Assistance for Single Moms in Rhode Island

Single moms can receive help and assistance in all cities and counties across the state of Rhode Island. Assistance programs aid with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, free health care, and more.

Rhode Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Single moms, couples, children and families, who may be working but are still struggling financially, can receive help from the Department of Human Services (DHS) Supplemental Nutrition assistance Program (SNAP) to buy food and provide nutritious meals for themselves. A partnership between the Federal Government and the state, the program is the largest food and nutrition support program in the state. The Federal Government pays approximately half of the state’s cost to administer the program and the full cost of an individual’s SNAP benefits. Income, resources they poses, and numbers of individuals in a household determine whether adults qualify to receive SNAP benefits. 401-222-7276 for more information about SNAP.

School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Nutritious, low-cost or free lunches are provided in Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to an average of about 50,000 children daily and breakfasts to 7,000 children daily. The USDA provides cash subsidies and donated commodities to the schools that take part in the lunch program. Public school districts, special needs citizen centers, private schools, residential child care institutions, and State school represent some of the program participants.

Rhode Island Special Milk Program
Children in public and private nonprofit schools, and in nonprofit residential or non-residential childcare institutions are encouraged the consumption of milk by the Special Milk Program, provided they do not also participate in other Federal meal service programs. For more information on the SMP call the Nutrition Specialist Kathy Kendall at 401-222-4600.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Low-income pregnant, breastfeeding postpartum women and single moms, infants and children up to the age of 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk can receive supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) . Applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be a nutritional risk in order to be fully eligible for the program. For questions about the program call 800-942-7434.

Rhode Island Summer Food Service
Lunches and breakfast and, in some cases, suppers or snacks are funded by the Summer Food Service Program and offered to children in needy areas when school in not in session during summer. An average of over 17,000 meals daily are provide in Rhode Island by the program. Sponsorship is limited to public or private nonprofit school food authorities, public or private nonprofit colleges or universities that are operating the National Youth Sports Program, public or private nonprofit residential summer camps, state and local governments, and private nonprofit organizations that operate special summer programs. 401-222-4600 2364 for more information.

Rhode Island Works
Temporary cash assistance, health coverage, child care assistance, and help finding job training or a job is offered to single moms by the Department of Human Services’ Rhode Island Works Program. The program is available for adults with children under age 18 (or under age 19 if child is a full-time student) and pregnant women. Those who are working or are involved in some type of job training, and fall into a certain income bracket may still qualify for some cash assistance and other important benefits including child care subsidies, health care coverage, and food assistance, since the goal of the program has always been to encourage families to get into the workforce and become more self-sufficient. For more information on the program call 401-462-5300.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Helping income-eligible participants afford safe, healthy homes in their community, the Section 8 Housing Choice voucher Program is the federal government’s major program. The program allows single moms to choose a home, including the one they already live in, and use a voucher to obtain rental assistance. For more information on the program call 401-457-1157.

Credit Services
Credit counseling and non-profit housing organizations offer help to Rhode Island single moms to eliminate their medical and credit card debts. Assistance with home loans and foreclosure services are other forms of help that many centers will provide. To contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling call 800-388-2227.

Financial Assistance
Single moms can turn to the Salvation Army for cash assistance, a leading nonprofit organization that has centers throughout the whole state of Rhode Island. Case management and referrals are provided alongside funds for paying rent, heating bills, food, and other expenses.

Rhode Island Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
A Federal and state funded program, the Rhode Island Medical Assistance Program, also known as “Medicaid” pays for medical and health related services for eligible Rhode Islanders. Preventive services, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, durable medical equipment, and many more services and benefits are included. For more information on eligibility and benefits please call 401-462-5300.

Rhode Island Rite Care (SCHIP)
Families on the Family Independence Program as well as eligible uninsured single moms, pregnant women, parents, and children up to the age 19 are provided comprehensive health insurance coverage from RIte Care, a Rhode Island’s Medicaid managed care program. To have an application form sent to you or apply by phone as well as getting more information on the program, call 401-462-5300.

Legal Assistance
Free legal support on civil matters can be provided by several pro-bono law firms in Rhode Island to single mothers across the state. A review on your rights on housing, taxes and other matter can be done by meeting with an attorney. In order to contact Rhode Island Legal Services call 401-274-2652 for the office in Providence and 401-846-2264 for the office in Newport.

Unemployment Insurance
If eligibility requirements are met, financial assistance is provided through unemployment insurance benefits to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. You must have worked in Rhode Island during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least a minimum amount of wages, in order to qualify for this benefit program. If you have more questions or wish to file the initial claim over the phone, call 401-243-9100.

Rhode Island Low Income Home Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human services helps fund the Rhode Island Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Designed to help low income households with home heating costs, LIHEAP aims to help those who are struggling pay their bills. 401-574-9100 for public inquiries.