Rhode Island

Navigating paid family leave in Rhode Island
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PFL in Rhode Island

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Birthing parents

Start here if you're giving birth.

If you're giving birth, you may need to file for the one or all of these programs.

Short-term disability insurance (STD): if you have an employer policy (ask HR or refer to your employee handbook)
Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI)
TDI and TCI are wage replacement programs and do not guarantee leave. For questions about leave eligibility, contact your employer.

Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Apply for TDI as soon as possible once you have left work. Claims must be submitted within 90 days from the start of leave.  Check the status of your application here. 

When filing your claim, you will need to provide your social security number, contact information for your healthcare provider(s), employment history, and banking information. 

Provide confirmation of your weekly benefit rate to your employer or leave and claims administrator. If your company works with Parento, also provide a copy to your Parento Leave Administrator.

Your company may choose not to pay you paid parental leave while you’re waiting for the approval from the state for PFL. While you may be eligible for parental leave pay, you may see a delay in your pay.  If you have concerns, reach out to your company.
Who should apply?
Only birthing parents should apply. Temporary Disability Insurance is not available for non-birthing parents (e.g. dads), adoptive parents, or foster parents.
How much of my pay does TDI cover?
4.62% of wages paid to you in the highest quarter of your Base Period. The maximum weekly benefit rate is $1,007 (as of 7/1/22).
When will benefits begin?
If approved, benefits are payable on the first day of leave. However, your healthcare provider must certify you are unable to work for at least 7 consecutive days.
When am I eligible for TDI?
If you are unable to work due to pregnancy and/or pregnancy related conditions, you may be eligible for TDI.  If you are the non-birthing parent, you are not eligible for TDI. 
What to Expect
After you have left work, you may file for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). You may file online or by mail.  To request an application, call (401) 462-8420. You must wait until your first day of leave to apply; applications submitted prior to the first day of leave will not be accepted. To be eligible for TDI, you must be unable to work for at least 7 consecutive days (i.e., 1 week). Claims must be filed within 90 days from the start of leave. 

TDI benefits are generally payable while you are recovering from childbirth (e.g., 6 weeks or 8 weeks postpartum).  If medically necessary, and you are a birthing parent, you may be eligible for TDI benefits prior to the birth. To determine eligibility for TDI benefits, you must return medical certification completed by your healthcare provider.  

Once you are recovered from pregnancy disability and your healthcare provider has released you to work, you can file for TCI benefits.  Note, even if you received TDI benefits, a separate claim must be submitted for TCI.    For more information, visit Temporary Disability (TDI) FAQ.  

If your employer has a private STD policy, you must also file a claim for these benefits. For instructions on filing for STD benefits, contact your employer.

Your company will pay the difference between what you receive from STD, TDI, TCI, and the limits of the paid parental leave policy.  It is important that you file for these benefits as soon as possible to avoid delays in pay.
Example Payroll for Birthing Parent
Birthing parent who is eligible for STD, TDI, TCI, and 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
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Numbers, figures, and projections are estimates only and may not be applicable to you.‍Consult with your employer or your state's labor office for more information.

Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Apply for TCI once you have left work.  Claims must be submitted within 30 days from the start of leave. Check the status of your application here.

When filing your claim, you will need to provide your social security number, contact information for your healthcare provider(s), employment history, and bank information.  

You will also need to provide proof of relationship between you and your childCheck the status of your application here. 

Provide confirmation of your weekly benefit rate to your employer or leave and claims administrator. If your company works with Parento, also provide a copy to your Parento Leave Administrator.

Your company may choose not to pay you paid parental leave while you’re waiting for the approval from the state for PFL. While you may be eligible for parental leave pay, you may see a delay in your pay.  If you have concerns, reach out to your company.  
Who should apply?
Birthing (moms) and non-birthing parents, dads, adoptive and foster parents should apply.
How much time is available?
If you are the birthing parent and unable to work due to pregnancy, you must file for TDI before TCI.
When will benefits begin?
You may file for Paid Family Leave following a parental leave qualifying event (e.g., birth or placement of a child). To qualify, you must be away from work for at least 7 consecutive days.
How much of my pay does TCI cover?
4.62% of wages paid to you in the highest quarter of your Base Period. The maximum weekly benefit rate is $1,007 (as of 7/1/22).
What to Expect
After you have left work,  you will need to file a claim for Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI).   You may file online or by mail.  To request an application, call (401) 462-8420.  You must wait until your first day of leave to apply; applications submitted prior to the first day of leave will not be accepted.   Claims must be filed within 30 days from the start of leave. 

If you are receiving TDI and wish to request benefits to bond with your new child, you will need to submit a separate claim for TCI.  Additionally, you must be medically released by a healthcare provider before you can file for TCI.  For more information, visit Temporary Disability (TDI) FAQ. 

Your company will cover the difference between what TCI pays to the limits of the paid parental leave policy.  It is important that you file for these benefits as soon as possible to avoid delays in pay.
Example Payroll for Birthing Parent
Birthing parent eligible for STD, TCI, PFL and 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

Numbers, figures, and projections are estimates only and may not be applicable to you.‍Consult with your employer or your state's labor office for more information.
Non-birthing parents

Start here if you're the dad, spouse, adoptive, or foster parent.

If you are not the birthing parent, you only have to apply for Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI).

TCI is a wage replacement program and does not guarantee leave. For questions about leave eligibility, contact your employer.

Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Apply for TCI once you have left work.  Claims must be submitted within 30 days from the start of leave. Check the status of your application here.

When filing your claim, you will need to provide your social security number, contact information for your healthcare provider(s), employment history, and bank information.  

You will also need to provide proof of relationship between you and your childCheck the status of your application here. 

Provide confirmation of your weekly benefit rate to your employer or leave and claims administrator. If your company works with Parento, also provide a copy to your Parento Leave Administrator.

Your company may choose not to pay you paid parental leave while you’re waiting for the approval from the state for PFL. While you may be eligible for parental leave pay, you may see a delay in your pay.  If you have concerns, reach out to your company.  
Who should apply?
Birthing (moms) and non-birthing parents, dads, adoptive and foster parents should apply.
How much time is available?
For non-birthing parents, up to 6 weeks within the 12 month period following birth or placement.
When will benefits begin?
You may file for Paid Family Leave following a parental leave qualifying event (e.g., birth or placement of a child). To qualify, you must be away from work for at least 7 consecutive days.
How much of my pay does TCI cover?
4.62% of wages paid to you in the highest quarter of your Base Period. The maximum weekly benefit rate is $1,007 (as of 7/1/22).
What to Expect
After you have left work,  you will need to file a claim for Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI).   You may file online or by mail.  To request an application, call (401) 462-8420.  You must wait until your first day of leave to apply; applications submitted prior to the first day of leave will not be accepted.   Claims must be filed within 30 days from the start of leave. 

Your company will cover the difference between what TCI pays to the limits of the paid parental leave policy.  It is important that you file for these benefits as soon as possible to avoid delays in pay.
Example Payroll for Non-Birthing Parent
Non-birthing parent eligible for PFL and 14 weeks of paid parental leave

Numbers, figures, and projections are estimates only and may not be applicable to you.‍ Consult with your employer or your state's labor office for more information.

Explore other state PFL guides