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Rhode Island Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-44-6 authorizes the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RI DLT) to award weekly unemployment benefits at 3.85% of the average of your two highest‑earning quarters, bounded by a $66 minimum and a $777 maximum. The $777 cap applies only to claims effective July 1 2026 or later, and a separate dependency allowance—greater of $15 or 5% of your rate per dependent, up to five—may be added on top of this base amount.

Reviewed 2026-09-02 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice.

Before taxes.
Before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-44-6; RI DLT.

How Rhode Island calculates it

  • Identify the wages you earned in your highest‑earning quarter and in your second‑highest quarter.
  • Add those two quarterly wages together and divide by two to get the average.
  • Multiply the average by 3.85% (the formula’s 3.85% of the average).
  • If the resulting weekly amount is below $66, use $66; if it exceeds $777, use $777 (the $777 ceiling applies to claims effective July 1 2026 or later).
  • The final weekly benefit can be paid for up to 26 weeks.

Worked example

Quarters of $15,000 and $13,000: ($15,000 + $13,000) × 1.925% (3.85% of their average) = $539 — a weekly benefit of $539 for up to 26 weeks ($14,014 total if fully drawn).

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum weekly unemployment benefit in Rhode Island?

The state guarantees a minimum weekly benefit of $66.

How many weeks of benefits can I receive?

Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks.

When does the $777 maximum weekly benefit take effect?

The $777 maximum applies to any claim that becomes effective on or after July 1 2026.

Does Rhode Island provide extra money for dependents?

Yes, a dependency allowance of the greater of $15 or 5% of your weekly rate per dependent, up to five dependents, may be added, but it is not part of the base calculation.

How are my wages used to calculate the weekly benefit?

Your benefit is 3.85% of the average of the wages you earned in your two highest‑earning quarters.

Is the calculation different in Providence, Warwick or Cranston?

No. Benefits are set by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Providence, Warwick, Cranston is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in Rhode Island. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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