Get Latest WorkWORLD

Workers' Compensation Summary - Rhode Island

The Division of Workers' Compensation, Department of Labor and Training is responsible for administration of Workers' Compensation in Rhode Island. The following brief summary is intended to provide a general overview of Workers' Compensation coverage and benefits in Rhode Island. See the separate topic for help with acronyms. For further information contact your local or state Workers' Compensation Program office. This information is based on data originally provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and updated by the Division of Workers' Compensation, and is believed current as of January 2011.

In Rhode Island, compensation benefits are adjusted annually, and changes become effective September 1 of each year. The rates shown below are in effect from September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011 unless otherwise noted.

Type of Law and Insurance Requirements

In Rhode Island, workers' compensation is compulsory, and no waivers are permitted. There is a competitive state fund. Employers may insure through private carriers, self-insurance, or through groups of employers. There is an exemption for employers with fewer than 4 employees. Licensed real estate brokers or salespersons, or licensed or certified real estate appraisers are exempt if substantially all remuneration for services performed is directly related to sales or other output rather than the number of hours worked.

Coverage of Agricultural Workers

Employers may secure coverage voluntarily, even though no statutory provisions are prescribed.

Coverage of Domestic Employees

Employers are permitted to provide voluntary coverage.

Medical Benefits

Full medical benefits are provided with no time or monetary limitations.

Benefits for Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 75% of worker's spendable earnings. For weekly payments, there is no minimum, and the maximum is $946, 110% of SAWW. The maximum period of payments is the duration of disability. There is an additional $15 benefit for each dependent, including a non-working spouse; with the aggregate benefit not to exceed 80% of worker's average weekly wage.

Benefits for Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 75% of worker's spendable earnings. For weekly payments, there is no minimum, and the maximum is $946, 110% of SAWW. The maximum period of payments is the duration of disability. There is an additional $15 benefit for each dependent, including a non-working spouse; with the aggregate benefit not to exceed 80% of worker's average weekly wage.

Benefits for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 75% of worker's spendable earnings. For weekly payments, there is no minimum; the maximum for a scheduled injury is $90, and the maximum for a non-scheduled injury is $946, 110% of SAWW. For non-scheduled injuries, the maximum period of payments is 312 weeks, and the maximum payment amount is $295,152. If employee cannot obtain suitable work and employer cannot provide such work or show that it is available elsewhere, benefits are paid as for total incapacity.

Disfigurement Benefits

Rhode Island law covers disfigurement that is "Permanent bodily". Benefits are proper and equitable compensation determined by the Workers' Compensation Commission, for a maximum period of 500 weeks.

Contact Information

RI Department of Labor and Training
Division of Workers' Compensation
1511 Pontiac Avenue, Building 69, Second Floor
PO Box 20190
Cranston, RI 02920-0942

Main Phone: (401) 462-8100
Information Line: (401) 462-8125
TDD: (401) 462-8006

Internet: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/wc/

Additional Information

Historical maximum compensation benefit rates are available in PDF format (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) online at:
http://www.dlt.ri.gov/wc/maxcomprates.htm

Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Laws and Workers' Compensation Rules and Regulations may be accessed online at:
http://www.dlt.ri.gov/wc/lawsrules.htm

Other State's Summaries

Curious about the Workers' Compensation program in another state? Want to see a summary like this one? Click here to select another state's summary.

Source

Information for this topic was drawn from the Division of Workers' Compensation website at:
http://www.dlt.ri.gov/wc/

WorkWORLD™ Help/Information System

   Share/Save: Click the button or link at left to select your favorite bookmark service and add this page.

This is one topic from the thousands available in the WorkWORLD™ software Help/Information System.
Complete information about the software is available at: http://www.WorkWORLD.org