Rhode Island Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026

For injuries on or after January 1, 2022, Rhode Island total disability pays 62% of average weekly wage, up to $1,691 a week for injuries on or after October 1, 2026 ($1,622 from October 1, 2025). Older claims may continue under the prior 75%-of-spendable-earnings method. At $1,200 AWW the rate is $744.

Rhode Island pays scheduled specific-injury awards under §28-33-19 at 50% of average weekly earnings, subject to a statutory range of $90 to $180 a week for injuries on or after January 1, 2012 — one of the lowest specific-injury rates in the country. The full schedule of weeks per body part was not verified from official sources, so this page explains the method rather than estimating a payout.

A Rhode Island lump-sum or structured settlement requires a petition and Workers' Compensation Court approval. The court's petition materials expressly ask whether medical benefits remain open, so a settlement does not automatically close future medical care.

Give your employer notice within 30 days after the injury happens or manifests. Employers must report a qualifying nonfatal injury to the Department within 10 days of learning of it. The worker's claim-filing deadline was not verified from official sources; file promptly.

For injuries on or after January 1, 2022, the base compensation rate is 62% of average weekly wage. The older 75%-of-spendable-earnings formula still applies to covered pre-2022 claims.

There is no general rating-to-dollars formula. Rhode Island pays scheduled specific-injury awards at 50% of wages within a $90–$180 weekly range; the payable weeks depend on the statutory schedule for the specific loss.

Not automatically. The court's settlement petition asks whether medical benefits stay open, and the approved terms control. Read the agreement before assuming either way.

No. Surgery can change treatment costs, restrictions and medical evidence, but there is no automatic surgery multiplier. Permanent disability must be established under the applicable rules. Compare the benefits released and future care needs, not just the procedure name.

Benefits paid under a workers' compensation law for an occupational injury or illness are generally excluded from federal income tax. Returned-to-work wages, retirement payments and Social Security offsets can have different tax treatment. Review IRS Publication 525 and seek tax advice for the agreement's allocations.

Workers' compensation generally does not award pain and suffering. A separate claim against a responsible third party may allow different damages, but employer immunity and reimbursement rights need separate legal review.

Compare an offer after understanding the wage calculation, medical condition, permanent-award category, unpaid benefits and rights released. There is no guaranteed settlement timeline. A bigger lump sum may be worse if it transfers expensive future treatment to you.

Use the official agency resources linked on this page and the written rate calculation in your claim. Injury date, benefit category, wage records and applicable limits matter. An entered rate is not independently verified by this calculator.