Am I eligible for help from the Rhode Island Works (RIW) Program?
To receive assistance through this program:
You must have a dependent child or be pregnant
You must meet the income limits
You must meet the asset limits
Most families must meet work requirements
You must live in Rhode Island and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Because the overall goal of RIW Program 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, child care subsidies, and SNAP benefits (food assistance).
DHS employment and career advisors 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 prepared 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.