On July 1, 2026, the weekly maximum Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit increased from $745 to $777. Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) max benefit increased from $1,103 to $1,150 weekly.
Last-reviewed: Aug. 26, 2026
Table of Contents
Latest news
- Effective July 1, 2026, the maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit rose from $745 to $777 weekly. For claimants with up to 5 dependents increases from $931 to $971.
- Effective July 1, 2026 the maximum weekly benefit for Temporary Disability Insurance increased from $1,103 to $1,150. With claimants up to 5 dependents, the TDI max rose from $1,489 to $1,552.
- Under a new law, all RI employers must give new hired employees a written notice that includes employment terms such as pay, allowances, deductions, leave policies, pay schedule, employment status and employer’s contact information. This applies to all employers.
- RI’s July unemployment rate decreased to 3.9%.
Employment basics
- EmployRI offers job searches, information about UI, job seeker resources and employer services.
- The Department of Behavioral Healthcare Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals has this resource guide for young people transitioning into adulthood which has information about healthcare, employment, decision making and more.
- Employees losing their work authorization can use this tool for guidance.
Unemployment
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) here.
- If someone receives a notice from DLT that they have applied for unemployment, but they have not, or receives a tax form for unemployment benefits they didn’t apply for, they may have been the victim of unemployment fraud. Here is information about what to do if this happens.
Workplace discrimination
- It is illegal to discriminate against someone at work because they are a member of a protected group. Protected statuses under RI state law include race, color, sex, disability, ancestral origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and age.
- Care team members can support patients who think they have been discriminated against at work by sharing the information that they can consider filing a complaint with the RI Commission for Human Rights. The Commission investigates (for free) complaints of workplace or public accommodation discrimination. Complaints can be made telephonically or electronically.
- The 2023 Pregnant Worker Fairness Act (PWFA) protects workers from pregnancy discrimination. Additional information about RI rights in the workplace is available at A Better Balance.
- Read the RI Commission for Human Right’s statement on its commitment to enforce the laws protecting those who live in, work in or visit RI against discrimination based on gender identity/expression.
Paid and unpaid leave
RI offers workers several options for paid leave that can be used in the case of illness or to care for a loved one.
- Rhode Island Sick and Safe Leave (ESP).
- With some exceptions, most part-time, full-time, seasonal, temporary or other employees who work primarily in Rhode Island can earn one paid hour off for every 35 hours worked.
- Temporary Disability Insurance provides up to 30 weeks of benefits for employees who have been injured or become ill and offers up to 60% of wages (plus dependent benefits).
- Temporary Caregivers Insurance now provides 8 weeks of paid leave for people providing caregiving to a seriously ill family member (or to bond with an infant or foster child placed within the last 12 months). Effective January 1, 2026, bone marrow donors are eligible for 1 week of TCI and organ donors can receive 30 business days of TCI.
- You must apply for TCI benefits during the first 30 days after the first day of leave is taken for reasons of bonding or caregiving.
In addition to paid leave, Rhode Island workers can receive unpaid leave, where their jobs will be held open for them for a period of time.
- Under Federal and State Family Medical Leave Acts (FMLA), Rhode Island workers can receive unpaid leave to address their own illness or to provide caregiving duties.
- This FMLA booklet provides basic information about FMLA leave.
Unlocking Access® Resources for Care Teams
There are many ways care teams can support people with employment-related needs. For more specific legal information and strategies, care team members who have access to Legal Key’s Unlocking Access® Hub should log in.
If you are a Legal Key partner who does not have their login information, or you’d like to learn more about how to gain access to the Unlocking Access® Hub, get in touch with us!
Spotlight on Equity
- Care teams can help people who have been discriminated against in the workplace.
- Employment discrimination based on national origin or race, age, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, religion, pregnancy, disability or the perception that
- The Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights, which investigates (for free) complaints of workplace or public accommodation discrimination. Complaints can be made telephonically or electronically.
Key Resources
- RI Department of Labor and Training
- EmployRI
- Economic Progress Institute
- Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights
Advocacy Corner
Individual Advocacy
Individual advocacy for a person’s employment includes:
- Applying for unemployment
- Engaging in a job search
- Facing discrimination or other difficult work situation
- Needing a reasonable accommodation for a temporary or ongoing disability
- Requiring a leave of absence; applying for temporary disability or family leave
- Having difficulty finding a job because of prior criminal systems involvement
Assistance can include: demystifying legal rights, sharing links to important forms, and connecting people with legal assistance or resources.
Policy Advocacy
Ways care team members can advocate include:
- Connecting to national organizations like Family Values at Work and their numerous partner organizations. Or connect to local labor organization or Fuerza Laboral.
- Sign up for a newsletter.
- Join a national advocacy campaign.