It's busy around here! We are trying to answer all of your important questions as soon as we can.

But to get the fastest answers, we've compiled the most asked questions (and answers) below.

Start here BEFORE you reach out to us

My claim still hasn’t been processed. What should I do? Should I call the call center?

Do nothing. If you received a confirmation number, then your claim has been received and is being worked on.

(The call center will tell you the same thing.)

My coworkers applied for UI at the same time as me, but their claims have been processed and mine hasn’t. Should I reapply?

Every claim is different. If you have a confirmation number, it's still being worked on. If we need more info we'll reach out.

Again, do not call.

How do I receive payments?

Once your claim has been processed, you must certify your weekly payment every week (even if your eligibility is being determined or your claim is pending an appeal). You can request benefits for the previous week any time, Sunday to Saturday.

To certify your payments online use UI Online (formerly Teleserve). https://uionline.dlt.ri.gov/ 

What about the extra $600 that the U.S. Congress passed?

Starting week ending 4/4, everyone collecting UI will get an additional $600 per week on top of their regular weekly benefit.

You’ll receive it retroactively, do NOT need to reapply.

Please do not call.

I tried using UI Online or TeleCert but it said that my claim can't be processed through UI Online and it directs me to the call center. What next?

Check your claim status page, and make sure that:

It's been processed.
You are in the right date range.

if not

Just wait for the claim to process or the right date.

DO NOT CALL.

We will just read you this tweet.

I can't work due to COVID-19. What should I apply for?

Laid off? UI.

Self-employed or contract worker and out of work? PUA.

Unable to work for another good reason? UI

More info here: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/emergencyui/COVID-19%20UI%20Fact%20Sheet%204.13.2020.pdf

How should I apply for unemployment insurance?

On our website.

Regular unemployment insurance (UI)
https://dltweb.dlt.ri.gov/UIClaims2013/intro/index.aspx?AC=yes

Pandemic unemployment insurance (PUA)
https://covidemergencyuibenefits.dlt.ri.gov/ 

What types of workers are eligible or regular unemployment insurance?

Are you on payroll?

Eligible.

Own a business but also on payroll?

Eligible.

There are some exceptions, but UI covers most people on payroll.

What are the wage requirements?

It's complicated. You need to have been paid at least $12.k in your 'base period'.

Filed a claim in April, your base period is:

All of 2019.

Filed in March, your base period is:

Oct 1, 2018 - Sept 30, 2019.

Didn't earn $12.6k?

You need to check all these boxes:

You earned at least $4.2k in your base period.
Your earnings total is at least 1.5 times your highest quarter.
You were paid at least $2.1k in one calendar quarter.

If you scored a 3 out of 3 then file a claim.

Confused? File anyway!

What if I don’t meet the wage requirements for regular UI?

Apply for Emergency COVID-19 UI: https://covidemergencyuibenefits.dlt.ri.gov/ 

I’m still not sure whether or not I’m eligible. What should I do?

Fill out an application. We will let you know for sure.

The application: https://dltweb.dlt.ri.gov/UIClaims2013/intro/index.aspx?AC=yes

I live in Rhode Island, but I work in another state. Where should I file for unemployment?

In the state you work in.

Mass. workers go here https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online

Conn. workers go here
http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-online/Index.htm

I’m still working, but my hours were cut significantly. Am I eligible for benefits?

You can collect partial benefits if you are making less than your weekly UI benefit amount.

See below for how that’s calculated.

How much will I receive in weekly benefits?

It's complicated.

Figure out your base period (see above)
Take your two highest quarters
Add them together, then divided by 2
Multiply that number by .0385

This is your weekly benefit.

Example time!

Two highest quarters for Joe Schmoe were:

$10,500 and $12,750

$10,500 + $12,750 = $23,250

Divide by two = $11,625. That’s the average.

Now multiply!

$11,625 x .0385 = $447 Weekly benefit

The max is $586 weekly.

Got kids? There is more math

Joe can get 5% of his weekly benefit for up to 5 dependants

Joe has 8 kids.

His weekly benefit is $447

He gets 5% of $447, or $22 per kid. Up to 5 kids.

The total benefit is $447 + $110 for the kids. $557 total.

PLUS $600/week from the CARES Act.

Good luck Joe!

I was found to be ineligible for regular UI. What should I do?

You should apply for emergency UI
https://covidemergencyuibenefits.dlt.ri.gov/ 

UI Online said my certification has been accepted. What does that mean?

You've successfully certified for your weekly benefit

Why can’t I create a PIN?

Your claim probably hasn’t been processed yet. You can only create a PIN once your claim has been processed.

If your claim is processed, but your certification dates are in the past, we are manually certifying your weekly benefit payment.

I’m out of work due to COVID-19. Do I still need to post my resume and apply for three jobs per week?

No, you don’t. The work search requirements are waived for claims related to COVID-19.

When will I receive the retroactive $600 unemployment compensation ?

You’ll receive the this week if you haven’t already.

I still have questions. How can I contact the DLT?

Please call our COVID-19 hotline at (401) 234-4280.