Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country and only has around 1.1 million people who live there. It’s also a state that has a higher cost of living than other places. Due to the high cost of living there may be people who struggle financially at times. When this happens it is good to know where to turn to for help paying the bills. The good news is that there are numerous programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Rhode Island.
The programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Rhode Island will ensure that basic needs are being met. They will help provide food, healthcare, housing assistance, bill payment assistance, and more. They are often funded by the federal government, although some are made possible by the state government and organizations that have a mission of helping people in the community.
There is no limit to how many of these helpful programs you can apply for or receive funds from at one time. Be sure to reach out to all of them that you feel you qualify for, so you are better able to meet your basic needs and make ends meet. Some of the programs have time limits on how long you can receive help from them, but others do not, providing your financial status stays the same.
Financial Help for African Americans in Rhode Island
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program offers financial help for African Americans in Rhode Island by providing free food. Those who are approved for the program will receive a debit-style card that has funds electronically added to each month. The card can be used as a payment source at the grocery store or farmer’s market. The amount you will receive on this program is determined by how many dependents you have in your family. For example, a family of three will get $740 per month, while a family of five will receive $1,116 per month. There is no limit to how long you can receive SNAP in Rhode Island. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply for the program, click here.
Rhode Island Works – This program is similar to the ones in other states that are called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program will help people by providing a cash benefit that can be used to pay for living expenses. They will also provide job readiness and support to help people gain skills, get a job, and become self-sufficient. They will provide job training programs and help people with their journey toward gainful employment. They will even provide bus passes to help people who need transportation to and from work. To qualify for the cash benefit, you have to meet the income limits, have at least one dependent child or be pregnant, adhere to their work program requirements, and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply, click here.
Medicaid – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Rhode Island by helping to cover the costs of medical expenses. Those who are qualified for the program will be able to get access to free healthcare, including seeing a primary care doctor, specialist, eye doctor, dentist, go to the hospital, and obtain prescription drugs. There is no limit to how long you can get help through the Medicaid program. As long as you continue to meet the requirements for the program you can get the help. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply for Medicaid in Rhode Island, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program helps people pay for their energy bills. They will help pay for heating bills and provide help in crisis situations, such as if you are facing a disconnection. To qualify for this program you have to have a low income. The program is open to those who rent and own and those who are not receiving any other form of public assistance. Applications are taken each year from September through May. You will need to re-apply for assistance each year that you need it. To get more information or apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The HUD program is federally funded and focuses on helping people with their housing needs. To qualify for their programs, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Some of the programs they offer are helping people pay their rent, avoid foreclosure, providing weatherization services, pay for necessary home repairs, and more. They also own some housing units that they allow people to live in for free. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program focuses on ensuring that women who are pregnant or who have a child age five and under have access to healthy foods. To qualify, you also have to have a low income. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get free healthy foods from the store each month, including fruits, vegetables, bread, cereal, etc. To apply for WIC in Rhode Island you have to visit one of their clinics and apply in person. To find a clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This program offers financial help for African Americans in Rhode Island by providing free food, clothing, shelter, and a variety of other programs. They are part of the national organization that has over 3,000 locations in the country. They are a faith-based organization, but they don’t expect the people they help to be religious. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization offers several locations that will provide people with free food, clothing, bill payment assistance, shelters, and more. To get more information or find a location close to you, click here.