Jobs & Money
Jobs, salaries, taxes, and financial resources in Rhode Island.
49 articles
Rhode Island TDI: How Temporary Disability Insurance Works (2026 Guide)
Rhode Island TDI (Temporary Disability Insurance) pays partial wage replacement — about 4.62% of your highest-earning base period quarter per week, plus dependent allowances — for up to 30 weeks when a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy keeps you from working. Every RI worker pays into it through a payroll deduction, and you apply online through the RI Department of Labor & Training.
Small Business Grants in Rhode Island 2026: Free Money You Can Actually Get
Rhode Island offers several small business grant programs in 2026. Commerce RI Innovation Vouchers provide up to $75,000 for R&D partnerships with RI universities. Women- and minority-owned businesses under $2M in gross receipts can receive $20,000 direct grants through the Minority Business Accelerator. The Innovate RI Small Business Fund offers up to $150,000 in SBIR/STTR matching. Contact Commerce RI at rismallbiz@commerceri.com or 401-278-9100.
Rhode Island Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI): How to Get Paid Leave to Care for Family
Rhode Island's Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) pays most RI workers a portion of their wages — for up to six weeks as of 2026 — to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member. You already fund it through the TDI payroll deduction on your paycheck, and you apply through the RI Department of Labor and Training.
Rhode Island housing assistance programs 2026
Rhode Island offers multiple housing assistance programs in 2026 through Rhode Island Housing (RIH), the state's housing finance agency, and the Department of Human Services (DHS). Key programs include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, the RIHousing First Down program offering up to $25,000 for first-time homebuyers, emergency rental assistance through RentReliefRI, and public housing through local housing authorities in cities like Providence, Pawtucket, and Warwick. Most programs are income-restricted, with eligibility typically ranging from 50% to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), which varies by household size and county.
DoorDash, Uber Eats & Grubhub in Rhode Island: Driver Guide 2026
Food delivery drivers in Rhode Island earn $15–$22/hour before expenses using DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. Providence, Warwick, and Newport are the strongest markets. Most drivers start within 3–7 days of applying. The best earnings come from multi-apping (running 2 apps simultaneously) during peak hours (11am–2pm and 5–9pm). After gas and wear-and-tear, expect net earnings of $12–$18/hour.
Rhode Island retirement income tax guide
Rhode Island offers significant tax breaks for retirees, exempting Social Security benefits completely from state income tax and providing a modified federal tax deduction for those 65 and older that can shield substantial retirement income. As of 2023, Rhode Island residents who are 65 or older can claim a modified federal tax deduction of up to $20,000 for married couples filing jointly ($15,000 for single filers) against most forms of retirement income including pensions, 401(k) distributions, and IRA withdrawals. The state's top income tax rate of 5.99% applies to taxable income over certain thresholds, making these exemptions particularly valuable for Ocean State retirees.
How to Make Money Selling on Etsy from Rhode Island 2026
Selling on Etsy is one of the best low-cost businesses you can start from Rhode Island or anywhere. It costs $0.20 to list an item and Etsy charges 6.5% of each sale. Top product categories include handmade jewelry, candles, printables, digital downloads, vintage clothing, and home décor. Successful Etsy sellers in RI earn $500–$5,000+/month with the right niche and SEO strategy.
Start a Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Business in Rhode Island 2026
Dog walking and pet sitting in Rhode Island pays $15–$25 per walk and $35–$75 per overnight stay. You can start immediately through apps like Rover and Wag with zero upfront cost, or build your own client base for higher earnings. Most part-time pet sitters in RI earn $400–$1,200/month. No license is required for basic pet care in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island heat pump rebates and incentives 2026
Rhode Island homeowners can access up to $14,000 in combined heat pump rebates in 2026 through federal tax credits (up to $2,000), Rhode Island Energy rebates ($500-$1,250 per system), and federal Home Efficiency Rebates (up to $8,000). Income-qualified households may receive up to $14,000 through the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program, covering 100% of installation costs for eligible families.
Rhode Island small business grants 2026
Rhode Island small businesses in 2026 can access grants through several key sources including the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, which administers programs like the Small Business Assistance Program and Innovation Vouchers, the Rhode Island Foundation offering community-based grants, and federal programs through the SBA Rhode Island District Office in Providence. Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the program, with specific opportunities for minority-owned businesses, women entrepreneurs, and businesses in underserved communities throughout Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and other municipalities.
Rhode Island job training programs guide
Rhode Island offers numerous job training programs through state agencies, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations to help residents gain skills and employment. The primary resource is the netWORKri system, operated by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training with career centers in Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Woonsocket, and Westerly. These programs provide free or low-cost training in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, hospitality, and construction, with many offering financial assistance, childcare support, and direct connections to employers hiring in Rhode Island.
Best Side Hustles in Rhode Island 2026: 20 Ways to Earn Extra Money
The best side hustles in Rhode Island in 2026 include delivery driving (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Amazon Flex), freelance services (writing, design, web development), home services (cleaning, lawn care, pressure washing), pet care (Rover, Wag), and selling handmade or vintage items on Etsy or Facebook Marketplace. Most can be started with under $100 and earn $500–$2,000+ per month part-time.