Weekly benefit amount and weeks in Rhode Island

The weekly benefit

Weekly benefit

$82–$777

Maximum: benefit years beginning on or after July 1, 2026 (DLT 2026 Quick Reference; reset each July 1)

How it is figured

Your weekly benefit rate is 3.85% of the average of your wages in the two highest-paid quarters of your base period, rounded down to the dollar. For claims starting on or after July 1, 2026 it ranges from $82 to $777 a week, plus any dependents' allowance.

Dependents

For each dependent child under 18 (or 18 and older and unable to work because of a disability), you get the greater of $15 or 5% of your weekly benefit rate, for up to five children. The total allowance cannot be more than the greater of $50 or 25% of your weekly benefit rate. The highest possible weekly amount with five dependents is $971.

Official

Official table or notice

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws sec. 28-44-6

The wage test

For 2026 you qualify in one of two ways: (1) at least $3,200 in one quarter, total base-period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter, and at least $6,400 in total; or (2) at least $19,200 in total base-period wages. These amounts are tied to the $16.00 state minimum wage.

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim. If you do not qualify that way, DLT uses the last four completed quarters.

The state's wage tests

• $3,200 in one quarter, total at least 1.5 times your highest quarter, and at least $6,400 in total — 200 and 400 times the $16.00 minimum wage
• $19,200 in total base-period wages — 3 times the $6,400 minimum

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws secs. 28-42-3(3), 28-44-11(b)

Official source: Source page

Estimate your weekly benefit

Enter the gross wages (before taxes) you were paid in each quarter of your base period. We apply the state's own formula to your numbers.

The state's formula: the average of your two highest quarters × 3.85%, rounded down; at least $82 and at most $777

How long it lasts

Up to 26 weeks.

The most you can get in a benefit year is 33% of your total base-period wages or 26 times your weekly benefit rate, whichever is less. Dependents' allowances are paid on top. Most claims last up to 26 weeks; claims with lower wages run out sooner.

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws sec. 28-44-9

Official source: Source page

Waiting week

You serve one unpaid waiting period of 7 days, starting on the Sunday of the week you file. There is no waiting period if you are out of work because of a natural disaster or state of emergency.

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws sec. 28-44-14

Official source: Source page

Working part time

If your hours are cut through no fault of your own, you may get partial benefits. Report your gross earnings each week. You can earn up to 150% of your weekly benefit rate and still get part of your benefit. Earnings up to half of your weekly benefit rate are not counted; the rest is subtracted from your benefit. If you earn 150% of your weekly benefit rate or more in a week, you get no benefit for that week. The law sets this rule through June 30, 2029.

Earnings not deducted (as the data states it)

An amount equal to 50% of your weekly benefit amount is not deducted.

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws secs. 28-42-3(26), 28-44-7, as amended by P.L. 2026, ch. 241

Official source: Source page

What applies in every state

• You must have earned enough wages, or worked enough, during a period called the base period. In most states it is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.
• It generally takes two to three weeks after you file to get your first payment. Some states require a one-week waiting period, so the second week you claim is the first week paid.
• Unemployment benefits count as income for federal income tax. You must report them on your federal tax return.

  Law: 26 U.S.C. 85(a)

Free help

Call 401-415-6772. Legal aid and other free help in Rhode Island → Official sources →