How2Day: The Eligibility Requirements for Food Stamps in Rhode Island

Rhode Island residents who qualify may receive food assistance through the Department of Human Services. VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm/Photodisc/Getty Images
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) offers nutrition assistance in the form of food stamps to eligible residents. Qualifying individuals and families are certified for a period of six months to receive monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card is used like a debit card to purchase approved food items from participating retailers. Eligibility for food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is based on several factors including household income, expenses and resources. Residents of Rhode Island may apply for food stamp benefits through the local DHS office.

To qualify for food stamps, a household's gross income must not exceed 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The limit is increased to 165 percent for households containing an elderly or disabled person and 185 percent for households receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. As of 2010, the gross monthly income limit for a family of three is $1,984. The limit increases by $406 for each additional person in the household.

A net income test is applied to households that do not meet the gross income test. For the net income test, the total household income minus allowable deductions must not exceed 100 percent of the federal poverty level. Income considered in the determination of eligibility includes earned income, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation and child support or alimony payments.

Certain basic household expenses are subtracted from the household's net income to determine eligibility based on the net income test. Allowable deductions include shelter costs up to $458 per month, utility and phone expenses and child support paid by a member of the household. A standard deduction equal to 8.31 percent of the current federal poverty level is applied to all households. Twenty percent of any earned income is also deducted under the net income test.

Another factor in food stamp eligibility is the available assets, or resources, of a household at the time of application, including cash on hand and money in checking or savings accounts. The resources of a household containing a disabled person or someone over the age of 60 years old must not exceed $3,000 as of 2010. The resource limit for all other households is $2,000. Resources that are not counted include the home or land on which the applicant resides, one vehicle per household, the Earned Income Credit (EIC) and energy and educational assistance. Recipients of Supplemental Security Income or Rhode Island Works cash assistance are considered categorically eligible and assets of these household members not counted.

To receive food stamps through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, the applicant must be a current resident of Rhode Island and able to provide documentation such as a lease or recent utility bill. Applicants must also prove U.S. citizenship for all household members by providing a valid Social Security number. Legal immigrants of the U.S. are eligible to receive food stamp benefits after residing in the country for five years.

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