The program, the largest food and nutrition support program in the state, is a partnership between the federal government and the state. The federal government pays the full cost of an elderly individual's food stamp benefits and approximately half of the state's cost to administer the program. Like several other DHS programs, elderly Rhode Islanders qualify to receive food stamp benefits based on their income, the resources they have and the number of individuals in their household. The Food Stamp Program is an important part of the services offered by DHS, but elderly individuals do not need to be participating in other DHS programs to receive food stamp benefits. They can be unemployed, working, or receiving a pension to qualify for food stamp benefits.
Homeless individuals can also qualify to receive food stamp benefits.
How to Apply for Food Stamp Benefits Applications for food stamp benefits are available at local DHS offices. To locate the office nearest you visit our office locations page . Elderly individuals may pick up an application in person, call to receive one by mail, or have someone else pick up an application for them. An in-person interview is also part of the application process. To help enhance security and reduce the stigma often associated with receiving food stamp benefits, paper coupons and checks are no longer issued.