements: Households are income-eligible for HEAP when the household’s gross income is equal to or less than 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) for their household size

Good Neighbor Energy Fund

The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to vulnerable families and Individuals like single mothers who have fallen behind with their heating bill, yet for some reasons they’re unable to get help from federal programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

What they provide:

  • They will be given a grant of up to $650, depending on their heating method and household size

How to qualify:

  • Anyone seeking assistance from this program needs to firstly provide documentation proving financial difficulties

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

All programs in this guide serve single fathers raising children alone. Available programs include:

Full access to:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • Rhode Island Works (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • RiteCare (healthcare) – full family coverage available
  • Child support services – help collecting from other parent
  • Housing assistance – Section 8 and emergency rental help
  • Childcare assistance – same work/school requirements

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All Rhode Island state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination. Additional resources:

Support organizations:

  • Rhode Island Pride Center: (401) 331-1844
  • PFLAG Rhode Island: Multiple local chapters
  • AIDS Care Ocean State: (401) 781-0665

Legal protections:

  • Rhode Island law prohibits discrimination in state programs based on sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs
  • Legal name change assistance available through Rhode Island courts

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Special considerations for kinship families:

Rhode Island Works eligibility:

  • Kinship guardians (like grandparents raising grandchildren) can apply for RI Works
  • Income limits may be more favorable when grandparent applies only for grandchild
  • May qualify even if grandparent receives Social Security

Additional support:

  • Contact Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families at (401) 528-3502
  • Rhode Island Kinship Navigator Program provides resources and support

Tribal and Rural Community Resources

Narragansett Indian Tribe:

  • Tribal offices: (401) 364-1100
  • May have specific assistance programs for tribal members
  • Contact tribal social services for eligibility

Rural Rhode Island challenges:

  • Limited public transportation options
  • Fewer service providers in rural areas
  • Mobile food pantries available through Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Rural-specific resources:

  • 2-1-1 especially important for finding local resources
  • Some programs offer home visits or phone interviews
  • Telehealth covered by RiteCare for remote medical appointments

Federal Tax Credits (Often Overlooked!)

Many single mothers miss these programs that provide significant annual income.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

2025 tax year amounts:

  • 1 child: Up to $4,213
  • 2 children: Up to $6,960
  • 3+ children: Up to $8,046

Rhode Island EITC: Rhode Island offers a refundable EITC equal to 16 percent of the federal credit, which changed from 15 percent in 2024

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

What it provides: Up to $2,000 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable

Free Tax Help

VITA Program: Contact (800) 906-9887 for free tax preparation assistance

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most programs allow working families to qualify:

  • SNAP: Up to 185% of poverty level ($3,981/month for family of 3)
  • RiteCare: Up to 133% of poverty level ($3,064/month for family of 3)
  • Childcare assistance: Up to 261% of poverty level (about $6,200/month for family of 3)

Q: How long do applications take to process? A: Processing times vary by program:

  • Emergency SNAP: 1-7 days if qualifying
  • Regular SNAP: Up to 30 days
  • Rhode Island Works: 30-45 days
  • RiteCare: Usually 30 days or less
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days

Q: What if I get denied? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30-35 days depending on the program. Contact Rhode Island Legal Services at (401) 274-2652 for help with appeals.

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! HealthyRhode.ri.gov allows you to apply for SNAP, Rhode Island Works, and RiteCare with one application.

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, RiteCare, HEAP, most scholarships
  • Overpayments: If you receive too much due to unreported income changes, you may need to repay the difference

Q: What if my English is limited? A: Language assistance is available:

  • All state programs provide free interpreters
  • HealthyRhode.ri.gov website available in multiple languages
  • Call (855) 697-4347 for Spanish language assistance
  • Request interpreter when scheduling appointments

Q: Can undocumented immigrants get help? A: Some programs are available:

  • Emergency Medicaid: Emergency medical care only
  • Food banks: Most don’t require documentation
  • Emergency assistance: Many nonprofits provide help regardless of status
  • Children who are citizens can receive benefits even if parents are undocumented

Q: What happened with the RIBridges data breach? A: On December 13, 2024, the State was informed by its vendor, Deloitte, that there was a major security threat to RIBridges, the system that manages many of the state’s social services programs. If you were affected, you should have received a letter offering free credit monitoring. The system is being gradually restored.

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Resources

Primary contact numbers:

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7) – Your first call for any crisis
  • Rhode Island Department of Human Services: (855) 697-4347
  • HealthyRhode application portal: HealthyRhode.ri.gov

Emergency Numbers

Immediate crisis:

  • Emergency services: 911
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Food assistance:

  • Rhode Island Community Food Bank: (401) 942-6325
  • Emergency food delivery: Available through local pantries

Housing crisis:

  • Coordinated Entry System (homelessness): (401) 277-4316
  • United Way of Rhode Island: 2-1-1

Legal and Advocacy Help

Free legal assistance:

  • Rhode Island Legal Services: (401) 274-2652
  • Rhode Island Center for Justice: (401) 491-1101
  • Disability Rights Rhode Island: (401) 831-3150

Useful Websites

Government portals:

Resource finders:

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Rhode Island guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Rhode Island Department of Human Services, USDA, IRS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Rhode Island Department of Human Services, USDA, HHS, and Rhode Island Foundation sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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