How to Apply for RI Works as a Relative Caregiver

You have a child living with you who is not your own, and you need cash help now. Rhode Island Works (RI Works) provides monthly payments for the child, and the application process has three paths — online, by phone, or in person at a regional DHS office.

Three Ways to Apply

Online: Create an account at healthyrhoderi.gov and complete the application electronically. This is the DHS-2 form in digital format. You can upload documents directly through the portal.

By phone: Call 1-855-697-4347 to start an application over the phone. A DHS worker walks through the questions and tells you which documents to submit.

In person: Submit the completed DHS-2 form at a secure drop box at any DHS office. DHS lists walk-in offices in Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, South County in Wakefield, and Newport County in Middletown; the Shepard Building in Providence and Hazard Building in Cranston are appointment-only. Check the DHS office page for current access before visiting.

What to Specify on the Application

When you fill out the DHS-2, you will be asked who should be included in the assistance unit. If you want a child-only grant — where your own income and assets are not counted — do not include yourself as a member of the assistance unit. List only the child or children.

This distinction matters. A child-only case evaluates only the child's own income (survivor benefits, child support, trust payments). An adult-included case counts your wages, pension, bank balances, and other resources against a $5,000 asset limit and subjects you to work requirements and the 60-month time limit.

Documents You Will Need

Gather these before your appointment or online submission:

• Child's birth certificate (DHS's primary proof of age; the RI Works rule lists alternative age records if it is unavailable)
• Child's Social Security card or number (DHS can verify through SVES if the card is unavailable)
• Proof the child lives with you — a school or day-care record listing you as the contact, medical or dental records showing you arranged care, or other evidence of day-to-day care
• Child's income documentation — if the child receives Social Security survivor benefits, child support, or any other income, bring the award letter or payment records
• Your identity document — DHS lists a driver's license, birth certificate, school or work ID, U.S. passport, and immigration documents as examples.
• Proof of Rhode Island residency — a utility bill, lease, or landlord statement in your name

You do not need a court order. Informal caregivers, probate guardians, and family court custodians all qualify. A private written statement from the parent confirming placement works as proof of the care arrangement if no court order exists.

What Happens After You Submit

For RI Works, DHS must make an eligibility and payment decision within 30 days of the filing date. If you are eligible, the start date is the date you met all eligibility factors, which may be the filing date; the initial month is prorated from that date.

If DHS requests additional documents, respond promptly. Missing the verification deadline can result in denial, though you can reapply without penalty.

After Approval

Approval also triggers a child support cooperation requirement. DHS will expect you to work with the Office of Child Support Services to identify the absent parent. If cooperation would put you or the child at risk of harm, file a Good Cause Exception using Form AP-35.

Your benefits are issued twice monthly on an EBT card. Annual recertification is required — DHS will notify you before the deadline, but tracking it yourself prevents lapses.

The complete Rhode Island financial help guide includes the full document checklist, a form-by-form walkthrough of the DHS-2, and instructions for what to do if your application is denied.

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