To qualify for unemployment benefits in Rhode Island, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. Firstly, you must have recently become unemployed through no fault of your own, meaning that you were laid off, had your hours reduced, or your employer went out of business. Secondly, you must have earned sufficient wages during the base period, which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before filing your claim. Your total wages during the base period must be at least 1.5 times the wages in your highest quarter. Additionally, you must be physically able to work, available for suitable employment, and actively seeking work. Moreover, you are required to register with the Department of Labor and Training's EmployRI job-matching system. Finally, you must meet all ongoing certification requirements, report your earnings, and attend any required meetings or workshops.

Answered May 3, 2024