COVID-19

The Economic Progress Institute staff are especially focused on how COVID-19 is impacting low-income communities throughout Rhode Island. These communities, which are disproportionally communities of color, are bearing greater burdens than most - both from the virus’s spread and disruptions to the economy. 

On this page you can find factsheets on these topics:  

  • Health Care 
  • Workers’ Rights and Options 
  • Immigrants
  • Food Assistance 
  • Stimulus Payment 
  • The State Economy 

These materials are meant to help Rhode Islanders and community helpers understand the resources available to them during this crisis.  

We also have videos below with important COVID-19 information to help Rhode Islanders. 

WHAT'S NEW/UPDATED

  • [OCTOBER 15, 2020] COVID-19 Stimulus Payment Flyer (ENGLISH/SPANISH) NOV. 21 DEADLINE

Videos

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 for health care, income supports, food assistance, housing, and utility protection for Rhode Island immigrants. Public charge and USCIS concerns were also discussed.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE WEBINAR MATERIALS

WEBINAR - April 29, 2020 - The Economic Progress Institute, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, RI Department of Human Services, and LISC Rhode Island hosted a webinar providing an overview of UI, Loans, and CCAP payments.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE WEBINAR MATERIALS

WEBINAR - August 20, 2020 - The Economic Progress Institute, in partnership with the Latino Policy Institute, AMOR RI, Rhode Island Center for Justice, and Fuerza Laboral, hosted a webinar to help Rhode Islanders learn about their rights, safety, and options as Rhode Island returns to work.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE WEBINAR MATERIALS

Factsheets

Health Care

  • [APRIL 20, 2020] COVID-19: Getting Health Coverage and Health Care (ENGLISH/SPANISH)

    Workers’ Rights 

    • [JULY 7, 2020] Do I Need to Return to Work During COVID-19 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
    • [JULY 7, 2020] Worker Safety Rights. Sick Leave, and Unemployment During COVID-19 (ENGLISH/SPANISH)

    Immigrants

    • [OCTOBER  22, 2020] COVID-19: Resources Guide for Undocumented Immigrants (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
    • [OCTOBER 22, 2020] COVID-19: Resources Guide for DACA, TPS, and DED holders (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
    • [JULY 7, 2020] Affordable Health Insurance for Immigrants 2020(ENGLISH/SPANISH)

    For other immigrant-related information, visit out Immigrant page.

    Food Assistance

    • [APRIL 20, 2020] COVID-19: What to Know About WIC (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
    • [JULY 7, 2020] SNAP/EBT Online Factsheet (ENGLISH/SPANISH)
    • P-EBT Factsheet (ENGLISH/SPANISH)

      Earnings Replacement

        The State Economy  

        Other Important Timely Information

        Housing

        AVOID EVICTIONS:  FILL OUT THE DECLARATION FORM AND APPLY FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE

        Pursuant to a September 5 order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent, renters are protected from eviction until January 2021, if they meet certain conditions:

        • your income is less than $99,000 per year ($198,000 for a joint tax return)
        • you can’t pay rent because of loss of income, wages, hours or work or high medical expenses
        • you are trying your best to make a payment, and if you were evicted, you would become homeless, need to move into a shelter, or with relatives.

        To get the protection from eviction, adult renters need to sign this declaration form. Make a copy for yourself and give the declaration to your landlord.

        Renters who need help paying for rent can apply for the Safe Harbor Program online. Assistance is available regardless of immigration status. You can also call 2-1-1 to find out about other rental assistance.

        The Center for Justice (491-1101) or RI Legal Services (274-2652) can help you with more information and assistance with housing problems, For more information visit Visit the Center for Justice website for more information.

        For other information visit the RI Coalition for the Homeless COVID-19 Resources page.

        Utilities

        AVOID UTILITY SHUT-OFFS: ENROLL IN A DISCOUNT RATE PROGRAM WITH NATIONAL GRID

        The protection against utilities (gas and electric) shut-off ended on September 30 and people may now receive a shut-off notice for failing to pay their bill. However, if the person is enrolled in a discount rate program with National Grid, they are protected from shut-off until April, 2021.  Enrollment can be at any time – including when the person receives a shut-off notice. Eligibility is based on household income. If the person’s whose name is on the utility bill is receiving SNAP, SSI, Medicaid Assistance, RI Works or LIHEAP, they meet the income test.  If they are not receiving one of these benefits, they may be able to get a statement from a local CAP agency that income is within the LIHEAP limits. Click here for the application for the discount rate program.

        The George Wiley Center (728-5555) or the Center for Justice (491-1101) may be able to help people enroll and answer questions. Visit the Center for Justice website for more information.

        Food

        The Rhode Island Community Food Bank Food List is updated regularly to reflect changes in food assistance program operations in response to COVID.

        SCHOOL MEALS

        In addition to the meals programs in school, “Grab n Go” meals are available for children who are learning from home either full-time or part-time and are not in the classroom. All children under age 18 are eligible, regardless of immigration status. Check with your school about how meals are provided and any requirements to pick up meals without a child present. You can also click here to see the list of Grab and Go sites.

        Other Resources

          Domestic Violence

                Older Rhode Islanders

                Rhode Islanders with Disabilities

                Unemployment Insurance 

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