COVID-19 Sick Leave Options

TTY via RI Relay 711 | Equal Opportunity Employer

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request | Rev. 1/20/22

Earned Sick Leave

Most Rhode Island private sector workers are eligible for earned sick leave that can be used to take

time off work if you or a or family member has been impacted by COVID-19. Based on the size of your

employer, earned leave may be paid or unpaid.

Please check with your employer regarding their sick leave policies, the amount of time that you may

have earned and may be available for use, and details about how to use this benefit. More

information on Rhode Island sick and safe leave law is available on the

Department of Labor and

Training (DLT) website.

Temporary Disability/Caregiver Insurance

As another option, the Department of Labor and Training offers the Temporary Disability Insurance

(TDI) and Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) programs. To be eligible for these programs, you need

to have worked for a Rhode Island employer and have earned enough to qualify. You also need to be

out of work for at least a week, and must be completely unable to work (i.e., you are unable to work

remotely). For more information on eligibility, please see the TDI FAQ.

Use the table below to determine which program you should apply for, and what documentation is

required to determine your eligibility.

Scenario Program Documentation

I tested positive for COVID-19. Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) Record of positive COVID-19 test.

For claims lasting longer than two

weeks, a doctor’s note is required.

I was directed to quarantine

due to a close contact having

COVID-19.

Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) Proof or documentation of the

requirement to quarantine, such

as communication from a public

health official or place of work.

For claims lasting longer than two

weeks, a doctor’s note is required.

A member of my family for

whom I am the primary

caregiver tested positive for

COVID-19.

Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) Record of positive COVID-19 test.

For claims lasting longer than two

weeks, a doctor’s note is required.

A member of my family for

whom I am the primary

caregiver was directed to

quarantine.

Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) Proof or documentation of the

requirement to quarantine, such

as communication from a school,

caregiving facility, or public health

official.

For claims lasting longer than two

weeks, a doctor’s note is required.