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Rhode Island

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on April 26, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Rhode Island, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Resource Center website or Rhode Island's Department of Health website

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Description of Program and Relief

Sick and Safe Leave

Under the existing Healthy and Safe Families Act (RI General Law § 28-57), Rhode Island private sector employees have the right to take time off from work to care for themselves when they are too sick to work or to care for their child, spouse, domestic partner, or other member of their household due to the effects of COVID-19. Employers must at minimum provide one hour of sick/safe leave for every 35 hours worked, with time accruing on the first day of employment. Full-time employees may earn up to 40 hours per year.

Government or Lead Agency

The Department of Labor and Training (“DLT”)

Dates Available

Effective immediately

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Click here for eligibility requirements may be found here. Generally:

  1. Must be private sector employee;

  2. Must not be a per diem nurse who (i) works at a health care facility; (ii) is under no obligation to work a regular schedule; and (iii) receives higher pay than others who work a regular schedule while performing the same job;

  3. Must work part-time, full-time, seasonally, or temporarily in Rhode Island more than in any other state.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Call (401) 462-8550; email dlt.laborstandards@dlt.ri.gov

List of Additional Information

Click here and here for the Sick and Safe Leave factsheet and FAQ.

Click here for further details on DLT’s webpage.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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