How to File for Unemployment in Rhode Island

If you lost your job in Rhode Island recently, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. These benefits can provide a measure of financial stability while you seek new employment. Read on to find out more about how to to file for unemployment in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Workshare Programs Helps Unemployment

Rhode Island's unemployment rate is the worst in over 30 years, with over 70,000 people out of work. This means that 1 in 8 Rhode Islanders are out of work. Work share programs in Rhode Island allow companies to decrease worker's hours, with state funding making up the lost wages for the workers. As of July 18,000 Rhode Island workers were participating in Work Share programs.

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Introduction
- Rhode Islanders who find themselves unemployed may qualify for unemployment benefits. Claims are handled by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. If you qualify, you may receive a weekly unemployment benefits check for up to $528. As with most other states, you may collect unemployment for up to 26 full weeks during a 52-week period.
Step 1: Determine If You Qualify
- In order to be eligible to collect unemployment in the state of Rhode Island, you must:
1. Be unemployed through no fault of your own
2. Meet certain earnings requirements
3. Able to work
4. Available and searching for work
5. Be willing to accept a suitable job
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents
- To file an unemployment claim in the state of Rhode Island, you will need:
1. Your Social Security number
2. Driver's license number or state-issued identification number
3. Information about all former employers you worked for in the last two years, including:
  1. Full name
  2. Address
  3. Telephone number
4. Alien Registration number (if applicable)
5. Name and local number of your union hall (if applicable)
6. Information on all dependant children, including:
  1. Name
  2. Social Security number
  3. Date of birth
Step 3: Apply for Benefits
- The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training recommends filing for unemployment benefits within seven days of your last day of employment. As in many other states, Rhode Island residents may apply for unemployment insurance benefits in one of two ways:
1. Online, via the Rhode Island Unemployment Insurance (UI) Internet Claims System
  1. Internet Explorer 5.0 or Firefox version 2.0 or greater is required
  2. Claims may be filed 24/7
2. Via telephone
  1. Rhode Island residents should call 1-401-243-9100
  2. Call 1-866-557-0001 if you are out of state
Conclusion
- Unemployment insurance benefits can be a welcome lifeline for Rhode Island residents who, through no fault of their own, find themselves unemployed. If you were recently laid off, you should apply for unemployment compensation as quickly as possible.