RI Could Extend Unemployment Benefits To Those Back At Work

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Islanders currently collecting unemployment benefits could continue to collect — including the $300 boost provided by the federal government — even after going to work, Gov. Dan McKee said this week.

McKee said he is working with state lawmakers to draft legislation that, if approved, would allow greater flexibility for Rhode Islanders to continue to collect unemployment benefits while returning to work part-time.

Under the current rules, residents can make up to 100 percent of their weekly benefits before they lose their ability to collect, Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor explained. With the extra boost from the federal government, some business owners have argued that residents are disincentivized to work, making it hard to find employees heading into the busy summer season.

Along with the changed benefit policies, McKee said the state's Department of Labor and Training plans to reintroduce the requirement that those who collect unemployment actively seek work. The requirement was relaxed at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, but will be reintroduced as more people get vaccinated and it becomes safer to work, McKee said. More information is expected in the coming weeks.

Should the new plan come to pass, residents would be allowed to keep the unemployment boost, as well as earn up to 150 percent of their weekly benefits before losing eligibility. Although the bill has not yet been introduced, McKee said he hopes to see legislation approved by the General Assembly before the end of the current session.