Temporary Disability Insurance Frequently Asked Questions, RI DLT

Temporary Disability Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions

Click on each question to show the answer.

1. When and how can I apply for Temporary Disability Insurance Benefits?: By accessing the TDI website at www.dlt.ri.gov/tdi, you may apply online or download an application to complete and mail to TDI, P.O. Box 20100, Cranston, RI 02920. You may also call (401) 462-8420 and choose option 1. An application will be mailed to you. If you become ill or injured, and an examination by a healthcare provider or medical practitioner indicates that you cannot work for at least 7 consecutive days, your claim should be filed as soon as possible to avoid jeopardizing or delaying your first payment.
2. Who can I call if I have questions about my TDI Claim?: You can call (401) 462-8420 and get up-to date claims information from our voice response system. You may call between 8 AM and 3:50 PM Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 8:00 AM to 11:50 AM Wednesday and between 9:00 AM and 3:50 PM on Friday to speak with a customer service representative. You must provide your entire claim and personal identification (PIN) numbers when you call.
3. What are my benefit payment options? Can I still get a check?: NO. The RI Department of Labor and Training will no longer issue checks. Payments are made through Direct Deposit or Electronic Payment Cards.

Direct Deposit: To choose Direct Deposit to your checking or savings account, you must complete the Direct Deposit application form. To obtain a form, call (401)462-8420 or download the application form from this site: www.dlt.ri.gov/tdi, then complete and mail it to TDI, P.O. Box 20070, Cranston, RI 02920.
Electronic Payment Card: If you do not select direct deposit, you will automatically be sent an electronic payment card, which works like a debit card. For detailed information on the electronic payment card, visit www.dlt.ri.gov/tdi.
4. How do I report my Return to Work date or Recovered from illness date?: You may contact TDI’s automated system by calling 401-462-8700, no waiting required. Follow the instructions and enter you claim number and your claim’s PIN number. The first question will ask you for your return to work or recuperation date. When you enter the date, the system will post it automatically to your claim.
Or
You may complete and mail to TDI the “Return to Work” form previously sent to you with your claim’s computation statement.
Or
You may simply mail us a letter/note with your information providing your return to work or recuperation date. Or You may contact TDI’s Customer Service Unit by calling 401-462-8420 and speak with a representative.
5. What is my claim Number? What is my PIN?: Your claim number is your 9 digit social security number (SSN) plus the 3 or 4 digits following it, which signify your benefit year ending date and record number. For security purposes only the last 4 digits of your SSN plus the digits following it are included on forms we send to you.

Your PIN number is on the Notice of Claim Received form that is sent to you when your application is received.
6. What are the medical requirements for TDI?: To be medically eligible for TDI benefits, a Qualified Healthcare Provider (QHP) or medical practitioner must certify that you are functionally unable to perform your customary and regular work duties. Your QHP will tell us the length of time he/she expects you to be unable to work.

For your eligibility to begin the first day you were disabled you must have an in-office examination by a licensed Qualified Healthcare Provider (QHP) that week, the week before or the week after, your disability began. A contact with the QHP via a telephone call is not acceptable by TDI law as a timely examination by a licensed QHP.

Additionally, you may be asked to make an appointment with an impartial medical examiner if we believe an exam is necessary. Your benefits will be stopped if you do not make or keep the appointment with the impartial medical examiner.
7. What are the earnings requirements for TDI?: To be eligible for TDI benefits, you must have been paid at least $9,300 in either your Base Period or an Alternate Base Period (both are explained in the following sections). If you did not earn this amount, you may be eligible if you meet all of the following conditions:

1. You earned at least $1,550 in one of your base period quarters,
2. Your total base period taxable wages are at least one and one-half times your highest quarter of earnings,
3. Your base period taxable wages equal at least $3,100.
8. When will benefits be deposited in my account?: Generally, benefits will be deposited within 48 hours of approval by the Department of Labor & Training. Approval is based on monetary eligibility and medical certification from your Qualified Health Care Provider. You should always check your balance before using the card. You may conduct balance inquiries free of charge through the convenience of Internet access at www.myaccount.chase.com OR you can call Chase Customer Service toll-free number
1-866-847-8586.
9. What is the base period?: The base period is the period of time we use to determine if you have sufficient wages to be eligible. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the starting date of your new claim. The calendar quarters are: Jan 1-March 31; April 1-June 30; July 1-Sept 30; and Oct 1-Dec 31. Once a quarter's wages are used to establish a claim, they cannot be used again on a later claim.
10. What is an alternate base period?: If you are not eligible using your base period earnings, we will recompute your claim using an alternate base period. The alternate base period is the last four completed calendar quarters before the starting date of your claim. While you must still meet the same earnings requirements, this allows some of your more recent wages to be used.
11. When does my claim begin?: Your new claim begins with the Sunday of the week in which you became unable to work. The Benefit Year is a 52-week period which begins on the Sunday of the week in which your unable date occurs. New claims filed with the effective date of 7-1-12 or later, that have met all other eligibility criteria, are provided benefit payments as of the first day of unemployment due to the illness/injury. Any additional claims (refiles) you submit during this period will have the same benefit year.
12. When will I get my first payment?: Most eligible customers get their first payment within 3-4 weeks from the day TDI receives the application. Missing, or wrong information may delay payment. Prompt responses from your QHP are needed to process your claim.
13. Why didn't I receive a payment for the first week I was on TDI?: Claims filed with the effective date prior to 7-1-12, you must serve a Waiting Period for a week (Sun thru Sat) in which you had gross earnings less than your benefit rate at the start of your new claim. If your disability lasts 28 days or more, from the unable date within the effective day of the claim, you will be paid for the waiting period.With new claims filed with an effective date of 7-1-12 or later, the un-paid waiting period week is eliminated due to a legislative law change. An individual is still required to be out of work for at least seven (7) consecutive days in order to be eligible for TDI benefits.
14. If I file another claim, do I have to serve another waiting period?: You must serve a 7-day Waiting Period only once during each benefit year up to 6/30/12. You must still be disabled for at least 7 days before benefits can be paid on a second claim in the same benefit year.
15. How long do I have to be out of work to file a claim?: When filing a new claim or refile on a current claim an individual must be unemployed due to sickness for at least seven (7) consecutive days in order to be eligible for TDI benefits.
16. How much will I receive? How much will I receive for dependency allowance?: Your weekly benefit rate will be equal to 4.62% of the wages paid to you in the highest quarter of your Base Period. Your weekly benefit rate remains the same throughout your benefit year. Effective 1/1/13, $72.00 is the minimum. Effective 7/1/12, $736.00 is the maximum benefit rate for claims with the benefit year begin date of 7/1/12 or greater. This does not include dependency allowance.

If you have dependent children less than 18 years of age, you may be entitled to a dependency allowance. Handicapped children over 18 may also be counted toward the allowance. The dependency allowance is limited to 5 dependents and is equal to the greater of $10 or 7% of your benefit rate. Your dependency allowance is determined at the start of your benefit year and remains the same for the entire period.
17. Why is my TDI payment less than my full benefit amount?: If you return to work or recuperate in the middle of a week, you may be paid a lag payment. The lag payment would be 1/5 of your benefit rate for each workday you normally work.
18. How long can I collect TDI? What if my disability is long-term?: The duration of your claim is equal to 36% of your total base period wages divided by your weekly benefit rate (not including dependent's allowance. The most you are allowed to collect is an amount equal to 30 full weeks. You may claim these weeks any time you are medically certified as functionally unable to perform your work duties during your benefit year and you are out of work for a minimum of seven (7) consecutive days.

You should consider filing for Social Security disability if your condition is expected to last at least a year. You don't have to wait until your Temporary Disability payments end to apply for Social Security disability. The application process can take up to 6 months so filing an application early is important. Social Security can start paying disability benefits after you have been disabled for 5 full months. Please visit social security's website at www.socialsecurity.gov for more information or contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or call your local social security office.
19. May I get paid by my employer and still collect TDI?: If you continue to be paid a salary, sick or vacation pay while you are totally unable to work, you are allowed to receive TDI. If you are working reduced hours and in Partial Return to Work claim status, all earnings (salary, sick, vacation, bonus, commission etc.) are considered.
20. Can I collect TDI and Unemployment Insurance (UI) for the same period of time?: You cannot receive TDI and UI for the same period. If you become disabled while collecting UI, you should file for TDI and immediately notify UI.
21. I'm pregnant. Can I collect TDI?: Pregnancy in general is not considered a disability. When your Qualified Healthcare Provider (QHP) determines that you are functionally unable to perform all of your work duties due to medical complications as a result of your pregnancy and or other health issues, it is recommended you file for TDI. If you are able to work in a light duty capacity and your employer does not have light duty available, it’s recommended you file an Unemployment Insurance Claim.

Note: TDI is not maternity leave; TDI provides benefit payments only when you are functionally unable to perform all work duties.
22. I filed for Workers' Compensation (WC). Can I collect TDI too?: You cannot receive TDI for any period that you receive WC. If you were injured on the job you must file a claim for WC. If you have filed for WC and the claim is being contested, you may be eligible for TDI pending settlement of the WC claim. If you later receive WC for any weeks that TDI has been paid, you must notify us immediately so that any adjustments can be made.
23. I don't agree with a TDI decision regarding my claim. What can I do?: You have the RIGHT TO APPEAL any decision with which you do not agree, by submitting a request in writing to the TDI Appeals Coordinator at PO Box 20100, Cranston, RI 02920-0941 or by FAX at (401) 462-8466. Your case will be assigned to a Referee (Hearing Officer) at the Board of Review who will schedule a hearing at which time you may state your argument in detail.

You may bring witnesses or someone to represent you. You should bring any documents or other evidence that will support your claim. The Board is an impartial authority not under the direction of the Department of Labor and Training.
24. I've recovered, but I have no job. What can I do?: You should visit any of the Department's One-Stop Career Centers - netWORKri Centers. They can help you find work, enroll in training, and provide job counseling. You should also file an Unemployment Insurance claim by calling (401) 243-9100 or visiting www.dlt.ri.gov/ui.
25. Who pays for TDI?: The TDI program is financed entirely by employee payroll deductions. The current withholding rate as of January 1, 2013 is 1.2% of your first $61,400 in earnings. Workers aged 14 and 15 are exempt from wage deductions and TDI coverage. If you worked for more than one RI employer in a calendar year and your total wages were more than $60,000 (in 2012), you may be entitled to a TDI tax refund. You can download a TDI tax refund claim form on-line at www.uitax.ri.gov/docs/TX-Forms/TX-16.pdf. You can also obtain the refund form from the Division of Taxation, 1 Capitol Hill-Suite 36, Providence, RI 02908, (401) 574-8700.
26. Are TDI benefits taxable? Are TDI withholdings deductible?: TDI benefits paid to you are not subject to Federal or State income taxes. TDI withholdings from your earnings are deductible for Federal income tax reporting purposes.
27. Can I worked part-time and receive TDI?: If your QHP tells you that you are able to return to work part time and your employer has work available for you, you may be eligible to collect partial TDI payments. You are eligible to collect a partial TDI payment for any week, beginning on or after January 1, 2006, in which you have earnings of less than your weekly benefit rate. You must be totally unable to work for at least 7 consecutive days before you are eligible to receive partial benefits. For more information, visit our Partial Return to Work Program web page.
28. Can my TDI benefits be directly deposited to my bank account?: You have the option of having your benefits electronically deposited into your savings or checking account or receiving payment via the Electronic Payment Card (EPC). Click here to go to the EPC FAQ's for TDI.

If you think direct deposit will benefit you, be sure to complete the Request for Direct Deposit section of the TDI Application for Benefits. You may call (401) 462-8420 to have a Request for Direct Deposit mailed to you. If you want your benefits deposited into your checking account, you must attach a check marked "VOID" to your application. If you want your benefits deposited into your savings account, you must attach bank documentation that includes your account number and the bank routing number.
29. What if my QHP requires my authorization to release medical information?: If your QHP requires your authorization before releasing any medical information to TDI, a medical release will be mailed to you. After signing the authorization you must deliver (bring, fax or mail) the release to your healthcare provider. Additional copies of the Authorization for Release of Medical Information can be downloaded from our website, www.dlt.ri.gov/tdi.
30. What is the Claims Management Unit?: The Claims Management Unit (CMU) established in TDI is staffed by two Registered Nurses whose role is to provide program information to claimants, employers and QHPs on how the TDI program operates. The Claims Management Unit will also be reviewing complex TDI claims when the medical duration extends beyond the medical duration guidelines.
31. I have been granted family medical leave status from my employer in order to take care of a sick relative. Can I apply for TDI and receive benefits?: No. RI TDI only pays benefits to workers who are ill or injured and does not extend benefits to persons taking care of a sick relative while on family medical leave (FMLA). Anyone who receives Temporary Disability Insurance must be certified by a licensed Qualified Healthcare Practitioner that they are disabled and unable to work.
32. Why am I not being paid TDI benefits for all the weeks the Qualified Healthcare Provider (QHP) approved as needed for my recovery period?: When the TDI customer works part of the first week of disability and has gross earning over the TDI claim’s benefit rate, TDI cannot provide credit for the waiting period week until the following Sunday. However, the first week of disability counts as the first week of recovery. Therefore, TDI reduces the first week from the total weeks the QHP certified as weeks needed for recovery. (Gross earnings are the total wages before taxes.)
33. What is the Medical Disability Advisor (MDA)?: This is a medical industry standard guideline (software) used by the TDI Program to determine the disability durations required according to each claimant’s disability. This program is used to calculate how long the average recuperation time is according to the specific illness/injury.
34. If I am currently receiving TDI benefits and have a new doctor, how do I inform TDI?: When a new doctor begins treating you while you have an active TDI claim, call TDI Customer Service at 401 462-8420 or send an email to TDI@dlt.ri.gov with the updated information. Under this scenario, please do not file a new claim.


	RI Department of Labor and Training Temporary Disability Insurance P.O. Box 20100, Cranston, RI 02920-0941	Phone: (401) 462-8420 Fax (401) 462-8466 TTY via RI Relay: 711 4/12/13 MDF
	DLT is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request