Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
-
Learn More
- Relief Center
- Federal
- New York State
- NYC
- California
- Washington State
-
Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Charitable
- Relief Center
- Federal
- New York State
- NYC
- California
- Washington State
-
Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Charitable
Rhode Island
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on April 26, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Rhode Island, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Resource Center website or Rhode Island's Department of Health website.
Business-Related Relief Programs
-
CARES Act: Paycheck Protection Program
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) appropriates $349 billion to assist small businesses through section 7(a) loans and Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), administered by the Small Business Administration … » more information -
Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) provide working capital to help small business concerns, small agricultural cooperatives and aquaculture companies, and most private non-profit organizations (of all sizes) meet financial obligations that … » more information -
Small Business Hotline and COVID-19 Resource Guide
Rhode Island Commerce has created a simple, user-friendly online Resource Guide to COVID-19 related business questions, including links to state and local resources. » more information -
WorkShare Program for Employers
Rhode Island’s WorkShare program is an alternative for an employer to avoid layoffs when experiencing temporary major slowdowns in business due to economic conditions. It connects their workers with Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) to partially replace … » more information
Employment-Related Relief Programs
-
CARES Act: Unemployment Insurance Benefits
The CARES Act creates a temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program that expands eligibility for unemployment benefits and increases those benefits for certain individuals who are unable to work due to the COVID-19 emergency. The program … » more information -
Credit for Sick Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) provides a refundable income-tax credit to self-employed individuals who would otherwise be entitled to paid sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (the “EPSLA”), were they … » more information -
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act
The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (the “EFMLEA”) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid, job-protected leave for up to twelve weeks in connection with qualified family caregiving needs. The intended … » more information -
Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act
The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (the “EPSLA”) requires government employers and employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide their employees with paid sick leave if those employees are unable to work due to COVID-19. Full paid leave is … » more information -
Parental and Family Medical Leave Act
The Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act requires that employers of 50 or more employees grant an unpaid leave of absence, upon the request of an eligible employee, for 13 consecutive weeks in any two calendar years, under certain … » more information -
Rhode Island Works (RIW) Program
Rhode Island Works (“RIW”) is a comprehensive program that offers cash assistance (between $449-634 for families of two to four people; $80 a month for each additional member); assistance with finding work or job training; transportation … » more information -
Sick and Safe Leave
Under the existing Healthy and Safe Families Act (RI General Law § 28-57), Rhode Island private sector employees have the right to take time off from work to care for themselves when they are too sick to work or to care for their child, spouse … » more information -
Unemployment Insurance
Rhode Island residents who are unable to work because their places of business have closed or their employers have directed them to stay at home without compensation due to the effects of COVID-19 may be eligible for assistance under the already … » more information
Food-Related Relief Programs
-
COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act
The COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act (the “CNRA”) enables the Secretary of Agriculture to waive conditions that states, schools, and individuals must meet to be eligible for financial support for federal nutrition programs. » more information -
Food and Nutrition Service
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) makes appropriations to the Department of Agriculture to fund food and nutrition assistance programs. » more information -
SNAP COVID-19 Response Waivers
This section of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) makes it easier to obtain nutritional assistance. The Act lifts certain requirements for low-income, unemployed individuals to be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition … » more information -
The Maintaining Essential Access to Lunch for Students (MEALS) Act
The Maintaining Essential Access to Lunch for Students Act (the “MEALS Act”) seeks to ensure students have access to school meal benefits while schools are closed because of COVID-19. Enacted as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act … » more information -
Free Food and Meals
Due to the closure of schools, free "Grab and Go" meals are available for children throughout Rhode Island. At the vast majority of sites, anyone aged 18 or under who shows up gets a free meal. Sites are listed on the Department of Health’s Food … » more information -
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) and Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (“ABAWD”) Waiver Changes due to COVID-19
Effective April 1, 2020, the three-month time limit will be lifted for ABAWDs in Rhode Island. This change will apply to all cities and towns throughout the state without regard to whether they had been waived or unwaived. This suspension of the … » more information -
Feeding America
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Feeding America network of food banks has added mobile pantry stops and is implementing drive-through food pickup and delivery options. Feeding America has also established the COVID-19 Response Fund to help … » more information -
Mon Ami
Mon Ami is a non-profit organization that matches seniors with local volunteers who visit them weekly. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Mon Ami is offering seniors nationwide social visits by phone or video. Additionally, Mon Ami is providing … » more information -
Restaurant Workers Relief Program
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Lee Initiative has established the Restaurant Workers Relief Program, through which it is operating grab-and-go food sites in cities throughout the United States for restaurant employees that were either … » more information
Health-Related Relief Programs
-
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
This section of the CARES Act addresses proper procedures to be used by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in implementing countermeasure research, development and procurement with respect to biodefense and infectious … » more information -
CARES Act Provisions for Seniors and Healthy Start
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) includes provisions addressing senior assistance programs and Healthy Start. » more information -
CARES Act: Coverage of Testing and Preventative Services
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) mandates that private health insurers cover certain testing and preventative services for COVID-19 without prior authorization and at no cost. » more information -
CARES Act: Support for Healthcare Providers
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) appropriates funds to detect, prevent, diagnose, and treat coronavirus, and provides additional funding for telehealth: … » more information -
Defense Health Program
This program appropriates $82 million in additional funding to the Department of Defense to cover the costs of COVID-19 diagnostic tests and related services for beneficiaries of military TRICARE health plans, as described in Division F, Section … » more information -
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Health Provisions
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) provides no-cost COVID-19 testing for participants in private health insurance plans and beneficiaries of federal health insurance programs, and expanded Medicaid benefits. » more information -
Indian Health Services
This program provides funding to the Indian Health Service to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Specifically, the program appropriates $64 million in new funding to the Indian Health Service to be used to cover the costs of COVID-19 diagnostic … » more information -
Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund
This section appropriates an additional $1 billion for a “Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund” for the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) to pay claims submitted by providers for reimbursement for the cost of COVID-19 … » more information -
Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline
Rhode Island’s Department of Health (RIDOH) has created a COVID-19 Hotline to answer any questions related to the virus: (401) 222-8022. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm. For questions after hours, call 211, which operates 24 hours a … » more information -
HealthSourceRI – COVID-19 Special Enrollment
A special enrollment period (“SEP”) is now available until April 15, 2020 for Rhode Islanders seeking health coverage as a response to the growth of COVID-19. Those completing an online application should indicate that they have experienced an … » more information -
Parental and Family Medical Leave Act
The Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act requires that employers of 50 or more employees grant an unpaid leave of absence, upon the request of an eligible employee, for 13 consecutive weeks in any two calendar years, under certain … » more information -
Sick and Safe Leave
Under the existing Healthy and Safe Families Act (RI General Law § 28-57), Rhode Island private sector employees have the right to take time off from work to care for themselves when they are too sick to work or to care for their child, spouse … » more information -
Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse
Recognizing that COVID-19 related quarantines and social distancing efforts may exacerbate domestic violence, the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse is continuing to provide services remotely. Those affected by, or seeking guidance related to … » more information -
National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization comprised of free, community-based, non-profit, volunteer-supported medical clinics serving people without, or with little, health insurance. The NAFC … » more information -
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Recognizing that COVID-19 related quarantines and social distancing efforts may exacerbate domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is continuing to operate and is providing coronavirus-specific guidance regarding safety planning … » more information
Housing-Related Relief Programs
-
Moratorium on Evictions
The Rhode Island Governor has announced that state courts will not process any residential or commercial evictions for the next thirty days (press release issued March 19, 2020). » more information
Insurance-Related Relief Programs
-
HealthSourceRI – COVID-19 Special Enrollment
A special enrollment period (“SEP”) is now available until April 15, 2020 for Rhode Islanders seeking health coverage as a response to the growth of COVID-19. Those completing an online application should indicate that they have experienced an … » more information -
Temporary Disability/Caregiver Insurance
Rhode Island residents who are quarantined or unable to work due to the effects of COVID-19 may be eligible for assistance under the already existing (1) Temporary Disability Insurance (“TDI”) for those who are unable to work but whose businesses … » more information -
Unemployment Insurance
Rhode Island residents who are unable to work because their places of business have closed or their employers have directed them to stay at home without compensation due to the effects of COVID-19 may be eligible for assistance under the already … » more information
Tax-Related Relief Programs
-
Credit for Family Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals
This section of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) creates a refundable income tax credit for self-employed individuals who would otherwise be entitled to paid sick leave under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion … » more information -
Payroll Credit for Required Family Leave
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) provides a tax credit to eligible employers for wages required to be paid under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (the “EFMLEA”). » more information -
Payroll Credit for Required Paid Sick Leave
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides a tax credit to eligible employers for wages paid under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (the “EPSLA”). » more information -
Special Rule Related to Tax on Employers
This section of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) exempts employers from employer-side Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) (or employer-side taxes under the parallel social security system for railroads (“RRTA”)) … » more information -
Extension of State Tax Return Filing Deadline
INCOME TAX … » more information
Miscellaneous Relief Programs
-
COVID-19 Pandemic Education Relief Act of 2020
The COVID-19 Pandemic Education Relief Act of 2020 (the “Education Relief Act”) provides assistance to students and institutions of higher education impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. » more information -
Federal Student Loan Payment Suspension and Interest Waiver
To provide student borrowers greater financial flexibility during the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Education has temporarily suspended the obligation to make payments for most federally-owned student loans. Additionally, the interest rate on … » more information -
COVID-19 Moratorium on Utilities Collections
The Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) has directed all electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities regulated by the PUC "to cease certain collections activities, including service terminations for nonpayment". This moratorium extends to April … » more information -
Extension of Expiration Dates of DMV-Issued Items
The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) has extended all expiration dates within March to at least April 30, 2020, due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, including deadlines on license registration and extending inspection stickers … » more information -
Resources to Support Student Learning During School Closures Due to COVID-19
Due to school closures, Rhode Island’s Office of Library & Information Services (“OLIS”) has compiled a list of free online learning and recreation resources for public library card holders, including downloadable eBooks, audiobooks and streaming … » more information
© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.