Join us for a focused 30-minute virtual session built for nonprofit HR and finance leaders who want to stop overpaying on unemployment costs and start making more informed decisions.
As a nonprofit employer in Rhode Island, unemployment insurance can feel like a fixed cost. Something that just shows up on a bill and gets paid. But 501(c)(3) organizations have options that often go unexplored, and small decisions can add up to meaningful savings.
Rhode Island’s unemployment taxable wage base has climbed every year, rising from $24,600 in 2022 to $30,800 in 2026, a 25% increase in four years. For employers with the highest experience rate, the base runs even higher, at $32,300. As that number grows, so does the wage exposure your organization carries. Contribution rates for 2026 range from 0.9% to 9.4%. Where your organization lands on that range depends heavily on claims history, which means proactive management is a real lever, not just paperwork.
It is also worth knowing that Rhode Island has reported one of the higher improper payment rates in the country, with the U.S. Department of Labor estimating 32.9% of unemployment benefits paid improperly over a recent three-year measurement period. For any employer, whether paying quarterly contributions or reimbursing claims directly, charges that should not have been approved can quietly drive up costs year after year. Knowing how to review, respond to, and protest claims activity is one of the most practical steps a nonprofit employer can take to protect its budget.
In this session, we will cut through the complexity and give you a straightforward look at how the system works, where the real cost drivers are, and what your organization can do about them. We will cover the reimbursing option specifically, including what it is, who it works well for, and when it does not make sense. If you are already reimbursing, we will discuss strategies for minimizing claims and protecting your reimbursing account.
This session is designed for Executive Directors, CFOs, Controllers, and HR Directors who want practical information they can actually use.
By the end of this 30-minute session, you will have:
- A clearer picture of what is driving your unemployment costs
- A working understanding of all options available to 501(c)(3) organizations, including reimbursing
- Concrete steps for becoming a more proactive manager of your unemployment insurance
- Practical guidance on reviewing and responding to claims activity to avoid paying costs you should not owe
Speaker: Jenessa Ponco, Unemployment Consultant, 501(c) Services
This webinar is provided as general advice and information, and should not be construed as legal advice. Neither 501(c) Agencies Trust nor 501(c) Insurance Programs, Inc. (collectively 501) guarantees that the information herein is complete or correct, and 501 disclaims all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this webinar or information given verbally or in written form. Please consult licensed legal counsel in the viewer’s state.
Image by: Wirestock Creators
