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LoginRhode Island Family Independence Program (FIP)
Program Description
To help improve the lives and economic conditions of Rhode Island's families, the Family Independence Program (FIP) was implemented according to law under the Family Independence Act (FIA) on May 1, 1997. The program is part of Rhode Island's comprehensive reformation of the old Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program.
Through FIP, the Department of Human Services (DHS) offers cash assistance on a temporary basis to those Rhode Islanders and their families who are having a difficult time making ends meet. FIP limits cash assistance for adults to a lifetime total of five years. Families qualify for cash assistance based on the amount of income they take in, other resources they may have and the number of people in their family. Since the goal of FIP has always been to encourage families to get into the workforce and become more self-sufficient, those who are working, or are involved in some type of job training, and fall into a certain income bracket may still qualify for some cash assistance and other important benefits including health care coverage, child care subsidies and food stamps.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Rhode Island, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed (working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Contact Information (Register above for free access!)
