Legal Help for Single Mothers in Rhode Island

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, one‑page hub you can use right now. Every program, agency, or resource mentioned below is linked so you can get to the right page fast.

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If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call a live navigator to triage your crisis and get warm handoffs to shelter, food, legal help, and utility aid through United Way 211 Rhode Island and ask them to conference in your local intake line if needed; if this is a safety issue, use the 24/7 statewide Helpline via Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and sexual assault advocates at Day One.
• Apply the same day for food and cash supports: start or upload documents in the HealthyRhode Customer Portal for SNAP and RI Works through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS); if you have almost no money or food, request “expedited SNAP” and ask for a phone interview callback window via the DHS Call Center at 1-855-697-4347.
• Stop a shutoff or eviction clock today: ask for a medical/financial protection and an arrears plan with Rhode Island Energy, and get a same‑day court strategy from Rhode Island Legal Services and the Rhode Island Center for Justice before your District Court hearing date shows up on the Rhode Island Judiciary calendar. (rienergy.com)

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Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

• DHS benefits line — 1-855-697-4347: DHS Call Center for SNAP/RI Works/CCAP, upload docs through HealthyRhode, and find office drop boxes on DHS Offices.
• Health coverage — 1-855-840-4774: enroll in Medicaid/RIte Care or marketplace plans through HealthSource RI; find walk‑in center details at HSRI Contact.
• Utility emergencies & shutoffs — 1-855-743-1101: ask for AMP and payment options at Rhode Island Energy; learn winter shutoff rules via RI PUC Consumer Information.
• Eviction & housing law help — 1-401-274-2652: reach Rhode Island Legal Services; for additional advocacy, contact Rhode Island Center for Justice.
• Homelessness entry — 1-401-277-4316: call Rhode Island Coordinated Entry; statewide resource lookup is also at United Way 211. (dhs.ri.gov)

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At‑a‑glance: emergency contacts and pages

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How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Rhode Island Today

Start with the fastest step. You usually have more than one protection.

• Ask the utility for an arrearage plan and AMP forgiveness — Call Rhode Island Energy at 1-855-743-1101 and request enrollment in the Arrearage Management Program (AMP). If you qualify, each on‑time payment forgives a portion of what you owe, up to $1,500 per year. Request a budget plan to flatten winter spikes. Use the discount/low‑income rate if you receive LIHEAP or SNAP. Rhode Island Energy AMP and Budget Billing pages explain terms and the AMP phone line. DPUC Consumer Section can step in if needed. (rienergy.com)
• Claim a shutoff protection that applies to your household — From November 1 to May 1, the winter moratorium limits residential electric/gas terminations. If someone is seriously ill, your clinician can call in a medical certification the same day; a written note must follow within seven days, which buys time to set up a plan. Reference the statute when you call: R.I. Gen. Laws § 39‑1‑63 (moratorium dates) and § 39‑1.1‑1 to § 39‑1.1‑2 (non‑termination rules for seniors, LIHEAP‑eligible households, and serious illness). If a rep pushes back, ask for a supervisor and the utility’s “customer protections” form. RI General Laws 39‑1‑63, PUC rule change to May 1, and serious illness timing. (webserver.rilegislature.gov)
• Apply for LIHEAP (energy bill help) and crisis service — If heat is off or a shutoff is scheduled, your Community Action Program (CAP) can trigger crisis LIHEAP. Crisis cases must be addressed within 48 hours (18 hours if life‑threatening). New online LIHEAP applications are available; most CAPs book intakes September–May. Use the statewide CAP list to find your local office and request a same‑day crisis slot. DHS LIHEAP, FFY 2025 income limits, and CAP agency directory link you to the right intake door. (dhs.ri.gov)
• If you can’t get LIHEAP right now, try these — Good Neighbor Energy Fund (for households over LIHEAP limits) and Keep the Heat On (faith‑based emergency fills) can bridge a shutoff. Ask your CAP about furnace repair/replacement and weatherization if heat equipment failed. Check your municipal water site and Providence Water’s lead line replacement program if your bill issue involves water. Good Neighbor Energy Fund, Keep the Heat On, and Providence Water lead program are active in 2025. (news.pplweb.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Document every call (date, time, rep name) and file an informal complaint with the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers at 1-401-780-9700 through PUC Consumer Information; ask your clinician to fax an updated serious‑illness certification; and request immediate LIHEAP crisis triage through your local CAP while you seek AMP enrollment confirmation from Rhode Island Energy. (ripuc.ri.gov)

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Eviction: How to Slow It Down and Get Help This Week

Move fast. Rhode Island eviction timelines are short.

• Respond to any “5‑day demand” and watch your mail — If you’re 15+ days late on rent, a landlord can send a five‑day demand. Paying the full amount within five days usually stops a nonpayment filing. If the landlord files anyway, your first District Court hearing for nonpayment is typically set 14–21 days after the case is filed; mark that date. See the District Court Landlord‑Tenant pages for what papers to bring and how appeals work. District Court Evictions, Evictions FAQ, and Court Civil Info outline the schedule. (courts.ri.gov)
• Get a legal plan before the hearing — Call Rhode Island Legal Services at 1-401-274-2652 and the Rhode Island Center for Justice at 1-401-491-1101; ask about court‑based clinics and “Lawyer for the Day.” These groups often run weekly tenant sessions with partners like DARE and city offices. If you lose at the first hearing, you generally have five calendar days to appeal; you must keep paying ongoing rent during the appeal. RILS Housing Law Center, RILS events/clinics, and Center for Justice publish current clinic info. (rifairhousing.org)
• Know what’s not available now — The statewide Eviction Prevention Rhode Island (EPRI) and RentReliefRI grant programs are closed; funding is depleted. Do not wait for these to reopen. Instead, seek short‑term charity help, negotiate a written payment plan, and look for a smaller, cheaper unit on Housing Search RI. EPRI status and RIHousing Renters page explain current options. (rihousing.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the judge for a short continuance to find counsel; bring proof of any pending applications (SNAP, LIHEAP, jobs) and show what you can pay now; visit Crossroads RI for housing problem‑solving; and call United Way 211 to locate a one‑time rental fund in your city or town. (crossroadsri.org)

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Safety, Restraining Orders, and Crisis Housing

If you are unsafe, use the 24/7 Helpline and tell them if you need a safe phone callback.

• Get 24/7 confidential help — Call 1-800-494-8100 or use online chat through RICADV’s Helpline. For sexual assault, contact Day One; they coordinate hospital accompaniment and forensic exams. Multilingual help and TTY are available. Helpline details list accessibility features. (ricadv.org)
• File for a protection order — Family Court and District Court accept “domestic abuse” complaints; clerks can provide forms. Plan to file before 3:00 p.m. on court days if possible; temporary orders can be issued the same day. See plain‑language steps and forms on WomensLaw Rhode Island and contact the Family Court for local filing times and numbers. (womenslaw.org)
• Connect to shelter and legal advocacy — Sojourner House offers shelter and a 24/7 emergency housing line; regional advocates include Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center and Women’s Resource Center. Ask RICADV for your closest program. Sojourner House, BVAC Helpline, and RICADV Need Help list hotlines and services. (helprilaw.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the Helpline for a “safety plan” and a callback from a legal advocate; bring the packet you’re given to Rhode Island Legal Services; if you need to move, ask for help with a lock change and an address confidentiality plan through RICADV resources. (rils.org)

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Food and Essentials You Can Get Quickly

• SNAP (food benefits) — 7‑day expedited possible — Rhode Island uses updated October 2024–September 2025 SNAP amounts. For a family of three, the maximum is $768permonth;forfour,it’s$975. Decisions take up to 30 days, but “expedited” can be issued within 7 days if you have very low cash or high shelter costs. Apply or upload documents via HealthyRhode or see DHS SNAP page. Farm Fresh RI Bonus Bucks doubles SNAP at many farmers markets. (dhs.ri.gov)
• WIC (pregnant, postpartum, children under 5) — WIC provides e‑benefits for healthy food, formula, pumps, and lactation support. Call the WIC client line, use the USDA prescreener, and find your local clinic on Rhode Island Department of Health WIC; the FNS contact page lists statewide numbers. Farm Fresh Budget page shows which markets accept WIC/EBT. (health.ri.gov)
• Food pantries and meals — Use the Food Finder and call ahead to confirm hours. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s network serves about 89,000 people monthly; many pantries allow monthly or weekly visits. Start with RI Community Food Bank — Find Food and RI Community Food Bank home for a city/town list and map. (rifoodbank.org)

SNAP quick reference (FY 2025)

Source: DHS SNAP 2024–2025 update and state notice. (dhs.ri.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for an “expedited” SNAP screen; upload missing proof through HealthyRhode; call DHS for a callback; and ask United Way 211 to transfer you to the nearest pantry with same‑day distribution. (dhs.ri.gov)

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Cash, Work, and Paid Leave Programs

• RI Works (TANF cash) — Monthly payments depend on family size and housing type. Recent amounts: family of 2 = $701;familyof3=$865; family of 4 = $990.Youcankeepthefirst$300 of monthly earnings, then benefits reduce by $1foreach$2 earned. Apply with your DHS‑2 form on DHS RI Works page and upload through HealthyRhode. Cooperation with the Office of Child Support Services is usually required, with a $50 support “pass‑through” if you’re on RI Works. (dhs.ri.gov)
• Unemployment Insurance (UI) — File as soon as you lose hours through the Department of Labor & Training. New claims effective July 1, 2025 or later have a max weekly benefit of $745($931 with 5 dependents). DLT posts the current caps each June; check your monetary determination for your rate. DLT UI/press release and DLT homepage have details. (dlt.ri.gov)
• Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) — TDI replaces wages when you’re medically unable to work; TCI covers bonding or caring for a seriously ill family member. For benefit years starting 7/1/25, the max weekly benefit is $1,103 (plus dependency allowance) and TCI provides up to 7 weeks in 2025. Learn how to file and calculate your weekly rate at DLT TDI/TCI FAQs; see legislative update on week increases at NFP summary. (dlt.ri.gov)

UI and TDI/TCI snapshot

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use netWORKri Career Centers to meet a job coach and access free training; explore sector training under Real Jobs RI; and ask your employer about any paid time benefits beyond TDI/TCI. (dlt.ri.gov)

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Child Care, Pre‑K, and Head Start

• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — As of January 1, 2025, working families up to 261% of the federal poverty level can qualify; copays are capped at 7% of income. Transitional coverage can continue up to 300% FPL. Apply through DHS CCAP, upload via HealthyRhode, or call 1‑855‑697‑4347. See the March 18, 2025 DHS notice for income examples. (dhs.ri.gov)
• RI State Pre‑K (free, lottery‑based for age 4) — The 2025‑26 lottery closed June 22, 2025, but you can ask to be added to school waitlists. Get updates on RIDE Pre‑K and the lottery portal; some seats operate through EnrollRI. (ride.ri.gov)
• Head Start and Early Head Start — No‑cost preschool and infant‑toddler services for income‑eligible families; many providers also run RI Pre‑K classrooms. Ask your local provider now for mid‑year openings. The DHS notice about Head Start and Pre‑K has current sites and contacts; check DHS Head Start news and RIDE Pre‑K. (dhs.ri.gov)

Child care and early learning options

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask providers about sliding‑scale openings; check BrightStars for quality ratings; and ask your CAP agency for child‑care scholarship pilots. (dhs.ri.gov)

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Health Coverage for You and Your Children

• Medicaid/RIte Care & RIte Share — Families with children, pregnant people, and kids under 19 can qualify at higher income levels; most enrollees pick Neighborhood Health Plan, Tufts, or UnitedHealthcare. Start applications through HealthSource RI or call 1‑855‑840‑4774. For rules and plan contacts, see EOHHS RIte Care and EOHHS Medicaid expansion. (healthsourceri.com)
• Marketplace plans with financial help — If you’re over Medicaid income limits or need a plan after losing coverage, use HealthSource RI. Navigators can do one‑on‑one enrollments; coverage often starts the first of the next month after plan selection. HSRI appointments list hours and the walk‑in center address. (healthsourceri.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask HSRI for an in‑person slot; call EOHHS if you need help with Medicaid; and request language assistance or TTY at every step—interpretation and auxiliary aids are free under DHS/EOHHS language access. (dhs.ri.gov)

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Child Support, Paternity, and Enforcement

• Open or enforce a case — The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) helps establish paternity and child support orders, and enforces payment. There’s a $20 fee for non‑public assistance cases; RI Works, RIte Care, and Medicaid cases are referred automatically. Use the IVR system 24/7 or call to reach your worker. OCSS Apply for Services and OCSS Contact list phone lines and forms. (ocss.ri.gov)
• If you receive RI Works — You usually get a $50 monthly “pass‑through” from support collected, as long as you cooperate with OCSS unless good cause exists. Review case updates in the IVR and keep your contact info current. OCSS About explains the pass‑through and requirements. (ocss.ri.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a case review; bring your order to Rhode Island Legal Services if you need a modification; and for safety concerns, ask OCSS to suppress address details while you pursue a Family Court protection order. (rils.org)

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Housing Right Now: What Actually Exists in 2025

• Emergency Shelter and Diversion — Use the Coordinated Entry line (1‑401‑277‑4316) for shelter access and problem‑solving; statewide partners like Crossroads RI and Amos House help with basic needs, mail, IDs, and reunification. RIHousing Renters has the centralized voucher waitlist and apartment search links. (rihousing.com)
• Eviction prevention grants — The EPRI program is closed with no new funding. Focus on legal defense, payment plans, and short‑term local funds through United Way 211. EPRI closed notice confirms the shutdown. (rihousing.com)
• Lead, water, and utility safety in rentals — If you live in Providence Water’s service area, your property may be eligible for free private‑side lead service line replacement or a 0% loan; ask your landlord to enroll. Request a free water lead test kit and check your address on the service line map. Providence Water lead replacement and Lead Service Map show eligibility. (provwater.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your city’s code office about emergency repairs; report utility shutoff risks to PUC Consumer; and request a legal screening at RILS or Center for Justice. (ripuc.ri.gov)

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Transportation and Mobility

• RIPTA Reduced Fare and Low‑Income support — Low‑income seniors and people with disabilities can travel free with a photo ID pass; other riders can get help via partner agencies in the Low‑Income Program. See eligibility, passes, and monthly pass costs on RIPTA Reduced Fare and RIPTA Fares; ask your case manager about the Low‑Income Program if you’re not eligible for Reduced Fare. (ripta.com)
• Paratransit (RIde) and RIde Anywhere — If a disability keeps you from using fixed‑route buses, apply for ADA paratransit (RIde). Fares are $4 each way; the pilot “RIde Anywhere” expands service beyond the ¾‑mile corridor. Apply and schedule at RIPTA ADA/RIde and RIde Paratransit; see the new rider app and pilot details on RIde App and RIde Anywhere. (ripta.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your clinic social worker about Medicaid NEMT options for medical rides; ask your shelter or CAP for monthly RIPTA support passes; and try scheduling trip windows further in advance on RIde. (ripta.com)

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Taxes & Credits You Should Claim

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — For Tax Year 2025, the maximum federal EITC is $8,046 with three or more qualifying children (income limits apply). Rhode Island’s refundable state EITC equals 16% of your federal EITC. Confirm amounts and file with free help through VITA sites listed by United Way 211. Official amounts and AGI limits are posted on IRS EITC tables and the state rate is tracked by NCSL. (irs.gov)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC) — Federal CTC rules can change; check current 2025 rules and the refundable portion before filing. Use IRS credits and deductions and ask a VITA preparer to maximize your return. If you’re low income with children in care, also review the Child and Dependent Care Credit with your preparer. IRS main site and IRS help pages have the latest.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Book a free VITA appointment through United Way 211 and bring pay stubs, EBT card, and child care receipts; if you’re self‑employed, bring a simple income/expense log and ask about the EITC self‑employment rules on IRS EITC. (irs.gov)

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Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

• Statewide entry points — Call United Way 211 to filter to nearest funds and shelters; check RI Community Action Association to find your CAP office by town; and use RI Community Food Bank to find food sites by ZIP. (unitedwayri.org)
• Faith and charity funds — Ask Keep the Heat On for heating emergencies; contact Amos House for IDs/mail and employment programs; and check Crossroads RI for domestic violence shelter and rapid re‑housing. (heatri.com)
• Immigration help — Reach out to Dorcas International for citizenship and DOJ‑accredited legal help; see the Immigrant Coalition of RI list for clinics; and contact Day One for trauma‑informed legal advocacy for survivors. (diiri.org)
• Disability rights and accommodations — Contact Disability Rights Rhode Island for legal advocacy in benefits, education, and access; ask DRRI intake about timelines; and request language/TTY accommodations at every state office under EOHHS Consumer Info. (drri.org)

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Resources by Region

Use the CAP agencies listed here for LIHEAP, weatherization, and many local supports.

• Providence County: Community Action Partnership of Providence County (CAPP), Blackstone Valley Community Action Program, and Community Care Alliance handle LIHEAP; for legal clinics see RILS Housing; and for DV services call Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center. (cappri.org)
• Kent County: Westbay Community Action supports Warwick/West Warwick/East Greenwich; Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) serves Cranston/Coventry; and regional DV help includes Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center via the Helpline. RICAA list has addresses. (ricommunityaction.org)
• Newport & Bristol Counties: East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) covers East Providence, Bristol/Warren, and Newport area towns; DV services include Women’s Resource Center; housing search via RIHousing. (ricommunityaction.org)
• Washington County & New Shoreham: Tri‑County Community Action — Southern Region covers South County plus Block Island; DV help through Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County; emergency food at local partners listed on the Food Bank map. (rienergy.com)

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Diverse Communities — Tailored Help and Access

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Connect with Sojourner House for LGBTQ+‑affirming shelter and housing; use RICADV’s Helpline to find local advocates; and request gender‑affirming care coverage through your RIte Care plan with help from your health plan’s member line. (helprilaw.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Ask Disability Rights RI for education and access accommodations; request paratransit via RIPTA ADA/RIde; and request large‑print forms or TTY when applying at DHS or EOHHS. (drri.org)
• Veteran single mothers: Get VA health, caregiver, and housing supports through the Providence VA Medical Center; for state benefits and crisis navigation reach the RI Office of Veterans Services; and call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1 listed on VA Providence Contact. (va.gov)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: Use Dorcas International for low‑cost immigration counsel and ESL; read the Immigrant Coalition of RI clinic directory; and ask HSRI about public charge‑safe programs like WIC and school meals. (diiri.org)
• Tribal resources: Ask 211 to identify local tribal liaisons and health services; review LIHEAP crisis standards in the LIHEAP Clearinghouse; and consult IRS EITC tables for tax credits that apply on‑ or off‑reservation. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
• Rural single moms (Block Island/South County): Use Tri‑County Community Action for LIHEAP and weatherization, ask RIPTA RIde Anywhere about out‑of‑corridor trips, and connect with United Way 211 to locate ferry‑friendly resources. (ripta.com)
• Single fathers: The same benefits apply; contact OCSS for parenting time and support orders; ask RILS for help with custody and visitation; and use HSRI for children’s health coverage. (ocss.ri.gov)
• Language access: Every state office must provide interpreters at no cost; request this when you call DHS or HSRI; WIC clinics list Spanish lines on RIDOH WIC. (health.ri.gov)

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Reality Check — Timing, Delays, and Funding

• Reality check: Utility cases improve fastest when you combine one protection (medical, moratorium) with AMP enrollment and a LIHEAP crisis ticket. Winter protections run November 1–May 1 under R.I. Gen. Laws §39‑1‑63, and medical protections require a clinician note under §39‑1.1‑2. Funding and wait times change—call to confirm before you count on a grant. (webserver.rilegislature.gov)
• Reality check: Rent relief grants ended. Most success comes from legal defenses, negotiated stipulations, and help from city‑level charities located through United Way 211 and RILS clinics. EPRI is closed. (rils.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• SNAP decision — up to 30 days; ask for 7‑day expedited via DHS SNAP.
• LIHEAP crisis — agencies must address within 48 hours (18 hours if life‑threatening) per LIHEAP Clearinghouse RI.
• Eviction hearing — usually 14–21 days from filing for nonpayment; 5‑day appeal window per District Court FAQ.
• TDI/TCI — 2025 max weekly TDI $1,103; TCI up to 7 weeks; file at DLT.
• AMP forgiveness — up to $1,500 per year; call Rhode Island Energy. (dhs.ri.gov)

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Application Checklist (screenshot‑friendly)

• Photo ID and Social Security number(s) — ask for interpreter/TTY on DHS or HSRI calls.
• Proof of Rhode Island address — lease, utility bill, or letter from shelter; upload to HealthyRhode.
• Income proof — pay stubs or letter from employer; unemployment/TDI award letters from DLT.
• Child documents — birth certificates, school letters, child support orders from OCSS.
• Bills — shutoff/arrears notices for Rhode Island Energy and oil delivery quotes; LIHEAP needs these via your CAP agency.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting an application without verification — always upload proof in HealthyRhode and note the upload date; confirm receipt with DHS.
• Missing your court date — set reminders; check your case on the RI Judiciary site and call RILS if you can’t attend.
• Waiting for programs that are closed — EPRI is not taking new cases; focus on legal defense and payment plans, plus local 211 funds. (rihousing.com)

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If Your Application Gets Denied

• SNAP/RI Works/CCAP: Ask for a written notice, request an appeal right away, and keep benefits pending if allowed. Upload missing documents in HealthyRhode, call DHS for a status check, and ask RILS for help if deadlines are tight.
• Medicaid/HSRI plans: Request a fair hearing via EOHHS; ask HSRI for a navigator to correct income or household data.
• LIHEAP: Ask your CAP for a supervisor review; appeal within 15 days using the First Appeal Request Form; request crisis status if heat is off. (dhs.ri.gov)

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Program Tables You Can Scan

RI Works benefit examples (current posters)

Source: DHS RI Works (check for housing adjustments). (dhs.ri.gov)

LIHEAP at a glance (FFY 2025)

Start at LIHEAP DHS and the LIHEAP Clearinghouse RI page. (dhs.ri.gov)

SNAP maximums (FY 2025)

See DHS SNAP 2024–2025. (dhs.ri.gov)

UI and TDI/TCI maximums (benefit years starting 7/1/25)

See DLT press release and TDI/TCI FAQ. (dlt.ri.gov)

Child Care and Pre‑K

See DHS Press Release. (dhs.ri.gov)

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County‑Specific Notes and Examples

• Providence Water Bill Help — example: A Providence renter with a shutoff notice coordinates with her landlord; the landlord signs up for free lead service line replacement on Providence Water’s portal and the tenant requests a free lead test. Meanwhile, the tenant calls Rhode Island Energy for AMP and confirms winter protection dates from R.I. Gen. Laws §39‑1‑63. (provwater.com)
• Woonsocket and Northern RI — example: A single mom uses Community Care Alliance for social services and finds a local pantry via Food Bank’s map; she schedules RIde paratransit through RIPTA ADA for medical visits and calls RILS for a custody change. (ripta.com)

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Ten Rhode Island FAQs (with direct links)

1. How fast can I get SNAP if I have no food?
   If you qualify for “expedited” SNAP, DHS can issue benefits within 7 days. Apply and upload proof in HealthyRhode; see amounts and interview rules at DHS SNAP. Ask 211 for nearby pantries through RI Food Bank while you wait. (dhs.ri.gov)
2. My heat is off—what’s the fastest path to restoration?
   Call your CAP and ask for a LIHEAP crisis appointment; agencies must address crises within 48 hours (18 hours if life‑threatening). Also request AMP at Rhode Island Energy and a medical protection if applicable. Use LIHEAP DHS and the Clearinghouse to confirm rules. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
3. What are the exact 2025 child care income limits?
   Families up to 261% FPL can qualify for CCAP; transitional help may continue up to 300% FPL. Start at DHS CCAP and review the March 2025 DHS update. (dhs.ri.gov)
4. How long until my first eviction hearing?
   For nonpayment, District Court typically schedules the hearing 14–21 days after filing. After judgment, you have 5 days to appeal. Read District Court FAQ and contact RILS fast. (courts.ri.gov)
5. Can a utility shut me off in winter?
   The winter moratorium runs November 1 to May 1 for residential electric/gas; protections vary, and serious‑illness certifications provide added safeguards. See R.I. Gen. Laws §39‑1‑63 and PUC rule; ask PUC Consumer to help. (webserver.rilegislature.gov)
6. What’s the 2025 TDI/TCI weekly max and how many weeks do I get?
   Max weekly TDI/TCI is $1,103; TCI provides up to 7 weeks in 2025. File online at DLT TDI/TCI and ask about dependency allowance. (dlt.ri.gov)
7. Is there any rent relief still open?
   No. EPRI is closed to new applications. Focus on legal help at RILS and Center for Justice; find one‑time funds via 211. (rihousing.com)
8. How do I get free help filing taxes?
   Ask United Way 211 about local VITA sites; bring IDs and Socials. Check current EITC/AGI levels on IRS EITC tables and claim Rhode Island’s 16% state EITC tracked by NCSL. (irs.gov)
9. Where can I find safe shelter quickly?
   Call RICADV’s Helpline for DV shelter; for general shelter, call the Coordinated Entry line at 1‑401‑277‑4316 on RIHousing Renters, and keep checking with Crossroads RI. (ricadv.org)
10. What if I need disability legal help for school, benefits, or access?
    Call Disability Rights RI for free legal advocacy, ask RIPTA ADA/RIde about paratransit, and request accommodations in all state program appointments through EOHHS Consumer Info. (drri.org)

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Español — Resumen breve para madres solteras en Rhode Island

Esta sección es un resumen en español (traducción generada con herramientas de IA). Para instrucciones completas, llame a los números indicados.

• Emergencias: Llame al 211 para servicios locales por United Way 211. Para violencia doméstica, llame 1‑800‑494‑8100 o use el chat de RICADV. Para asalto sexual, contacte Day One.
• Alimentos y efectivo: Solicite SNAP/RI Works en HealthyRhode y vea reglas en DHS. Para WIC, use RIDOH WIC. Pida “expedited SNAP” si no tiene comida.
• Corte de servicios: Pida AMP al Rhode Island Energy y LLAME a su CAP para LIHEAP. Protecciones de invierno: 1 de noviembre a 1 de mayo.
• Desalojo: Pida ayuda legal con RILS y Center for Justice; confirme fechas en Corte de Distrito.
• Seguro médico: Inscríbase por HealthSource RI; para Medicaid/RIte Care, llame 1‑855‑840‑4774.

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• Rhode Island Department of Human Services
• Executive Office of Health & Human Services
• HealthSource RI
• Department of Labor & Training
• Rhode Island Judiciary — District Court
• Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission/Division of Public Utilities and Carriers
• LIHEAP Clearinghouse (HHS/ACF)
• Rhode Island Community Action Association
• Rhode Island Legal Services
• Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Day One Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Housing

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This guide is for general information and is not legal advice. Program rules change and funding opens/closes quickly. Always verify current eligibility, amounts, and deadlines with the official agency websites linked above, or call the listed numbers. For legal questions, contact Rhode Island Legal Services or another qualified attorney; for emergencies, use United Way 211 or dial 911 if you are in immediate danger.

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🏛️More Rhode Island Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Rhode Island

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery