How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Rhode Island
How Rhode Island calculates weekly workers' comp benefits, the current maximum, the waiting period and permanent disability.
Short answer: For injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2022, total disability benefits are 62% of the worker's average weekly wage; for earlier injuries, 75% of average weekly spendable base wages. The maximum is 125% of the state average weekly wage. R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-33-17; DLT FAQ
| Weekly benefit rate | For injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2022, total disability benefits are 62% of the worker's average weekly wage; for earlier injuries, 75% of average weekly spendable base wages. The maximum is 125% of the state average weekly wage. A dependency allowance of $25 per dependent per week is paid for total disability (none for partial disability). |
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| Maximum weekly benefit | The maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,691 for injuries on or after Oct. 1, 2026 (it was $1,622 from Oct. 1, 2025). No minimum weekly rate is listed on the Department of Labor and Training's rate page. |
| How long benefits last | Total incapacity benefits have no fixed week limit in the statute. Partial incapacity benefits are limited to 312 weeks; weeks paid for total incapacity do not count toward that period. At least 26 weeks before the 312 weeks end, the employer or insurer must notify the worker and the director of its intent to stop benefits and of the worker's right to ask for continuation. The worker may petition the Workers' Compensation Court, and partial benefits continue if the worker shows that the partial incapacity is a material hindrance to getting suitable work. Partial benefits are reduced once the worker reaches maximum medical improvement (§ 28-33-18(b)). |
| Waiting period | No weekly benefits are paid for an injury that does not keep the worker from earning full wages for at least three days. If the incapacity lasts longer than three days, compensation begins on the fourth day after the injury. |
| Permanent disability | Rhode Island pays total and partial incapacity benefits by the week; once the worker reaches maximum medical improvement, the Workers' Compensation Court may reduce the rate. For specified permanent injuries (such as loss of a hand, arm, leg, eye or sight, and loss of use), an additional award is paid: one-half of the worker's average weekly earnings, for injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2012 between $90 and $180 per week, for the number of weeks listed in the statute, normally as a one-time payment. |
Where to get help in Rhode Island
More Rhode Island workers' compensation
- Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Rhode Island
- Workers' Comp Settlements in Rhode Island
- Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in Rhode Island
- Suing Over a Work Injury in Rhode Island
- Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island workers' compensation rules
FAQ
How much does workers' comp pay in Rhode Island?
For injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2022, total disability benefits are 62% of the worker's average weekly wage; for earlier injuries, 75% of average weekly spendable base wages. The maximum is 125% of the state average weekly wage. A dependency allowance of $25 per dependent per week is paid for total disability (none for partial disability).
What is the maximum workers' comp benefit in Rhode Island?
The maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,691 for injuries on or after Oct. 1, 2026 (it was $1,622 from Oct. 1, 2025). No minimum weekly rate is listed on the Department of Labor and Training's rate page.
How long can you receive workers' comp in Rhode Island?
Total incapacity benefits have no fixed week limit in the statute. Partial incapacity benefits are limited to 312 weeks; weeks paid for total incapacity do not count toward that period. At least 26 weeks before the 312 weeks end, the employer or insurer must notify the worker and the director of its intent to stop benefits and of the worker's right to ask for continuation. The worker may petition the Workers' Compensation Court, and partial benefits continue if the worker shows that the partial incapacity is a material hindrance to getting suitable work.
Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in Rhode Island?
No weekly benefits are paid for an injury that does not keep the worker from earning full wages for at least three days. If the incapacity lasts longer than three days, compensation begins on the fourth day after the injury.
How does permanent disability work under workers' comp in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island pays total and partial incapacity benefits by the week; once the worker reaches maximum medical improvement, the Workers' Compensation Court may reduce the rate. For specified permanent injuries (such as loss of a hand, arm, leg, eye or sight, and loss of use), an additional award is paid: one-half of the worker's average weekly earnings, for injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2012 between $90 and $180 per week, for the number of weeks listed in the statute, normally as a one-time payment.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.