Rhode Island Temporary Disability Benefits (TDI)

Rhode Island has a state-run program that provides temporary disability insurance (TDI) for employees, paid for by a special tax withheld from employees' pay. Rhode Island was the first state to start a TDI program for employees, and it's still only one of five states nationwide with a state short-term disability benefit.

Under the RI TDI program, eligible employees who are unable to work due to illness, injury, or pregnancy can get a cash benefit to partially replace their lost wages. The TDI program is operated by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT). (Some states have a program for SDI, or short-term disability insurance, but Rhode Island's program is called TDI.)

Who Is Eligible for TDI Payments in Rhode Island?

For claims filed in 2024, you're eligible for Rhode Island TDI payments if you made at least $16,800 in "base period wages." Broadly speaking, base period wages means the total money you earned in the year prior to your TDI application. More technically, RI calculates base period wages based on the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters (quarters are consecutive three-month periods, such as January 1-March 31).

If you didn't earn $16,800 within the base period, you may still qualify for TDI. The state of Rhode Island will determine your eligibility using an alternate formula. You can still qualify if:

• You earned at least $5,600, total, in the base period.
• During one of the quarters, you earned at least $2,800, and
• Your total base period earnings are at least 150% of your highest quarter of earnings.

If you aren't eligible using either formula with the base period described above, the DLT will calculate your eligibility using an alternate base period: the four calendar quarters immediately before the quarter in which you file your claim.

Once the state has determined that you meet the monetary eligibility requirements, you'll also need to show that you qualify medically for TDI payments. This means that you must be unable to perform your regular work duties. Note that you don't have to be unable to do any type of work, just your customary (usual) work. RI's TDI program requires that you must be unable to work for at least seven days in order to receive benefits.

How Much Can I Collect in RI TDI Benefits?

In 2024, you're able to collect a weekly payment of between $130 and $1,043 in TDI, for a maximum of 30 weeks (plus an allowance for dependent children).

The exact amount of your payments are calculated based on the amount of money you earned during your base period. Your weekly payment will be 4.62% of the wages you made during the highest quarter of earnings in your base period. This works out to about 60% of your weekly pay, since there are 13 weeks in a quarter (4.62% x 13 = 60%).

The number of weeks your benefits will continue depends on your base period earnings and weekly benefit amount. TDI payments are tax-free, so you won't have to pay RI state or federal taxes on them.

Can I Collect Other State Benefits While Collecting TDI in Rhode Island?

You can't collect unemployment benefits at the same time you're collecting TDI. You may be eligible to collect TDI while your workers' comp claim is pending, but the TDI payments may be later taken out of any workers' comp settlement you eventually receive.

How Do I File a Claim for a TDI in RI?

You can file a claim within 90 days of your first week out of work due to illness or injury. You can apply online by going to the RI TDI website. Have the following information available when you apply:

• name
• address
• phone number, and
• the date you were first unable to work (you can't apply ahead of time if you know you'll be off work).

If you have trouble using the internet, you can request a paper application by calling (401) 462-8420. The call center is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

After you complete the application, you'll send it to:

RI TDI
P.O. Box 20100
Cranston, RI 02920

When your application is received, the agency will mail you a "medical certification form." You'll need to have your doctor complete the form and certify that you're unable to do your usual job.

When Will I Get My Rhode Island TDI Payment?

Most people who apply online for TDI get their first payment within three weeks of applying. You can check your claim status here.

The Department of Labor and Training no longer sends checks. Instead, you'll receive an electronic payment card, or you can sign up for direct deposit. Benefits are typically deposited within 48-72 hours after approval.

Can I Appeal If I Get Denied TDI?

If you were denied TDI benefits, you can appeal by submitting a written request to:

TDI Appeals Coordinator
PO Box 20100
Cranston, RI 02920

Your appeal will be assigned to a "referee" (hearing officer) and a hearing will be scheduled at the Board of Review. You can bring a disability lawyer or a family member or relative with you to the hearing. Make sure you bring any supporting documentation with you, such as additional medical evidence.

What Happens After I Run Out of TDI?

Being a "temporary" disability insurance program, TDI doesn't cover people who aren't able to work after they've exhausted the maximum 30 weeks of benefits. If you've been unable to return to your old job after 30 weeks but think you might be able to do another kind of work, consider seeking out vocational rehabilitation or other jobseeker resources from the RI Department of Labor and Training.

People who have a medical condition that keeps them from working full-time at any job for at least a year may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. You can learn more in our article on filing for disability in Rhode Island.