Rhode Island Works Families See Increase in Benefits from the FY 2025 State Budget

CRANSTON, RI – Governor Dan McKee and the RI Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced a permanent 20% increase to Rhode Island Works (RIW) benefits. Families will receive this increase on their monthly cash benefit this week following an increase in funding passed in the signed 2025 state budget.

“This additional investment will help individuals better meet the day-to-day challenges they are facing in their lives. It will also encourage more investment in our local economy,” said Governor McKee.

The 20% increase will benefit approximately 8,700 RI Works families and support Rhode Island residents with some of the highest demonstrated need in the state.

“It is DHS’s goal within this program to give eligible individuals the resources and support they need to become independent while strengthening the foundation of their household,” said DHS Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. “Every dollar allocated to these beneficiaries will enhance and support our commitment to the State’s residents and communities.”

This investment in Rhode Island families is federally funded and is the result of the ongoing dedication from members of the General Assembly, who advocated for these RI Works changes.

“These changes to RI Works are needed in order to fulfill the program’s purpose of being a safety net that helps families in crisis escape poverty. I am grateful for the progress included in the state budget, which will better enable parents to cover their costs. My colleagues and I will continue to advocate for this critical program, because no child in our state should be raised in poverty,” said Sen. Melissa A. Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield).

“All children need and deserve a decent chance at a healthy, successful life, and that simply cannot happen if their family is trapped in the cycle of deep poverty. I’m happy to celebrate the steps in the right direction we have taken this year and in the last few years to better support RI Works, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly and across state government to further strengthen this vital program so it can succeed at ending childhood poverty in Rhode Island,” said Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston).

In addition to the increase in RI Works benefits, working families enrolled in RI Works may also see up to an extra $112.50 because less of their employment income is being counted toward their eligibility, referred to as earned income disregard.

To meet the July 1 requirement outlined in the state budget, DHS issued several payments over the summer equal to the 20% increase, as well as the increased earned income disregard.

RI Works families will receive the increased benefit amount going forward, but these amounts vary by family because RI Works cash assistance is determined by personal circumstances such as, but not limited to, household size and income earned from employment.

Please note benefit increases in RI Works count towards other benefit programs, which could decrease other program’s benefit amounts like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. However, the total amount received by these families will result in a greater net increase in benefits, creating a larger safety net for households in the current economic environment.

RI Works families should refer to their Benefit Decision Notice for information related to changes to their specific case.