Unemployment Insurance (Rhode Island)
Last updated August 2026
If you lost work through no fault of your own, Rhode Island unemployment insurance gives temporary weekly payments while you look for a new job. It is run by the RI Department of Labor and Training. The fastest way to file is online through UI Online at uionline.dlt.ri.gov. You can also call the claims center at 401-415-6772, which is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8am to 3pm, Friday from 9:30am to 3pm, and is closed Wednesday.
Your weekly amount comes from your past wages. The weekly benefit rate equals 3.85 percent of the average of your two highest quarters in the base period. Effective July 1, 2026, the least you can receive is $82 a week and the most is $777 a week, before any dependency allowance. You can add 5 percent of your weekly rate for each dependent child under 18, up to five dependents, with a $15 minimum per dependent.
There is an earnings test to get in the door. To qualify for regular unemployment, you must have been paid at least $19,200 in your base period or an alternate base period. If you do not meet that, an alternate test looks at whether you earned at least $3,200 in one quarter and enough across the base period.
Plan for a short unpaid start. You must serve a 7-day unpaid waiting period at the start of a new claim, which is one Sunday-through-Saturday week where your earnings are less than your benefit rate. Benefits then run for a maximum of 26 weeks, and your exact number of weeks depends on your total base-period wages.
The weekly routine keeps payments coming. Each week you must complete three work-search activities and keep your work-search log for at least a year, because it can be checked. You request each week's payment through UI Online or by calling 401-415-6772. If you work part-time, you can earn up to 150 percent of your weekly benefit amount and still get a partial payment.
Do not lean on unemployment alone. With a 26-week ceiling, stack other help: SNAP can cover food, Medicaid and RIte Care keep the family insured, and 2-1-1 knows which local funds bridge rent between jobs.
Phone 401-415-6772
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Enough recent work and wages in Rhode Island, and you lost the job through no fault of your own
- You must file weekly claims and stay able, available, and actively looking for work while you claim
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
File your claim through UI Online at uionline.dlt.ri.gov, or call 401-415-6772.
- 2
Confirm you were paid at least $19,200 in your base period or an alternate base period.
- 3
Expect a 7-day unpaid waiting period at the start of your new claim.
- 4
Complete three work-search activities each week and keep your log for at least a year.
- 5
Request each week's payment through UI Online or by phone at 401-415-6772.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much is Rhode Island unemployment?
Your weekly rate is 3.85 percent of the average of your two highest quarters. Effective July 1, 2026, the minimum is $82 and the maximum is $777 a week, plus 5 percent for each dependent up to five.
How long do benefits last?
Up to 26 weeks. Your exact number of weeks depends on your total base-period wages.
Do I need a minimum amount of past earnings?
Yes. You must have been paid at least $19,200 in your base period or an alternate base period, or meet an alternate earnings test.
Is there a waiting week?
Yes. You serve a 7-day unpaid waiting period at the start of a new claim, then payments can begin if you meet the weekly rules.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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