Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

Last update:

Looking for tips to access the Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Rhode Island Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of Rhode Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training assists employees, employers, and residents in the state with workforce development, workforce security, and workforce protection, as well as providing job, educational, and economic opportunities.

DLT safeguards workers by enforcing labor laws, prevailing wage rates, and health and safety requirements in the workplace. Unemployed and temporarily handicapped employees can also get temporary financial assistance from the agency.

Image: Official Rhode Island Unemployment Website

Rhode Island Unemployment Contact 

(Source: Go here and find the state at the bottom: https://www.benefits.com/unemployment, then go to the government site)

Unemployment Insurance

UI Call Center

  • (401) 415-6772

Central Adjudication Unit

  • (401) 462-8318
  • dlt.cauinterview@dlt.ri.gov

Board of Review

  • (401) 462-9400
  • dlt.borinfo@dlt.ri.gov

WorkShare

  • (401) 462-8418
  • dlt.workshare@dlt.ri.gov

How To Qualify for Rhode Island Unemployment Benefits

Most UI claimants who appear on payrolls in Rhode Island are eligible for unemployment insurance payments if they fulfill the following criteria:

  • During the base period, the claimant earned enough money.
  • The claimant lost his or her job due to no fault of his or her own.
  • If and when a suitable job is given, the claimant is ready, willing, and able to accept it.

Furthermore, certain employees who have had their hours reduced but not abolished may be eligible for partial unemployment benefits. 

If you’re not sure if you satisfy these standards, go ahead and apply anyway — there’s no cost to filing an unemployment claim, and you’ll find out for sure whether you qualify.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Rhode Island? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 17-26 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $$59 to Max $599
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $15,574

How Do I Apply for Rhode Island Unemployment Benefits?

Unemployed employees in Rhode Island can apply for benefits online, where they can fill out the state’s standard benefit application. This is the quickest and most straightforward method of submitting your initial claim. 

If filing online is not an option, a claimant may still file an initial claim by phoning 401-415-6772 during regular business hours to initiate an unemployment insurance claim.

UI benefit applicants can opt to receive their weekly benefit payments by direct deposit, which is the preferred way, or using an Electronic Payment Card once they have been authorized.

How do I Manage My Rhode Island Unemployment Benefits

The UI benefit procedure is not complete until your initial claim is granted. Each week you wish to get benefits, you must apply and answer questions about your wages and job search activity.

If you made your first claim online, you may enter your account and make your weekly claim using the same login and password. You can verify your UI benefits at any time, Sunday through Saturday, by going online or calling 401-415-6772.

Simply respond to questions about your week’s activities so that the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training can confirm your eligibility.

How Do I Appeal a Rhode Island Unemployment Decision?

If you feel your unemployment claim was denied in error, you must file an appeal within 15 days of the notification letter’s mailing date. An appeal is available to both the employee and the business involved.

Please remember that you must submit your appeal request in writing, either using the current online form or by mail or fax, as detailed below:

Mail: Central Adjudication Unit

PO Box 20067

Cranston, RI 02920-0941

Fax: 401-462-8318

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

How Do I Report a Rhode Island Unemployment Fraud?

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training wants your help to investigate a variety of different forms of fraud. Imposter fraud, identity theft, claimant fraud, and employer fraud are only a few instances.

If you feel fraud is taking place, you should report it right away. The Rhode Island police should be contacted first in incidents of impostor fraud and identity theft, using their online report form. You do not need to contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training at this time; the Rhode Island police will take care of it as part of their investigation.

For any other occurrences of fraud, send an email to DLT.protest@dlt.ri.gov with as much data as possible.

How Do I Talk to a Person in Rhode Island Unemployment Customer Service?

Steps:

  1. Dial 1-401-415-6772
  2. Press 3 (to speak to a UI claim specialist)
  3. Press 1 (for English)
  4. Press 4 (for all other questions)
  5. Stay on the line
  6. The automated phone system will connect you to a live customer service agent from Rhode Island Unemployment

RI Unemployment Voice Main Menu

  • Press 1 for certificate for your weekly payment.
  • Press 2 to validate your activity.
  • Press 3 to speak to a UI claim specialist.

RI Unemployment Voice Sub-Menu (if you press 3)

  • Press 1 to apply for unemployment benefits
  • Press 2 for questions about an existing claim
  • Press 3 for questions regarding your weekly payment
  • Press 4 for all other questions

Rhode Island Unemployment Customer Service Representatives Hours

Live Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 8am to 6pm Monday-Thursday, from 9am to 6pm Friday, from 8am to 11:30am Saturday, Sunday closed.

Rhode Island Unemployment Support Phone Numbers

  • RI Unemployment Support Phone Number: 1-401-415-6772. Live Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 8am to 6pm Monday-Thursday, from 9am to 6pm Friday, from 8am to 11:30am Saturday, Sunday closed.
  • Hearing Impaired Voice Relay: 711.
  • Employers: 1-401-243-9137.
  • WorkShare: 1-401-462-8418.

What if I got fired?

You may be disqualified for benefits if the employer can prove you were discharged for work-related misconduct. An employer must prove misconduct before you are eligible for benefits.

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.


Similar Content


Rhode Island Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Rhode Island Unemployment  OfficeRhode Island Unemployment Office LocationsRhode Island Unemployment Phone Number
Providence, RI Unemployment Office1 Reservoir AvenueProvidence, RI 02907401-462-8900
Wakefield, RI Unemployment Office4808 Tower Hill RoadWakefield, RI 02879401-782-4362
West Warwick, RI Unemployment Office1330 Main StreetWest Warwick, RI 02893401-462-4100
Woonsocket, RI Unemployment Office219 Pond StreetWoonsocket, RI 02895401-235-1201

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

Related Content: 


Photo of author
Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

Leave a Comment