Rhode Island law
Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws in Rhode Island.
Most private long-term disability (LTD) insurance is employer-sponsored and governed by ERISA, which preempts state contract and bad-faith claims. ERISA claims must exhaust internal appeals and are reviewed under a deferential standard if the plan grants discretion. Individual (non-ERISA) policies are governed by Rhode Island contract law and may support common-law bad-faith claims. Rhode Island also provides a statutory state Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program for short-term non-occupational disability.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Key Rhode Island Statutes
ERISA preempts state-law breach of contract and bad-faith claims for employer-sponsored LTD plans.
For non-ERISA individual LTD policies, Rhode Island recognizes common-law first-party bad-faith claims based on breach of implied covenant.
Rhode Island is one of only 5 state short-term disability insurance programs. Mandatory employee-funded coverage for non-occupational disability. Pays weekly benefits for up to 30 weeks.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.
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