Rhode Island Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): The original state-mandated paid leave
Rhode Island's TDI program, established in 1942, was the first of its kind in the nation. It provides partial wage replacement to eligible workers who are temporarily unable to work due to non-work-related illness or injury, including pregnancy. Uniquely, the program is funded entirely by employee payroll contributions.
Rhode Island TDI
Mandatory employee-funded wage replacement for non-work-related temporary disability.
What those rules do as a Rhode Island shift is created.
Teambridge automatically calculates and applies the correct employee payroll deductions for Rhode Island TDI, ensuring compliance with the state's unique, employee-funded temporary disability insurance program. This includes monitoring the annual taxable wage base and contribution rate.
TDI Contribution Calculation
For every employee in Rhode Island, Teambridge automatically deducts 1.1% of their gross wages, up to the annual taxable wage base of $100,000 for 2026, for TDI contributions. This ensures the employee's share is accurately withheld per state law.
Taxable Wage Base Monitoring
Teambridge continuously tracks each employee's year-to-date earnings to ensure that TDI contributions cease once the annual taxable wage base ($100,000 for 2026) is reached, preventing over-deduction and maintaining compliance.
No Employer Contribution
Teambridge's payroll engine is configured to understand that Rhode Island TDI is entirely employee-funded. It prevents any employer-side contributions from being misapplied, reflecting the distinct nature of this state program.
Compliance, on autopilot.
Teambridge handles the trickiest compliance scenarios, so you don't have to. Tell us a bit about your company, and we'll show you how.
Rhode Island mandates employee-funded temporary disability insurance deductions.
The Rhode Island Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) Act requires employees to contribute a percentage of their wages to fund a state program that provides partial wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities. Employers are responsible for withholding these contributions from employee paychecks.
RI Gen. Laws § 28-39-2 et seq. – Temporary Disability Insurance Act
Every individual in the service of any employer, subject to the provisions of chapters 39 to 41, inclusive, of this title, shall contribute to the temporary disability insurance fund 1.1% of the wages paid to him or her by his or her employer, up to the maximum wages taxable under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, as amended. The employer shall deduct the contribution from the wages payable to the individual and shall transmit the amount of the contribution to the director of labor and training for deposit in the temporary disability insurance fund.
Employee Contribution Details (2026)
For calendar year 2026, the employee contribution rate for Rhode Island Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) is set at 1.1% of taxable wages. This rate applies to the first $100,000 of an employee's annual wages. Once an employee's cumulative wages for the year reach this threshold, no further TDI contributions are withheld for that year. Employers are solely responsible for accurately deducting and remitting these contributions; there is no employer-side contribution to the TDI fund.
Benefit Structure and Eligibility
Eligible individuals who experience a temporary, non-work-related illness or injury (including pregnancy and childbirth) that prevents them from working may receive TDI benefits. As of July 1, 2025, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $1,103. The duration of benefits can extend up to 30 weeks within a benefit year. Eligibility is determined by past earnings and the severity of the disability, requiring a medical certification from a licensed health care provider.
Teambridge ensures Rhode Island TDI compliance, automatically.
From precise payroll deductions to staying ahead of annual rate and wage base updates, Teambridge handles the complexities of Rhode Island's TDI program, so you can focus on your business.
Accurate Employee Withholding
Teambridge automatically calculates and withholds the correct 1.1% TDI contribution from each Rhode Island employee's paycheck, ensuring compliance with state mandates without manual intervention.
Taxable Wage Base Monitoring
Our system continuously tracks each employee's year-to-date earnings, automatically stopping TDI deductions once the $100,000 taxable wage base is reached for the year.
Seamless Fund Remittance
Teambridge prepares and facilitates the timely remittance of all collected TDI contributions to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, fulfilling employer obligations efficiently.
Proactive Rate Adjustments
We monitor and implement any changes to Rhode Island's TDI contribution rate or taxable wage base, ensuring your payroll remains compliant with the latest state regulations.
People also ask.
What is Rhode Island Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)?
Rhode Island TDI is a state-mandated program that provides partial wage replacement benefits to eligible workers who are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. It was the first such program in the United States, established in 1942.
Who funds Rhode Island TDI?
Unlike many other state paid leave programs, Rhode Island TDI is funded entirely by employee payroll contributions. Employers are responsible for deducting these contributions from employee wages and remitting them to the state, but they do not contribute directly to the fund.
What is the TDI contribution rate and taxable wage base for 2026?
For calendar year 2026, the employee contribution rate for RI TDI is 1.1% of wages. This rate applies to the first $100,000 of an employee's annual earnings, which is the taxable wage base for that year.
What is the maximum weekly benefit amount for TDI?
Effective July 1, 2025, the maximum weekly benefit amount an eligible individual can receive from Rhode Island TDI is $1,103. The actual benefit amount depends on the individual's past earnings.
How long can an employee receive TDI benefits?
Eligible employees can receive TDI benefits for up to 30 weeks within a benefit year, provided they remain disabled and meet all other eligibility criteria.
Does TDI cover pregnancy and childbirth?
Yes, Rhode Island TDI covers periods of temporary disability due to pregnancy and childbirth, treating them as any other non-work-related illness or injury that prevents an employee from working.