R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-6-3
It is the purpose of this section to provide general public assistance to any person who is a resident of the state and who is eligible, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the department, and is in need; provided, further, that benefits under this program shall be provided only to residents who are citizens of the United States or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law, and benefits shall not be provided to illegal or undocumented aliens. In that there are limited resources available to meet the needs of the residents of this state and recognizing that needs of certain children and families have been provided by this state pursuant to chapter 5.1 of this title, it is the intent of this chapter that general public assistance shall not be provided to any individual who is eligible or who would, but for income and resources, be eligible for cash assistance pursuant to chapter 5.1 of this title and the rules and regulations of the department. General public assistance shall not be available to any individual who has been found eligible for supplemental security income (SSI) as provided in § 40-6-27, and the general public medical assistance, as provided for in this chapter, shall not be available to any individual who has been found eligible for medical assistance as provided pursuant to Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq., as both of these programs are financed in part by the limited resources of this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-6-3