This guide is designed to provide an overview of the government assistance programs that help low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders meet their basic needs. These programs include Income Supports, Food Assistance, Health Care, Child Care, Housing, Utilities and Tax Credits. Information in the Guide is current as of June 24, 2010.

There are several ways to use this guide: 

• If you know the program you are interested in, choose from The Guide's List of Programs

• For a brief overview of the income limits for work support programs see Summary Chart of Program Income Limits

• To determine which program a person or family may be eligible for see Summary Chart by Population
   •  You may access the program page from the chart.
   •  To print out a short summary document of these programs and their requirements, click on the group type (ie “Families with Minor Children”)

• You may also print out a complete copy of the Full Guide, or print out short summaries for Low-Income Families or Low-Income Adults

• For information on immigrants eligibility for public benefits, please see Immigrant Eligibility for Government Benefits page.

• Since program requirements change often, this is meant to be an online resource that will be updated regularly. To learn about recent changes to the programs listed in the Guide, sign up for our "Benefits Bulletin" to receive these updates via email, or visit our  Benefits Bulletin Archive Page.