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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

WorkShare Program for Employers

Rhode Island’s WorkShare program is an alternative for an employer to avoid layoffs when experiencing temporary major slowdowns in business due to economic conditions. It connects their workers with Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) to partially replace wages lost due to a reduction in work hours and keeps the employment relationship intact, benefitting both employers and workers alike.

Employers retain their skilled workforce, while workers remain job-attached and receive most of their weekly pay and fringe benefits during a time when work hours have been reduced. WorkShare claimants are able to collect up to fifty (50%) of their weekly benefit rate.

Government or Lead Agency

Department of Labor and Training (“DLT”)

Dates Available

Effective immediately (existing program)

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

WorkShare is available to any employer with two or more employees and whose taxes or reimbursement payments are currently up to date. Employers that temporarily close down their entire operation would not qualify for WorkShare.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Interested employers may apply for WorkShare by calling (401) 462-8418 or emailing dlt.WorkShare@dlt.ri.gov.

View application packet

List of Additional Information

Click here for more information on the WorkShare program.

For workplace-related questions regarding the coronavirus, contact the DLT’s COVID-19 dedicated email address dlt.covid19@dlt.ri.gov or hotline at (401) 462-2020.


© 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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