The
maximum benefit rate for unemployment insurance will remain unchanged at $566
per week in fiscal year 2015. For UI beneficiaries with five or more
dependents, the rate will remain at $707 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks
annually.
As
of March 31, the average length of time an eligible Rhode Island beneficiary
collected UI payments was 16.2 weeks, compared with the national average of
16.7 weeks. The rates reflect the phased in changes to UI enacted in 2011 that
should be helping to control employers’ costs in the out years. In addition the
state will pay off the balance of our state loan from the federal government
this November – seven months ahead of schedule.
Rhode
Island businesses pay for UI benefits, while Rhode Island workers fund temporary
disability insurance, which protects workers against wage loss due to a
non-work-related illness or injury.
