Short Term Disability Income: State Programs

Name: Temporary Disability Insurance

Who Must Carry: Coverage is provided completely through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Covers: Most individuals who work in Rhode Island, regardless of place of residence, are covered. The exceptions are federal, state and some municipal employees as well as partners and non-incorporated self employed workers. Minors, aged 14 and 15, are exempted from wage deductions and Temporary Disability Insurance coverage.

Eligibility: Generally, you must have earned $8,800 during your "Base Period" which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. There are alternative rules for eligibility in case you have not been in the Rhode Island workforce that long. The best way to confirm eligibility is to file a claim. It doesn't matter whether you have a pre-existing condition. Medical questions aren't asked.

Benefits: Your Benefit Rate is your basic weekly payment amount, excluding Dependency Allowances. It is equal to 4.62% of the amount you were paid in the Base Period quarter in which you earned the most wages. The state sends you a Benefit Computation Statement which shows your rate and the wage information used to determine it. Once your Benefit Rate is determined, it remains the same for your entire Benefit Year. For 2010, the minimum weekly benefit is $69 and the maximum weekly benefit rate is $700.

In addition there is a "Dependent Award" for each child under age 18 which is equal to the greater of $10 or 7% of your weekly Benefit Rate. It will be paid for up to five dependent children.

Taxes: Rhode Island TDI benefits are not subject to income taxes.

Waiting period: Everyone must serve a Waiting Period of 7 consecutive days at the start of each new claim. Benefits will be paid retroactively for the first week only if your disability lasts for 28 days or more.

Benefit Period: 30 weeks maximum.

Premium: The Rhode Island program is financed entirely by deductions from your wages. The 2010 withholding rate is 1.2% of your first $57,900 in earnings.

Claim Forms: In Rhode Island , claims forms are called "application for benefits." You can call 401.462.8420 to have a claim form ("application for benefits") sent directly to you or you may download one from www.det.state.ri.us/webdev/tdi/tdihome.htm or www.dlt.ri.gov/tdi/tdifaqs.htm

For more information: See: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/tdi/

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