TANF in Rhode Island is a federal program that is managed at the state level. Known as Rhode Island Works, the program provides financial support to eligible low-income families. Previously, the program would provide medical assistance to recipients in addition to cash benefits. However, TANF no longer offers this assistance automatically. The TANF application process for the program is relatively simple. However, it requires gathering proof of documentation. There are additional steps TANF officials may ask you to complete to ensure you qualify.

In addition to offering cash benefits, the program also offers help in finding employment. TANF in Rhode Island seeks to promote financial autonomy. As such, participating in job training and employment opportunities is one of the requirements to maintain benefits. There is also a cap on how long beneficiaries can receive assistance. For an in-depth understanding of what is TANF in Rhode Island, its application process and benefits, review the sections below.

Who qualifies for TANF in Rhode Island?

To receive TANF benefits, applicants must meet state and federal eligibility requirements, which determine who is eligible for TANF enrollment. Residency is one of the mandatory requirements to receive TANF in the state. Not only must the applicant be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, but they must also be a resident of Rhode Island. To prove legal residency, applicants will have to provide a water bill, a house deed or other document that includes the applicant’s name and address.

The program targets families with very low income. As such, TANF eligibility requirements also include income limits. Based on the total monthly value of the applicant’s sources of income, TANF caseworkers will determine if you fall within income requirements. Your household’s income is also a contributing factor to the cash assistance amount you receive if allowed into the program.

How to Apply for TANF in Rhode Island

Once you review the TANF qualifications, the next step is beginning the application process. There are three ways that you can apply for TANF. The first and most convenient method is online through the website portal. You can also apply via mail by filling out the application and sending it to your local Department of Human Services office. Another method of applying for Rhode Island Works is in person. Once you locate the nearest DHS office near you, you can visit in person and speak with a caseworker. Be sure to call ahead for their hours of operation and know what documents, if any, you will need to bring.

With any method you use to apply, you must fill out the TANF application form correctly to move the process along. In the form, you must provide personal information regarding:

• Your identity, such as your Social Security Number.
• Your income.
• Your residency and immigration status.

This will allow TANF officials to assess if you qualify for TANF benefits. The next step in the application process in the TANF interview. The applicant must participate in an interview with a caseworker from the program. Documentation for all household members is generally mandatory. During this process, the caseworker will determine how much cash assistance would benefit the family and discuss the expectations of the program. Download our comprehensive guide for details about applying to TANF in Rhode Island.

How much cash assistance will I get in Rhode Island?

The cash amount of TANF benefits that a family will receive depends on the case. There is no Rhode Island TANF calculator currently available to applicants. However, it is important to know that several factors influence how much cash assistance an applicant will get. TANF caseworkers determine TANF benefits by family size, circumstances and income. Cash assistance can range anywhere from $400 to $700 for a family of two to four. For each additional household member, the family will receive an additional cash amount every month.

If you are wondering, “Do you have to pay back TANF?” the answer is generally no. The state receives funding to provide cash assistance to low-income families. The benefits are a grant and as such, do not require repayment. The only exception to this rule is in the case of fraud. If a TANF beneficiary misuses his or her cash benefits, then he or she may have to repay the benefits. Instances of fraud include letting non-household members use the card and selling the benefits. Download our comprehensive guide for more information about cash assistance benefits.

How long does it take to get TANF benefits in Rhode Island?

Within a few weeks of submitting a TANF application, the law requires caseworkers to notify applicants of their status. Applicants can expect to hear if they were deemed eligible or ineligible for the program. The notice should also include the reasons for the TANF denial, if applicable, as well as information on filing an appeal. If the applicant has an immediate need for cash benefits, then he or she may receive assistance immediately. Typically, this requires showing proof of income less than a certain amount.

Once you begin to receive your benefits, you may wonder at what time does TANF deposit the cash on the electronic benefits transfer card (EBT). While there is no specific time, TANF makes deposits twice a month with one-half of the family’s cash benefits. Beneficiaries will not have to ask, “When will I receive my TANF benefits,” as they follow that same TANF payment schedule consistently throughout the duration of the program.

How long can you receive TANF in Rhode Island?

Once you know the answer to the common question, “How much money do you get from TANF,” you might ask about the benefits’ duration. Rhode Island Works has a lifetime assistance limit of four years. However, beneficiaries cannot receive benefits for four continuous years. They are only a few months out of any five-year period during which they can receive continuous benefits. This means that once a family is enrolled in the program, a countdown begins and they can only enjoy the benefits for a limited time.

How can I check my TANF status in Rhode Island?

To check the status of your TANF online application, you may do so by visiting the website portal through which you applied. Applicants who applied by mail or in person can also receive an update on their application by calling the DHS directly. To do so, locate the TANF office near you. The next step is contacting a program official by using the TANF number to reach their office. Be sure to call during business hours to ensure you can reach someone.