Amends the Rhode Island works program to allow lawful permanent residents to receive benefits without a waiting period and increases the monthly cash benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2026.

Summary of Rhode Island House Bill on the Rhode Island Works Program

The Rhode Island Works Program is the state's version of a federal welfare assistance program (known as TANF – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) that provides cash benefits to low-income families with children. This bill proposes two significant changes to that program. First, it would eliminate a waiting period that currently applies to lawful permanent residents — meaning green card holders who are legal immigrants — before they can access benefits. Second, starting July 1, 2026, it would increase the monthly cash assistance that qualifying families receive, raising it to an amount equal to 100% of the federal poverty level.

Currently, many lawful permanent residents must wait a period of time after receiving their immigration status before they can qualify for certain public benefits. This bill would remove that barrier specifically for the Rhode Island Works Program, allowing eligible legal immigrants to apply and receive benefits right away. The increase in benefit amounts would apply more broadly to all program participants, meaning low-income families currently receiving cash assistance would see their monthly payments go up significantly, since current benefit levels are typically well below the federal poverty line.

This bill would primarily affect two groups: lawful permanent residents who were previously excluded or delayed from receiving assistance, and low-income families already participating in the Rhode Island Works Program who would receive higher monthly payments. The bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee, reflecting that lawmakers will need to evaluate the cost impact to the state budget. As of the most recent legislative action, the bill has been recommended to be held for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced toward a vote.