The unemployment insurance program provides eligible individuals with up to 57.5% of his or her weekly wage for up to 26 weeks.
Who Qualifies?
Workers who are unemployed and who:
- Either earned $16,800 in base period wages (4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before starting claim),
- Or, total base period earnings of at least $5,600, with one quarter of base period wages of at least $2,800.
How to Apply
- To apply call the UI call center at (401) 415-6772 or file the claim online.
- If the period of unemployment is extended, the applicant must call or file a claim online once every week.
- Applicants need to provide their social security number and the full name, address and phone number of all employers they have worked for in the last 2 years. Applicants who are not citizens must provide their alien registration number.
- Applicant need to be prepared to show that unemployment is not their fault. Keep handy any written notification of layoff, termination, or severance that may have been received.
- The Department of Labor and Training has a guide to help applicants prepare the questions they may be asked when filing a new claim. Access the guide.
How much are the weekly payments?
The amount depends on how much was earned when working. Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum weekly payment is $71 and the maximum weekly payment is $705. You may also be entitled to a dependents allowance for a child under age 18, or a child age 18 or older who is disabled, for up to 5 dependents. The weekly dependent's benefit is 5% of your weekly benefit rate with a minimum payment of $15/dependent.
If child support payments are owed, a deduction may be made from the benefit check.
How long can I receive payments?
The length of time depends on how much was earned when working. For regular unemployment insurance, the longest you can collect is 26 full weeks during the year.
An applicant who is denied benefit may appeal by submitting a request in writing to the Central Adjudication Unit, PO Box 20067, Cranston, RI 02920-0941. RI Legal Services 1-800-662-5034, may be able to provide assistance with an appeal.
For more information, go to the Department of Labor and Training website.