When Kelley Fluette stepped up to care for her 10-year-old granddaughter, she found herself needing support — not just emotionally and physically, but financially. Like many others in Rhode Island, she turned to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, now known locally as the “Rhode Island Works” program. Kelley feels compelled to share, not just to shed light on her experience, but to help others avoid the pitfalls she encountered.
A Confusing Start: “I wasn’t sure if they wanted my info or hers.”
Kelley first picked up the TANF application at a Social Security office because, at the time, it wasn’t available online. The paperwork was long — 34 pages — and filled with questions that didn’t seem relevant to her situation.
“I was told my income doesn’t matter,” she said, “but they were still asking about how much I spend on my mortgage, groceries… all these questions that felt irrelevant. It was worded kind of wonky.”
Despite being knowledgeable about systems like DCYF and child care, Kelley admits she struggled to make sense of what information they were asking for and why.
Hours at the Office, But a Step Forward
Kelley filled out the paperwork at home and returned to the office expecting to drop it off — instead, she spent two hours going over every single question with staff. But that effort paid off.
“I actually got my Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that day,” she said. “They printed it right there and handed it to me.” (EBT Card is an electronic system that allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits.)
The card gave her some financial support — $100 for the first child, with smaller amounts if she had more: $60 for a second, $40 for a third. While helpful, it wasn’t enough to cover everything, and the card itself came with complications.
A Card That Doesn’t Always Work
Some stores didn’t accept the EBT card, or Kelley would get stuck at the register unsure which button to press. “They ask you to choose: Food, Debit, or Cash. I kept pressing ‘Debit’ and getting declined — I didn’t realize I had to press ‘Cash.’ It was just… confusing.”
She found herself giving up more than once before figuring it out. Even now, some stores won’t take it for reasons she still doesn’t understand.
“Most people don’t even know it exists.”
One of the biggest issues, Kelley says, is awareness. “Not only do the families not know this program exists, even some of the people who work in the offices don’t know it exists — or don’t realize TANF is now Rhode Island Works.”
She has heard that efforts are being made to educate DHS employees, but families still face a knowledge gap — especially those who’ve gone through probate court for guardianship (as she did), rather than through DCYF, which provides different support.
Helping Others: “Just don’t give up.”
Kelley wants others to know the effort is worth it — but don’t be afraid to ask for help.
She found guidance from The Village, a local nonprofit supporting families, and from friends like Laurie Tapozada who had navigated the same system. Kelley has even offered to help others with their applications. “I would say, just don’t give up. A lot of people do, because it’s complicated — but call someone, ask questions. There are people who’ve been through it who can help.”
If you’re unsure where to start, The Village can connect you with someone who knows the system — even if that’s just to explain which buttons to press at the grocery store. The Village has a small grant to assist families with information about Rhode Island Works, benefits and supports available and assistance with the application process.
In Her Words
“I find myself pretty well-versed in all things child care and still — I struggled. But it’s worth it. You can use the support. And it’s there. You just need to know where to look… and who to call.”
* Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Rhode Island (also known as “Rhode Island Works”) is a support service for Rhode Island families. The purpose of TANF Rhode Island is to provide financial and medical assistance to needy dependent children and the parents or relatives with whom they are living. Eligible households receive monthly cash and Medicaid benefits. Rhode Island Works uses state funds to provide cash assistance to families. Under Rhode Island Works, eligible adults are limited to receiving benefits for a total of 60 months in their lifetime, including months of Rhode Island Works-funded assistance granted in other states. Once this limit is reached, that adult and all members of that adult’s FA household are ineligible to receive any more Rhode Island Works benefits. Kinship guardians (i.e. a grandparent raising their grandchildren) can also apply for Rhode Island Works to support the children that they are legally responsible for.
Resources:
The Village for RI Foster and Adoptive Families
Rhode Island Works Program Info https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/ri-works-program
To check eligibility or start an application, call or visit your local DHS or Social Security office.
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