Rhode Island Workers' Comp Benefits (2026)
How Rhode Island pays injured workers: the weekly rate while you recover, the 2026 maximum, and what each type of permanent injury is worth, with the statute behind each number.
What is different in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's specific compensation for loss or loss of use of body parts is paid on top of wage-loss benefits but at a low flat-ish rate (50% of AWW, $90-$180/week). Permanent disfigurement can also be paid, up to 500 weeks, as a one-time payment.
Weekly benefits while you cannot work
| Weekly rate | 62% of AWW for injuries on/after 2022-01-01 (previously 75% of average weekly spendable base wage) |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,622 (2025-10-01 to 2026-09-30) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | No statutory minimum found |
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | Not confirmed |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
What each injury is worth
| Injury | How it is paid | Max award |
|---|---|---|
| Back | wage loss | — |
| Neck | wage loss | — |
| Shoulder | depends on how it is rated | — |
| Knee | 312 weeks | $56,160 |
| Arm | 312 weeks | $56,160 |
| Hand | 244 weeks | $43,920 |
| Thumb | 75 weeks | $13,500 |
| Index Finger | 46 weeks | $8,280 |
| Leg | 312 weeks | $56,160 |
| Foot | 205 weeks | $36,900 |
| Big Toe | 38 weeks | $6,840 |
| Eye | 160 weeks | $28,800 |
| Hearing Loss | 244 weeks | $43,920 |
Permanent injuries in general
no whole-body impairment award; partial incapacity pays 62% of the difference between pre- and post-injury weekly wages (injuries from 2022) for up to 312 weeks, with continuation possible after review.
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws §28-33-17 (total incapacity), §28-33-19 (specific injuries); R.I. Gen. Laws §28-33-19 (specific compensation); §28-33-18 (partial incapacity)
- Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Workers' Compensation Division (official site)
- dlt.ri.gov/workers-compensation/insurers-and-adjusters/maximum-compensation-rates
- dlt.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur571/files/2025-09/2025-04%20%20Max%20Compensation%20Rate%20
- dlt.ri.gov/workers-compensation/frequently-asked-questions
- webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE28/28-33/28-33-17.htm
- law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/title-28/chapter-28-33/section-28-33-19/
- webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE28/28-33/28-33-18.htm
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Rhode Island workers' compensation agency.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.