Documents Needed for an RI Works Application as a Kinship Caregiver

The DHS-2 application for RI Works, SNAP, and Medicaid asks for a lot of documentation. Missing an item can delay a decision. Your DHS notice identifies the documents needed for your case; this guide lists common items caregivers may be asked to provide.

Child Identification and Vital Records

• Birth record. A birth certificate is DHS's primary proof of age. If it is unavailable, the RI Works rule lists hospital birth records and other documents as acceptable alternatives to verify age. Follow your DHS notice for any separate identity or citizenship verification.
• Social Security card or number. If the physical card is lost, DHS can verify the number electronically through the State Verification and Exchange System (SVES). Provide the number if you know it.
• Proof of citizenship or qualified immigration status if DHS requests it. A child's place of birth alone does not determine whether the child is a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

Caregiver Identity and Residency

• Identity document — examples DHS lists include a driver's license, birth certificate, school or work ID, U.S. passport, or immigration document. A photo ID is not the only acceptable option.
• Proof of Rhode Island residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or a landlord letter confirming your address. The document must show your name and your current Rhode Island address.

Proof of the Care Arrangement

DHS needs to verify that the child lives with you. Evidence of day-to-day care may include:

• A school or day-care record listing you as the child's contact
• Medical or dental records showing that you scheduled appointments for the child
• A private written statement from the parent confirming the child is living with you
• A probate court guardianship order or family court custody order (if you have one — it is not required)
• A DCYF placement agreement (for child welfare cases)

You do not need a court order to apply. Informal caregivers qualify for RI Works child-only grants, SNAP, and RIte Care.

Child's Income Documentation

For a child-only grant, DHS evaluates only the child's income. If the child receives any of the following, bring documentation:

• Social Security survivor benefit award letter
• SSI award letter
• Child support payment records
• Trust or estate distribution statements

If the child has no income, you do not need income documentation for the child-only application.

Caregiver Income and Asset Documentation (Only If Adult-Included)

These documents are needed only if you include yourself in the RI Works assistance unit or are applying for SNAP:

• Pay stubs for the last 30 days
• Social Security or pension benefit statements
• Tax returns
• Bank statements (checking, savings)
• Vehicle information (make, model, year — RI Works allows one vehicle per adult, up to two vehicles per household)

For SNAP, Rhode Island's expanded categorical eligibility rules remove the resource test for households within the applicable income limit. Some households above that limit may be subject to a resource test, so follow your DHS notice about asset documents.

Deduction Verification (SNAP Applicants)

To maximize your SNAP benefit, bring evidence of deductible expenses:

• Rent receipt, lease, or mortgage statement
• Utility bills showing heating or cooling costs; if the household includes someone who is elderly or disabled, proof of LIHEAP may also establish eligibility for the Standard Utility Allowance
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses if you are 60 or older or disabled
• Childcare cost receipts

What If Documents Are Missing

A missing birth certificate or Social Security card does not have to stop the application. File the DHS-2 with what you have and explain which documents are pending. DHS gives you time to submit remaining items. Filing early matters because the benefit start date is the application filing date — not the date verification is complete — if you met all eligibility factors at the time you applied.

The Rhode Island financial help guide includes a printable document checklist organized by program, so you can pack everything into one folder before your DHS visit.

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