Rhode Island Coronavirus: Applying For Unemployment, Disability

RHODE ISLAND — In a press conference Wednesday, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo said the state has seen an "unprecedented" surge of unemployment claims in the wake the new coronavirus, which has led to closures and cancellations across the state.

Still, Raimondo encouraged anyone who has been laid off to apply for unemployment, and those who are home sick or in quarantine to apply for temporary disability.

"We will pay them all," she said.

To apply for temporary disability insurance, residents should visit Rhode Island's TDI website and indicate on their applications that they have been impacted by the new coronavirus.

The state has waived the mandatory seven-day wait period and the required medical certification for applicants who qualify for temporary disability insurance or temporary caregiver insurance. Instead of providing medical certification, applicants can self-attest that they were quarantined because of COVID-19.

Those caring for themselves or for family members might qualify for temporary caregiver insurance benefits. The process to apply is the same as that for TDI, and applications can be found online here.

Read more: Coronavirus In RI: 10 New Cases, Schools Closed 2 More Weeks

Those who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus — whether their place of work closed or their employer directed them to stay home — might be eligible for unemployment insurance.

Submitting an application for unemployment insurance can be completed online.

Much like with disability, applicants for unemployment should indicate the claim is being filed as a result of COVID-19. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training has waived the seven-day wait period for claims related to the coronavirus.

Rhode Island has other programs that could prove helpful to individuals or families whose jobs are affected by Coronavirus, as well.

Under the Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act or the Federal Family and Medial Leave Act, some employees may be able to take job-protected leave while caring for themselves or members of their family impacted by COVID-19.

More information on the FMLA can be found online.

Rhode Island officials are also asking businesses faced with temporarily closing or limiting operations to reach out for additions. Businesses requesting information can contact the DLT at dlt.covid19@dlt.ri.gov or (401) 462-2020.

Anyone seeking information from the DLT is encouraged to provide a business name, point of contact, a phone number and an email address.

"We're going to get through this. This is months, not weeks, but we'll get through it," Raimondo said. "Try to take care of one another."

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