Meeting Basic Needs in the COVID-Changing World

About this event During the pandemic, the federal government funded new programs and expanded benefits of existing programs to help people as they lost jobs, income, and healthcare coverage. But on September 6, millions across the U.S. and thousands in the Ocean State will lose their Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) which offered Americans a boost of $300 a week to …

COVID-19 Webinars

We have videos below with important COVID-19 information to help Rhode Islanders. While some of the information is out of date, the majority of the content is still relevant. WEBINAR – April 29, 2020 – The Economic Progress Institute, the Immigrant Coalition of Rhode Island, and The Latino Policy Institute hosted a webinar with local experts to learn about resources …

Paid Sick Leave

Rhode Island’s many full and part-time workers can accrue time off under the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act. Workers earn 1 hour of time for every 35 hours they work. The maximum amount of time that can be accrued is 40 hours. Workers can take time off when they are sick or to take care of a family …

Capital Good Fund Loans

Capital Good Fund loans are short term loan options that serve as an alternative to payday loans, pawn shops, buy-here-pay-here auto dealers, and other high-interest loan products. There are various loans to fit clients’ different needs (Emergency Loans, Weatherization Loans, Car Loans, Immigration Loans, Other Personal Loans). Loan amounts vary depending on the type of loan (see list of loans …

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides a monthly benefit for the purchase of food items through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card (EBT). The card is used at participating supermarkets and convenience stores. The EBT card can also be used to buy food on-line at Amazon, Walmart and Aldi’s. For more information, see the DHS Online Shopping Guide with …

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs designed to improve the school readiness of children in low-income families. Children receive comprehensive services that provide for the education, health and emotional growth of the child. •  Head Start serves low-income children and their families in the two years prior to kindergarten entry. •  Early Head Start serves low-income …

Property Tax Relief Circuit Breaker Program

Program provides state-funded tax credit to senior and disabled homeowners and renters whose property taxes exceed between 3% and 6% of their household income. For renters, property tax is calculated at 20% of annual rent.  The maximum credit is $600 for tax year 2022. Who Qualifies? For Tax Year 2022: Homeowner/renter must be a senior (over age 65) or disabled …