Rhode Island Unemployment

Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training provides temporary income support for out-of-work Rhode Islanders in the form of unemployment insurance benefits. 

Funding for Rhode Island unemployment benefits is paid by employers across the state.

Rhode Island Unemployment Services

How To Qualify for Unemployment Benefits in Rhode Island

Most UI claimants who appear on payrolls across the state of Rhode Island are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits as long as they meet the following requirements:

• The claimant earned sufficient wages during the base period
• The claimant lost employment through no fault of his/her own
• The claimant is ready, willing, and able to accept suitable work if and when it is offered

In addition, some workers who have had their hours reduced, though not eliminated, may also be eligible to receive partial unemployment assistance. If you’re not positive you meet these requirements, you should go ahead and apply – there is no penalty for submitting an unemployment claim, and by doing so you’ll find out for sure whether you’re eligible.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How To Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Rhode Island

Unemployed workers in Rhode Island can apply for benefits online, where they will be able to submit the state’s standard application for benefits. This is the fastest and easiest way to submit your initial claim. However, if applying online is not an option, a claimant also may submit an initial claim by calling 401-415-6772 to file an unemployment insurance claim during regular business hours.

Once approved, UI benefits recipients may choose to receive their weekly benefit payments via direct deposit, which is the recommended method, or via an Electronic Payment Card.

Managing Your Unemployment Benefits

Although your initial claim may be approved, the UI benefit process is not complete. You must apply each week you want to receive benefits, and answer questions about your earnings and job search activities for that week.

If you submitted your initial claim online, you can use the same username and password to access your account and submit your weekly claim. You can certify your UI benefits online or by calling 401-415-6772 at any time, Sunday through Saturday. Simply answer questions about your activities for the week so that the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training can verify that you remain eligible.

How Do I Appeal a Decision?

If you believe that your unemployment claim was denied in error, you must submit a notice of appeal within 15 days of the mailing date on your notification letter. Both the employee and the employer involved have the right to request an appeal.

Please note that your request for appeal must be submitted in writing – either through the existing online form or via mail or fax, as outlined below:

Mail: Central Adjudication Unit
PO Box 20067
Cranston, RI 02920-0941

Fax: 401-462-8318

Once your appeal is received, your claim will be reviewed by a Referee at the Board of Review, which is an independent, third-party reviewer not affiliated with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

How Do I Report Fraud?

There are many different types of fraud that the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training needs your help to investigate. Some examples include imposter fraud, identity theft, claimant fraud, and employer fraud.

If you suspect that fraud is occurring, you should report it immediately. In cases of imposter fraud and identity theft, your first outreach should be to the Rhode Island police, using their online report form. At this point, you do not need to notify the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training – the Rhode Island police will handle that as part of their investigation process. 

For all other cases of fraud, email a statement with as much detail as possible to [email protected].

Rhode Island Unemployment Office Locations