URIDA lists 45 programs for people in Rhode Island: 36 from government agencies, 9 from nonprofits, foundations, utilities and other private groups. Each one was checked against its official page. Some serve only part of the state, and dates and rules change, so look on the official page before you apply.
URIDA is not a government agency. Each program's operator takes applications and decides eligibility.
Identity, age, and citizenship or immigration: driver's license, school or work ID, birth certificate, U.S. passport, immigration documents (green card), hospital birth records
Rhode Island residence: rent or mortgage receipts, lease or landlord letter, library card, mail with your home address, voter registration card
Income: check stubs for the last 30 days, an employer statement, benefit award letters, proof of unemployment, temporary disability insurance or Veterans Affairs benefits, tax returns, a self-employment ledger, a child support order
Dependent care costs: receipts for child care or for the care of an adult who cannot care for themselves
Housing costs: rent, lease or mortgage documents, landlord statement, property tax, insurance, utility receipts, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development statement
Child support you pay: a court order or a wage deduction summary
Medical expenses (age 60 and over, or disabled): bills, receipts, prescription costs, insurance premium
Disability or blindness: a Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award letter, or a medical statement
Resources (sometimes for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)): bank statements, vehicle registration, property ownership
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
Who it is for
Rhode Island residents who meet the WIC federal income guidelines and are pregnant, breastfeeding, or post-partum (up to 6 months), and/or a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 5. Individuals receiving Medicaid or SNAP are automatically income eligible.
15kDPA (RIHousing down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers)
Who it is for
First-time homebuyers purchasing a 1-4 family home or condominium in Rhode Island; minimum credit score of 660; must meet RIHousing Price and Income Limits; complete a homebuyer education course; obtain a RIHousing-funded first mortgage; occupy the home as primary residence.
Brown University Health Financial Assistance (The Miriam Hospital)
Who it is for
Covers Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children's, The Miriam Hospital, Newport, Bradley and other listed entities. Uninsured patients must be Rhode Island residents or meet listed exceptions (e.g. non-RI residents seeking Emergency Services); 100% below 201% of FPG, partial at 201%-300%.
Identity, age, and citizenship or immigration documents (all programs)
Income: check stubs for the last 30 days, an employer statement, award letters, tax returns (all programs)
Medicaid: the state human services department checks information against data sources as much as possible; other documents depend on the Medicaid category
'Children must be under age 3 and have a developmental disability or delay in one or more areas.' Children do not have to be eligible for RI Medicaid to receive services.
Workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and have earned enough wages within a specific base period to qualify (UI 'provides temporary income support' to them).
Rhode Island Adult Education (GED/high school certificate, job skills training, ESOL, citizenship)
Who it is for
Rhode Islanders age 18 and older (ages 16-17 with an approved Alternative Learning Plan from their school district may enroll in High School Certificate/GED preparation)
Rhode Island Promise (tuition-free CCRI associate degree for recent graduates)
Run by Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)
Who it is for
Rhode Island residents who graduate from high school (public, private or homeschooled) or earn a GED, age 18 or younger (19-21 in graduation year must submit an appeal), attending CCRI in an associate degree program.
Documents to prepare
The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and your official, final high school or high school equivalency transcript.
Developmental Disabilities (DD) services - Eligibility and Application (BHDDH)
Who it is for
Must meet all five criteria: 18 or older (may apply 2 months before 17th birthday); I/DD diagnosed before age 22; live in Rhode Island or planning to move to Rhode Island; approved by the Division (Clinical Eligibility); financial eligibility through Medicaid LTSS.
Run by Rhode Island Department of Human Services (RI DHS) Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS)
Who it is for
Individuals with a physical, intellectual or emotional impairment that is a substantial barrier to employment, who require VR services and can benefit in terms of an employment outcome; SSDI/SSI recipients are presumed eligible.
Rhode Island Veterans with honorable discharge and 90-days (active) service during wartime who were RI residents for 2 consecutive years prior to application OR joined the service from RI; the Medical Director may approve or disapprove any Veteran's diagnosis for admission.
Refugee Assistance Program (Refugee Resettlement program)
Who it is for
Refugees and other eligible populations: Asylees; Cuban and Haitian Entrants; Amerasians; Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants; Unaccompanied Refugee Minors; Victims of Human Trafficking.
Rhode Island Judiciary Resource Centers and Self-Help Center for self-represented litigants
Who it is for
Self-represented litigants and members of the public using Rhode Island courts. Staff help with wayfinding, procedures and plain-language explanation of court forms; forms must be completed by the court user; court staff cannot provide legal advice.
People with disabilities who are traveling within ¾-mile of a fixed bus route and cannot independently take the bus or travel to and from a bus stop; all ADA trips must start and end in the corridor.