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.

To further encourage self-sufficiency among low income Rhode Islanders, within the first two years of receiving FIP cash benefits adult family members must work, look for work or begin preparing for work. Under FIP, participants work closely with DHS staff to assess their family, household and economic needs and a work plan is then outlined and formalized. With DHS support, beneficiaries then utilize the plan as a guide for moving forward with the ultimate goal of gainful employment. Depending on individual needs, job training and education may be recommended, or individuals may immediately begin seeking employment (at least 20 hours per week) or approved community service work. To support those beneficiaries’ transition into work and to remove potential obstacles to maintaining employment, DHS provides continued health insurance subsides to help pay for child care and other important services.

DHS/Family Independence Program

Training Working with a variety of contracted services, the DHS is able to provide its program participants with educational, vocational and other job skill preparedness services, in an effort to make this new segment of the labor market qualified for work.

DHS employee training can include:

? Training and support to complete the General Education Diploma (GED).

? Coursework to enhance math, language, reading, writing and computer skills.

? English-as-a-Second Language classes.

? Soft skills training which addresses the issues of employer expectations such as hygiene, workplace attire, punctuality, dependability, and attendance.

? Resume writing, interviewing and networking workshops.

? Technical skills training for skilled manufacturing and/or service sector jobs.

? Child care training and certification programs for those interested in pursuing employment in the child care industry.

For more information about the Family Independence Program and cash assistance benefits call (401) 462-5300 or (401) 462-3363 TTY.