Rhode Island Extended Unemployment
Rhode Island has an unemployment rate of 12.2%, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Like you, a lot of people living in Rhode Island are collecting unemployment benefits.
They are all probably wondering what to do when the benefits come to an end. The federal government and the state of Rhode Island understand the situation and are extending the length of time you can use your Rhode Island unemployment benefits.
The Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program became effective as of July 6, 2008. If you are eligible, you should have received a notice in the mail to file for the extension. You can call the Unemployment Insurance Service Center at 243-9100 to find out if you’re eligible for this program.
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training has a website at https://uiclaims.state.ri.us/RI-ICS/Intro/Index.aspx?AC=yes to allow you to file online. You can also file by calling 243-9100 Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If you need to call from out of state, you can call toll free at 1-866-577-0001. After you file for emergency unemployment compensation, you need to request weekly benefits by contacting the Tele-Serve payment center at (401) 243-9600 after 7:00 PM.
If you receive a decision that states you are not eligible, you have the right to an appeal. The appeal needs to be sent within fifteen calendar days to Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, P. O. Box 20389, Cranston, RI 02920-0944.
In order to continue receiving Rhode Island unemployment insurance benefits, you must actively search for a new job. For each contact, you need to keep track of the name and address of the company and the date you applied for work. You will need to also keep track of whether you applied in person, sent a resume, or applied online. Finally, keep track of the job you applied for as well as the shift.
Your documentation is subject to review by the state of Rhode Island, so it’s important to be accurate.
Along with federal emergency unemployment compensation, you may also be eligible for state extended benefits. You can apply the same way you do for emergency compensation.
August 9th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Hi,
By the end of October 09 I would have collected for 79 weeks, this includes the 20 weeks for RI State benifits. Will I be eligible for any more weeks after I have exhausted these 79 weeks?
Thanks,
Karen
August 13th, 2009 at 9:04 am
When I filed for my state extended benefits, I got the addition weeks. Also, the person mentioned that once I exhausted them, RI may possibly offer an additional 7 1/2 weeks worth of benefits. But honestly, I don’t take what they say too seriously. My girlfriend lost her job and her BYE is 09 and they denied her extended benefits….which doesn’t make sense because she has been working all her life. And I know someone who has a BYE of 07 and they are collecting still….makes NO sense!