Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards in Rhode Island offer more than just assistance with food purchases for those participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Cardholders can also access a variety of discounts and free admission to cultural and educational attractions across the state. These benefits are intended to support low-income individuals and families, allowing them to engage in community resources that might otherwise be financially inaccessible.
Museums, zoos, and educational centers often partner with state government initiatives to extend complimentary or reduced-cost entry to EBT cardholders. This initiative aims to enrich the lives of Rhode Island residents by providing them with opportunities for learning and cultural enrichment that promote social inclusion and community engagement.
Museum Discounts
Many museums in Rhode Island offer significant discounts to EBT cardholders. For example, the Providence Children’s Museum grants admission at a reduced rate of $2 per person for up to four people per EBT card. The RISD Museum provides a similar discount for EBT cardholders.
Rhode Island Historical Society Museums
- John Brown House Museum
- 52 Power St., Providence, RI 02906
- Phone: (401) 273-7507
- Museum of Work & Culture
- 42 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895
- Phone: (401) 769-9675
Historic New England Properties
- Arnold House
- 487 Great Road, Lincoln, RI 02865
- Phone: (401) 728-9696
- Casey Farm
- 2325 Boston Neck Road, Saunderstown, RI 02874
- Phone: (401) 295-1030
- Clemence-Irons House
- 38 George Waterman Road, Johnston, RI 02919
- Phone: (401) 728-9696
- Watson Farm
- 455 North Road, Jamestown, RI 02835
- Phone: (401) 423-0005
Art and Cultural Museums
- Newport Art Museum
- 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
- Phone: 401-848-8200
- Providence Children’s Museum
- 100 South Street, Providence, RI 02903
- Phone: 401-273-5437
- RISD Museum
- 20 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
- Phone: (401) 454-6500
- Lippitt House Museum
- 199 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02904
- Phone: (401) 272-5101
Public Transit Reductions
Public transit options may offer reduced fares for those with an EBT card. Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) offers a Half Fare Bus Pass Program for eligible low-income individuals, allowing them to travel at half the standard fare.
Educational Opportunities
EBT cardholders have access to discounted educational programs. This includes reduced tuition rates for select classes at community colleges or other educational institutions that support EBT discounts. Additionally, some job training and personal development workshops may offer adjustable pricing for those with an EBT card.
Amazon Prime Discount for EBT Cardholders
If you are a holder of a Rhode Island EBT Card, you’re eligible for a substantial discount on Amazon Prime. This special program allows EBT cardholders to enjoy the myriad benefits of Amazon Prime at a significantly reduced cost.
Pricing Details
- Standard Amazon Prime Membership: Typically costs $14.99 per month.
- Discounted Rate for EBT Cardholders: Available for just $6.99 per month, which is more than 50% off the regular subscription price.
Benefits of Amazon Prime Membership
Expedited Shipping
- Free, Fast Delivery: Includes free shipping on over 50 million eligible items from Amazon’s vast inventory.
- Enhanced Delivery Options: In certain metropolitan areas, members can avail themselves of free same-day delivery on over a million items and free 2-hour delivery on daily essentials and groceries via Prime Now.
Entertainment
- Instant Streaming: Members have instant access to thousands of movies and TV shows without additional cost.
- Device Compatibility: Streaming is supported on select Smart TVs, Roku, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, as well as iOS and Android devices.
Additional Prime Advantages
Online Grocery Shopping
- Amazon Pantry Access: EBT cardholders can purchase groceries online and have them delivered in select states as part of a USDA pilot program allowing food stamp usage online.
Music, Reading, and More
- Music Streaming: Access to over two million songs, thousands of playlists, and stations without ads.
- Reading Material: Unlimited reading across any device from a vast selection of books and magazines.
- Audible Original Series: Unlimited listening to original audio series from Audible.
Gaming and Photos
- Twitch Prime: Includes free game content monthly, exclusive discounts, and more.
- Photo Storage: Unlimited photo storage to secure all your memories in one place.
Lifeline Program Cell Phone Providers in Rhode Island
Below is a table listing cell phone providers that are part of the Lifeline program, offering discounted services in Rhode Island.
| Company Name | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Verizon | 800-924-0585 |
| Cox Communications | 866-961-0027 |
Lifeline Program Home Phone Providers in Rhode Island
The following table provides a list of home phone providers participating in the Lifeline program, which offers discounted services in Rhode Island.
| Company Name | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Safelink Wireless | 800-723-3546 |
| True Wireless | 877-412-1919 |
| Q Link Wireless | 855-754-6543 |
| Yourtel America | 855-299-9990 |
| Life Wireless | 888-543-3620 |
| Boomerang Wireless | 866-488-8719 |
| American Broadband & Telecommunications | 866-966-2628 |
| Tempo Telecom | 877-822-8501 |
| StandUP Wireless | 800-544-4441 |
| Assurance Wireless | 888-898-4888 |
| Access Wireless | 866-594-3644 |
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Benefits for EBT Cardholders
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers significant savings on internet services for EBT cardholders. Here’s how the program can benefit eligible households:
Monthly Internet Discount
- Monthly Savings: Households receive a $30 discount each month on their internet service bills.
One-Time Device Discount
- Technology Savings: Eligible participants can also receive a one-time $100 discount on the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet.
Additional Savings Opportunities
- Combined Savings with Lifeline: You can increase your savings by combining the $30 ACP internet credit with discounts from the Lifeline phone service. This combination helps reduce overall monthly expenses on both phone and internet services.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Rhode Island Food Stamps and EBT.