The RI Department of Labor and Training (DLT) will assist businesses who have been adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy and their employees. On Monday, November 5th, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, representatives from the Unemployment Insurance Division and the Business Workforce Center will be at the Wakefield netWORKri office, Stedman Government Center, 4808 Tower Hill Road. DLT staff will provide assistance in completing waivers for employers to bypass the "one week waiting period" on their non-seasonal employees' unemployment insurance benefits and also waivers that protect businesses whose storm-related property damage has resulted in worker layoffs from any associated unemployment insurance "experience rating" taxes.Individuals filing for unemployment insurance due to storm-related property damage at their place of employment can also use the netWORKri internet workstations to file their claims.
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee explained, "Having visited the South County area immediately after the storm, I know first-hand how hard some of our local businesses have been hit, and I am pleased that the waiver option is available for their impacted employees."
Director of Labor and Training Charles J. Fogarty noted, "Employers whose storm-related property damage resulted in worker layoffs may be granted relief from related unemployment benefit charges if their businesses are deemed eligible." Under ordinary circumstances, employers are charged against their unemployment insurance account every time one of their employees draws on unemployment insurance. RI Law ยง 28-43-3 makes allowances for natural disasters or states of emergency.
For employers unable to attend Monday's event, waiver applications are also available at www.dlt.ri.gov. Employees of qualifying companies should follow standard procedures for filing for unemployment insurance benefits and will be credited for all benefits available to them once their employer is deemed eligible. Any person wishing to file a Rhode Island unemployment insurance claim may do so online at www.dlt.ri.gov, or by contacting the Unemployment Insurance Call Center at (401) 243-9100 during business hours.