Rhode Island: 2nd worst place in New England to be poor

We already knew Rhode Island has the highest poverty rate in New England. It turns out, according to a new analysis from the Economic Progress Institute, Rhode Island also has among the least generous public assistance benefits for those in poverty.

EPI looked at six public assistance functions and the Ocean State finished near the bottom in most and below the regional average in all – including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Medicaid eligibility, child care assistance and welfare benefits.

Rhode Island has the lowest income eligibility requirement for childcare assistance in New England, and is well below the regional average.

And the Ocean State has the second lowest income eligibility requirement for enrolling children in Medicaid.

With a 10 percent Earned Income Tax Credit, Rhode Island is near the middle of the pack but below the regional average.

Rhode Island has the second lowest monthly welfare benefits in the region.