Temporary Disability Insurance in Rhode Island: Guide to TDI

If you live in Rhode Island and have a disability that prevents you from working, you may qualify for financial support. While federal programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offer long-term support, Rhode Island is one of only a handful of states that offers its own short-term disability program, called Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). 

In providing short-term coverage, Rhode Island's TDI program fills an important gap for people like you, who may need financial help to cover their living expenses. Whether you're dealing with a brief illness, recovering from surgery, or managing a temporary disability, TDI could be the lifeline you need to stay afloat financially.

Read on to learn more about TDI, including who's eligible, how much you might receive, and how it differs from long-term disability benefits.

Does Rhode Island have a state disability program?

Yes, Rhode Island has offered a state-run Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program since 1942 and was actually the first state in the country to implement a state disability program. TDI provides short-term wage replacement benefits to workers who are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury.

What is the difference between TDI and disability?

While both TDI and long-term disability benefits provide financial support if you’re unable to work, they differ significantly in the following areas:

Eligibility

• TDI: This is designed for short-term disabilities, typically lasting a few weeks to a few months. To qualify, you must have paid into the TDI fund through payroll deductions and meet specific earnings requirements. 

• SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance has strict medical criteria—you must expect your medical condition to last at least a year or result in your death. 

• SSI: Meanwhile, to receive Supplemental Security Income, you must be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.

Payment amounts

• TDI: Rhode Island calculates your TDI benefits based on your recent earnings, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,070 in 2024.

• SSDI: SSDI payments are based on your lifetime earnings and can be higher for those with a longer work history. In 2024, the maximum payment amount for SSDI is $3,822 per month. In Rhode Island, workers receive an average monthly amount of $1,729.

• SSI: In 2024, the maximum monthly amount for Supplemental Security Income is $943, and Rhode Islanders receive about $605 per month on average.

Duration of coverage

• TDI: Short-term benefits in Rhode Island can last up to 30 weeks.

• SSDI: This program is designed to provide long-term support for those with permanent or long-lasting disabilities. As long as you remain disabled, you remain eligible.

• SSI: Coverage for SSI can continue for as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Who is eligible for TDI benefits?

To qualify for Rhode Island's TDI program, you need to meet the following criteria:

1. You must have paid into the TDI fund through payroll deductions.

2. You must have earned at least $16,800 in your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim).

3. If you haven't earned at least $16,800, you might still qualify if you meet all of the following conditions:

   • You earned at least $2,800 in one of your base period quarters.

   • Your total base period taxable wages are at least 1.5 times your highest quarter of earnings.

   • Your base period taxable wages equal at least $5,600.

4. You must be unemployed for at least seven consecutive days due to a non-work-related illness or injury.

How much are TDI benefits in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island calculates TDI benefit amounts based on your earnings during the highest quarter of your base period. As of 2024, the weekly benefit rate is 4.62% of those wages, with a minimum weekly payment of $130 and a maximum weekly payment of $1,070.

For example, if you earned $10,000 in your highest quarter, your weekly benefit would be $462 (or 4.62% of $10,000). Keep in mind: TDI benefits are not taxable, so you'll receive the full amount.

Additionally, you may be eligible for a dependent allowance of either $10 or 7% of your weekly benefit rate (whichever is greater) for each dependent, up to five dependents. The maximum dependent allowance is $1,444.

How do I file a TDI claim?

Filing a TDI claim in Rhode Island is a straightforward process:

1. Apply online through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training website. This is the fastest and most convenient method.

2. If you prefer, you can request a paper application by calling (401) 462-8420.

3. File your claim within 90 days of your first day out of work due to your illness or injury.

4. Provide all the required information, including your employment history and medical certification from your healthcare provider.

5. The state processes most online applications within three weeks.

Remember, you can't file a claim in advance. You must wait until you're actually unable to work before submitting your application.

Get help with your disability application

While Atticus doesn't assist with state TDI claims, we're here to help if you're considering applying for long-term federal disability benefits. Our team of disability lawyers and legal representatives can guide you through the complex SSDI or SSI application process, increasing your chances of approval and ensuring you receive the support you deserve.

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Related resources:

Rhode Island Disability Benefits: How to Qualify, Apply, and Get Approved

By Jackie Jakab

Everything You Should Know About Disability Benefits (SSDI and SSI)

By Sarah Aitchison