E-newsletter | October 2017
SNAP Benefit Changes on October 1

We have updated our Guide to Assistance SNAP page and our   Program Limits Chart to reflect the new maximum SNAP benefits per household size that are effective October 1, 2017. Due to a federally-required cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the maximum benefits were reduced by small amounts.

Here is important information for SNAP households to know:

In September, SNAP recipients in Rhode Island were notified about changes to their SNAP benefits for October 1, 2017. Most recipients will see an increase or decrease in benefits of $1 - $10 dollars. This is due to the COLA to SNAP benefits and changes made to certain SNAP deductions.
However, several thousand households were also notified of a larger change in their SNAP benefits in addition to the change due to the COLA. The notices to these households include two eligibility periods on the second page of the notice. There is an eligibility period starting "Oct. 1 and ongoing" and a second eligibility period ending September 30 and starting some time prior to September
If the household's benefits are LESS on October 1 and for the prior eligibility period than what they were receiving, the household may want to contact RI Legal Services (274-2652) for help determining whether the lower benefits are correct and whether they should appeal the reduced amount of benefits.
If the household's benefits are MORE on October 1 and for the prior eligibility period, there will also be a notice of "corrected SNAP benefits" and amounts added to their EBT card. The months of corrected benefits should match the months in the eligibility period.  If there is a discrepancy, the person may want to call RI Legal Services for help.
Heating Assistance: LIHEAP

The Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps households pay for their heating and energy bills runs from November 1st to March 31st. People who received LIHEAP last year should be receiving a renewal application in the mail this month.
People who want to apply for the first time will need to make an appointment with their local Community Action Program. To learn more about this program see our LIHEAP Guide Page.
Contact Us
600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue
Building #9
Providence, RI 02908
Telephone: (401) 456-8512
Fax: (401) 456-9550

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