The Poverty Institute works to develop and promote policies to improve the economic security of low- and modest- income Rhode Islanders and ensure that tax and budget policies are equitable and adequate to fund vital public services.
Unemployment Insurance Program The unemployment insurance program provides eligible individuals with up to 60% of his or her weekly wage for a specified period of time.
Who Qualifies? Workers who are unemployed and who: • Were employed for at least 8 weeks, • Are unemployed through no fault of their own, • Are able to work, available to work and searching for work, • Meet certain earnings requirements: o Either earned $8,880 in last year or o Earned at least $2,960 in last year, $1,480 of which was in one 3-month period o If the worker filed a previous unemployment claim, he/she must have worked since and have been paid $592.
How to Apply • To apply call the UI call center at (401) 243-9100 or file the claim online.
• 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. To access the guide, click here.
How much are the weekly payments? The amount depends on how much was earned when working. Through January 1, 2011, the minimum weekly payment is $68.00 and maximum is $551. The beneficiary may also receive an added dependency allowance if they have children.
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. Claimants who have exhausted regular RI unemployment insurance benefits may be enrolled in one of two extended benefit programs - Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and State Extended benefits (EB).
To apply for either EUC or EB benefits, apply online at the Department of Labor and Trainingwebsite or call the UI call center at (401) 243-9100.
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.
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