Since 2014, Rhode Island has been a leader in providing paid family leave for families with babies, newly adopted or foster children, and seriously ill family members through the Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) program. One of only 13 state-based paid family leave programs, TCI currently provides up to eight weeks of partial (about 60%) wage replacement for workers who need to take time from their jobs to care for a new baby or seriously ill family member. In 2027, wage replacement rates will increase to 70% of regular wages and will increase to 75% in 2028.
In 2025, 79% (7,948) of approved TCI claims were to care for a new child, with 99% to care for a newborn and 1% to care for a newly adopted or foster child. Fifty-four percent of claims to care for a new child were filed by women and 46% were by men. Over the past 11 years in Rhode Island, the gender gap has narrowed significantly for TCI claims to care for a new baby/child. In 2014, there was a 36-point gap between men and women and in 2025 there was only a 9-point gap. When fathers and non-birthing parents take time off to care for a new baby, maternal health and wellbeing improves, parental relationship conflict declines, parent-child attachment is strengthened, and long-term patterns of positive parenting are established.
Legislation introduced in 2026 would:
- Increase the number of weeks of TCI leave to 10 weeks in 2027 and 12 weeks in
- Expand the definition of seriously family members to include grandchildren and people “for whom the employee is providing or arranging for health or safety related care.”
- Establish a new opportunity for self-employed workers to get TDI and TCI.
Rhode Island offers the shortest paid family leave among the states that offer paid family leave. Researchers and medical professionals recommend a minimum of 12 weeks for new parents.
Click here for a PDF of the Paid Family Leave fact sheet.
