RI Works Payment Amounts 2026

You are raising your grandchild in Rhode Island and want to know exactly how much cash assistance the child qualifies for. The answer depends on how many children are in the assistance unit and whether you live in subsidized housing.

2026 Standard Monthly Grant Amounts

After the 20% benefit increase that took effect July 1, 2024, these are the current maximum monthly payments for RI Works:

• 1 child: $510 per month ($445 if in subsidized or public housing)
• 2 children: $701 per month ($635 in subsidized housing)
• 3 children: $865 per month ($791 in subsidized housing)
• 4 children: $990 per month ($925 in subsidized housing)
• 5 children: $1,115 per month ($1,050 in subsidized housing)
• 6 children: $1,240 per month ($1,175 in subsidized housing)

These figures are based on family size. In a child-only case, family size may match the number of children; if you include yourself in the assistance unit, the family size includes you. The subsidized housing rate is lower because the household already receives a rent subsidy.

How the Payment Is Calculated for a Child-Only Case

In a child-only case — where the relative caregiver does not include themselves in the grant — the calculation is straightforward. Start with the maximum grant for the number of eligible children. Subtract any unearned income the child receives directly, dollar for dollar. Common child income sources include Social Security survivor benefits, child support that exceeds the $50 pass-through, and trust disbursements.

If the child has no personal income, the family receives the full maximum. A grandchild receiving $150 per month in survivor benefits would reduce the one-child grant from $510 to $360.

The caregiver's income is never part of this calculation. Retirement pensions, wages, and savings are irrelevant to the child-only payment amount.

When an Adult Is Included

If the relative caregiver wants to be included in the grant — because they are also in financial need — the household's total income and resources are evaluated. The resource limit is $5,000 (the home is excluded, and one vehicle per adult is allowed, up to two vehicles per household). Earned income from employment receives a $525 monthly disregard before reducing the grant.

Including yourself as an adult subjects the entire case to the 60-month lifetime benefit limit and mandatory work requirements of 20–30 hours per week. For most grandparents on fixed retirement income, the child-only route is simpler and avoids these conditions entirely.

How Payments Are Issued

DHS splits the monthly grant into two payments, issued on the 1st and 16th of each month through an EBT card. The first month's payment is prorated from the date you met all eligibility factors, which may be the application date.

What Else the Child May Qualify For

The cash grant is usually not the largest benefit available. A two-person household (grandparent plus one grandchild) may qualify for up to $562 per month in SNAP benefits, and the child is almost certainly eligible for full RIte Care Medicaid coverage. The complete Rhode Island financial help guide covers all of these programs together, with current income thresholds and a step-by-step application walkthrough.

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