The bill amends the Rhode Island Works Program to enhance eligibility and support for families seeking cash assistance. Key changes include the addition of language that specifies lawful permanent residents will not be subject to a waiting period for benefits for which they are otherwise eligible. The bill also increases the monthly cash benefit to fifty percent (50%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2025, and raises the child support pass-through amount to one hundred dollars ($100) for one child and two hundred dollars ($200) for more than one child.

Furthermore, the legislation establishes that the payment standard for assistance units will be no less than fifty percent (50%) of the poverty guideline for the comparable assistance unit size as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for calendar year 2025, with annual adjustments thereafter.

The bill outlines specific provisions regarding child support payments, ensuring that families receiving cash assistance will receive the first one hundred dollars ($100) for one child or the first two hundred dollars ($200) for more than one child of the child support payment.

Overall, these amendments aim to provide more comprehensive support for families while ensuring that eligibility requirements are clearly defined. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.