How to Apply for TANF in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's TANF cash program is called Rhode Island Works (RIW), and applications go through the state's HealthyRhode Customer Portal, the same system used for health coverage and SNAP. Benefits are means-tested against a $5,000 asset limit and paid out twice a month via EBT card, and most parents must meet work or work-preparation requirements — 20 to 30 hours a week for single parents depending on their youngest child's age, or a combined 35 hours for two-parent households. Cash assistance is capped at a 60-month lifetime limit per adult.

Updated August 2026

1. 1

   Apply through the Customer Portal

   Create an account and apply online at the HealthyRhode DHS Customer Portal (healthyrhode.ri.gov), which also covers health coverage and SNAP.

2. 2

   Or apply by phone or paper application

   Call 1-855-MY-RIDHS (1-855-697-4347) to apply by phone, or download and submit a paper application. Paper applications can be dropped in secure drop boxes at any DHS regional office or mailed to RI Department of Human Services, P.O. Box 8709, Cranston, RI 02920-8787.

3. 3

   Meet income, asset, and residency requirements

   You must have a dependent child or be pregnant, meet income and asset limits (up to $5,000 in resources, home excluded), and be a Rhode Island resident who is a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

4. 4

   Work with a DHS employment advisor

   Most parents must search for work or participate in an employment plan developed with a DHS employment and career advisor, which may include job training or education.

5. 5

   Receive benefits via EBT card

   Approved families get half their monthly cash benefit twice a month on an EBT card, which can be used for cash withdrawals at ATMs and supermarkets.

Verified against the official Rhode Island TANF agency site. View source