AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM

HB 7394 requires Rhode Island's Department of Human Services to automatically enroll families receiving cash assistance under the Rhode Island Works Program (Section 40-5.2-11) into SNAP benefits if they meet SNAP's standard eligibility requirements. This change eliminates the need for separate SNAP applications for qualifying families already approved for cash assistance. The bill directly affects low-income households receiving state cash aid who would otherwise need to apply separately for food assistance. It streamlines access to nutrition benefits by linking eligibility determinations between the two programs, with no new benefit amounts or requirements added. The policy takes effect upon passage, applying to all families meeting both programs' criteria.