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Help for single moms in Rhode Island: 30 assistance programs

By Emma Johnson | Updated Apr. 25, 2023 (originally published Apr. 12, 2023)
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If you’re a single mom in Rhode Island struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached. 

Qualifications are simple:

1. You're a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)

Many of the programs on this list determine eligibility as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). These are the July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 federal poverty guidelines:

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$14,580
2$19,720
3$24,860
4$30,000
5$35,140
6$40,280
7$45,420
8$50,560

* For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,140 for each additional person.

You can also look up your area median income (AMI) here.

Emergency cash for low-income families in Rhode Island

If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:

Rhode Island Works

RIW helps families with children with cash assistance while they look for work. Families can receive up to 48 months of assistance. A family of three can get up to $721 per month. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Rhode Island resident
  • Have a dependent child or be pregnant
  • Willing to look for jobs giving at least 20-30 hours per week
  • Meet income requirements, which vary based on whether you live in subsidized or non-subsidized housing
  • Less than $5,000 in resources

How to get help:

More emergency cash help in Rhode Island: 

Single moms in Rhode Island can visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash: 

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Housing help for single moms in Rhode Island

If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help: 

Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Rhode Island

The Housing Choice Voucher Program gives Rhode Islanders cash vouchers to help them pay rent. The program generally subtracts 30% of a family’s adjusted gross income from the rent amount or standard rent rate for the area to calculate how much assistance they receive.

Qualifications:

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Rhode Island

If you need help buying a home in Rhode Island, these programs can help: 

Homeowner Assistance Fund Rhode Island (HAF-RI)

HAF-RI helps Rhode Island homeowners pay mortgages that they can’t afford due to a pandemic-related financial hardship. The program can also help with homeowner’s association fees, utility payments, and property taxes. Homeowners can get up to $50,000 in aid.

Qualifications:

  • Rhode Island homeowner
  • Primary residence only
  • Financial hardship affecting your ability to pay your housing-related costs
  • Mortgage within conforming loan limits
  • Income lower than 150% of AMI                                             

How to get help: 

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage in Rhode Island

This program helps first-time homebuyers get affordable mortgages on homes up to $546,752.

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer buying a primary residence
  • Meet income limits  
  • Eligibility determined by the lender 

How to get help: 

Contact a participating lender.

RIHousing Extra Assistance

Homebuyers in Rhode Island can get the lower amount of up to 6% of their purchase price or $15,000 as a second-lien loan to help pay a down payment. The loan’s interest rate will be the same as the interest rate on your first mortgage in most cases. 

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer buying a primary residence
  • Minimum 620 credit score
  • Take a homebuyer education course
  • Eligible for and participate in the First-Time Homebuyer Loan program

How to get help: 

Contact a participating lender.

RI Statewide DPA Grant

The RI Statewide DPA Grant pays up to $17,500 for first-time homebuyers to use toward down payment assistance or closing costs. Homebuyers do not need to repay the grant money. 

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer buying a primary residence
  • Minimum 660 credit score
  • Take a homebuyer education course
  • Eligible for and participate in the First-Time Homebuyer Loan program    

How to get help: 

Contact a participating lender.

Check today's mortgage loan rates >>

Homeless assistance in Rhode Island

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following programs: 

Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness

This organization oversees Rhode Island’s homelessness call center and other programs to help people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. The Coordinated Entry System (CES) and Continuum of Care program connect families to housing resources.

How to get help: 

Intensive Housing Stabilization Program (IHSP)

IHSP helps families in need of permanent housing. They provide a case management team to give families the support they need, like affordable rental homes and rental assistance.

How to get help: 

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Rhode Island

If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Rhode Island, check out the following programs:

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Rhode Island

LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their utility bills on time. The program offers a one-time payment to the family’s energy company or crisis assistance for families who are at risk of a heating shut-off for past-due payments.

Qualifications:       

How to get help:

Contact your nearest Community Action Program agency.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in Rhode Island

WAP makes energy-efficient upgrades to the homes of enrolled families. The program pays for upgrades and repairs, like fixing air ventilation problems and controlling air drafts in the home. 

Qualifications:

Families who qualify for LIHEAP in Rhode Island also qualify for WAP.

How to get help:

Contact your nearest Community Action Program agency.

Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HSRRP)

HSRRP pays homeowners for one repair or replacement of their home’s heating equipment to improve efficiency.

Qualifications:

Families who qualify for LIHEAP in Rhode Island also qualify for HSRRP.

How to get help:

Contact your nearest Community Action Program agency.

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Rhode Island

Rhode Island families who need help paying for medical or dental services can see if they’re eligible for the following programs. 

Dental Lifeline in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s Dental Lifeline works with more than 200 volunteer dental professionals to provide free or affordable dental services to people who need necessary care. 

How to get help: 

Rhode Island Free and Affordable Dental Clinics

Rhode Island has several dental clinics that give free or low-cost dental services to families in need. 

Qualifications: 

Each dental clinic sets its own rules and qualifications for patients.

How to get help: 

Molar Express

Molar Express is a traveling dental clinic that visits participating schools around Rhode Island to give school children affordable dental services. Families with insurance will have their insurance billed with no out-of-pocket costs. Families without insurance pay an affordable sliding scale fee based on their income.

Qualifications: 

  • Under age 21
  • Attend a participating school or Head Start program

How to get help: 

Call 866-665-2797.

Seal RI

This free program provides dental sealants to children during school hours. The program bills your insurance for the cost, but if you don’t have insurance, you won’t pay a fee.

Qualifications: 

Students must attend an eligible school or program.

How to get help: 

Contact your local Community Action Program.

Rite Care and Rite Share (Medicaid in Rhode Island)

Rite Care and Rite Share are Medicaid programs for families with children in Rhode Island who earn more than the amounts allowed by Medicaid. Pregnant women can also get coverage.

Rite Care is full health coverage, while Rite Share is supplemental coverage that helps families afford an employer’s health care plan. Rite Share pays all of the family’s health plan costs if their income is 150% or below the FPL. Families with higher incomes pay a cost share fee.

Rite Care pays for:

  • Doctor visits
  • Specialist referrals
  • Parenting classes
  • Transportation
  • Lab tests
  • Vaccines
  • Prescriptions
  • Emergency care

Qualifications: 

  • Rhode Island resident
  • U.S. citizen
  • Pregnant or have a child under 19
  • Meet income guidelines

How to get help: 

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Rhode Island

A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:

Rhode Island Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households. 

SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, including:

  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Plants and seeds to grow food 

Click here for a list of what you can and cannot buy. A family of three in Rhode Island can receive up to $740 per month, depending on their income. 

Qualifications:

  • Rhode Island resident
  • U.S. citizen 
  • Gross income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
  • Gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level if someone 60 or older is part of the household

How to get help: 

  • Apply online
  • Mail an application to: RI Department of Human Services, P.O. Box 8709, Cranston, RI 02920-8787
  • Visit a DHS office

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Rhode Island

Rhode Island moms and pregnant women can get help from WIC to pay for infant formula and nutritious foods for themselves and their children. WIC also offers development screenings, breastfeeding support, and help finding health care resources.

Qualifications:

  • Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
  • Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
  • Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC

How to get help: 

Apply at your local WIC office.

School Food Programs in Rhode Island

The school lunch and breakfast programs give Rhode Island students free or reduced meals if their family income qualifies. 

Kindergarteners who do not have access to these programs can still participate in the Special Milk Program, which provides free milk during school meals.

Children participating in after-school programs can also get a free snack or meal from the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Qualifications: 

  • Attend a participating school
  • Income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines

How to get help: 

  • Contact your child’s school for more information
  • Call 401-222-4269
  • Email [email protected] 

Summer Food Service Program in Rhode Island

Children attending participating schools or programs can get free meals throughout the summer. 

Qualifications: 

Children must be 18 or younger. Participating sites can determine their own requirements for meals.

How to get help: 

Find a participating program.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Rhode Island Community Food Bank raises money and distributes food to help families in need. Its programs include:

  • Healthy Habits Nutrition Education: Hosts classes and programs to teach communities how to eat healthily.
  • School Pantries and Backpack Programs: These programs help stock schools with food to give to children in need.
  • Meals4Kids Boxes: Gives school-aged children boxes of food for winter and summer breaks.
  • Kids Cafe: Gives kids after-school meals.

How to get help: 

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Rhode Island

The following programs can help single moms in Rhode Island afford child care while they work or go to school.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in Rhode Island

CCAP pays for some or all of a family’s child care costs while parents/caregivers attend work or school. Monthly co-pays are between 0%-7% of your child care costs, depending on your family’s income. For instance, a three-person family can receive up to $23,030/year with no co-pay or up to $46,060/year with a co-pay up to $62. 

Qualifications: 

  • Child under 13
  • Income up to 200% of FPL 
  • Work at least 20 hours each week

How to apply: 

Rhode Island Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school. 

Qualifications: 

  • Child age 0-5
  • Income at or below FPL
  • Homeless or in foster care

How to apply: 

Download the Head Start program guide to find a program in your area.

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Rhode Island

If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education in Rhode Island, here are some helpful resources: 

Adult Education in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers the General Educational Development (GED) test and National External Diploma Program (NEDP) for people who haven’t finished high school.

The GED test includes four testing areas, each costing:

  • $30 for an in-person test
  • $36 for an online test

You can apply for a fee waiver through the Rhode Island Department of Education. Applicants must be 18 to apply with no restrictions, but 16 and 17-year-olds can participate if they’re homeschooled or have an alternative learning plan through their school. 

NEDP grades a student’s high-school-level skills through real-world activities over several weekly small group appointments. You must be 21 or older to participate in NEDP. 

How to apply: 

Grants and scholarships in Rhode Island

RIScholarships is an online database of scholarships to use for your college education in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Foundation offers grants and scholarships to Rhode Islanders pursuing a college program. Browse and apply for scholarships through Rhode Island Foundation.

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Rhode Island

Workforce programs in Rhode Island provide training and assist with employment:

Rhode Island Unemployment Benefits

Rhode Island pays unemployment benefits to eligible residents who have lost a job, been laid off, or who have had their hours cut at work. Rhode Islanders can get benefits for each week they qualify. 

Qualifications: 

  • Rhode Island resident
  • Unemployed, laid off, or had a reduction of hours
  • Actively search for a new job
  • Meet wage requirements

How to get help: 

Register an account and file your weekly claims online at UI Online. 

Rhode Island Works

While this program offers cash assistance for people with low incomes, it also provides employment and training opportunities. The program can help with job readiness, job placement, and retention services.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Rhode Island resident
  • Have a dependent child or be pregnant
  • Willing to look for jobs giving at least 20-30 hours per week
  • Meet income requirements, which vary based on whether you live in subsidized or non-subsidized housing
  • Less than $5,000 in resources

How to get help:

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Rhode Island

There are a number of charitable organizations throughout Rhode Island that offer support to single moms:

Sojourner House

Soujourner House operates across Rhode Island to help people who need shelter, job training, or sexual health support. It also helps victims of domestic abuse. 

How to get help: 

  • Call the office at 401-861-6191 or the 24/7 hotline at 401-765-3232
  • Email [email protected] 

The Salvation Army of Rhode Island

The Salvation Army has several Rhode Island locations offering help to families in their local communities. Services include:

  • Job training
  • Financial assistance
  • Skill building
  • Gifts for holidays
  • Domestic violence support
  • LGBTQ+ support
  • Food donations
  • Emergency shelter
  • Housing assistance
  • After-school programs
  • Youth activities

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army location has its own requirements for its programs and services.

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army of Rhode Island website to find your local chapter. 

United Way of Rhode Island

The United Way of Rhode Island helps the state’s communities in numerous ways. The organization raises money for charities, hosts workplace training events, and runs book drives for kids. Families can receive help through sponsored programs, like food banks, education scholarships, and rental assistance.

How to get help: 

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Wealthysinglemommy.com founder Emma Johnson is an award-winning business journalist, activist, author and expert. A former Associated Press reporter and MSN Money columnist, Emma has appeared on CNBC, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, TIME, The Doctors, Elle, O, The Oprah Magazine. Winner of Parents magazine’s “Best of the Web” and a New York Observer “Most Eligible New Yorker," her #1 bestseller, The Kickass Single Mom (Penguin), was a New York Post Must Read. As an expert on divorce and gender, Emma presented at the United Nations Summit for Gender Equality and multiple state legislature hearings. More about Emma's credentials.

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