TDI provides benefit payments to insured RI workers for weeks of unemployment caused by disability. The TDI program, enacted in 1942, was the first of its kind in the United States. It protects workers against wage loss resulting from a non-work related illness or injury, and is funded exclusively by Rhode Island workers. Only four other states; New York, New Jersey, California and Hawaii, as well as the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, have a TDI program.

Most individuals who work in Rhode Island, regardless of place of residence, are covered by TDI. (Exceptions include federal, state and some municipal employees as well as partners and non-incorporated self employed workers.) To be eligible, an individual must meet certain earnings requirements and be medically certified by a certified health care provider as unable to work.

In the 2008 legislative session the determination of TDI Waiting Period  Section 28-41-12 was amended, the change became effective January 4, 2009. Below is a brief explanation of how the Waiting Period Credit is determined.

• Seven consecutive days, commencing with the Sunday of the week in which the individual is unemployed due to sickness and earned less than his/her weekly benefit rate.

                                OR

• Seven consecutive days, commencing with the Sunday of the week following his/her unable to work date if, during the first week of the unable date, the individual has earnings greater than or equal to the benefit rate of the claim.

Earnings include overtime, vacation, sick leave pay, bonuses, commissions and exclude Holiday pay if no services were performed.

Please note this does not affect refiled claims once a benefit year has been established and a waiting period has already been served on that claim.