Not in Rhode Island? Browse bonds by state

Rhode Island bi-weekly payment bonds.
From $100.

Rhode Island normally requires weekly wage payment. To pay less often, an employer petitions the Department of Labor and Training and posts a surety bond in the amount of its highest bi-weekly payroll exposure under R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-14-2.2. Premiums are 4% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum — enter your figure to see your exact price.

✓

Required under § 28-14-2.2 when you petition the DLT to pay wages less often than weekly

✓

Amount is the highest bi-weekly payroll exposure for the affected employees in the prior year

✓

A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, no impact on your score, the premium is fixed at 4% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum

From $100starting premiumExact pricebefore you paySoft pullnever a hard inquiry

Trusted by industry leaders

How it works

Three steps to your DLT approval.

Your petition to pay less often than weekly is waiting on this security. Here's the whole process:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Business details, the bond amount tied to your bi-weekly payroll, and an effective date. The only extra step is a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The soft pull is never a hard inquiry and never affects your score. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

WHEN YOU PAY

File with your DLT petition

Pay online and receive the executed bond, ready to submit with your written petition to the Department of Labor and Training. Wet-ink originals mailed on request.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the bond actually guarantees

Rhode Island law makes weekly wage payment the default. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-14-2.2, the Director of the Department of Labor and Training may permit an employer to pay less often — but only on a written petition showing good and sufficient reason, and only with security covering the wages at stake.

The accepted security is a surety bond, or other sufficient demonstration of security, in the amount of the highest bi-weekly payroll exposure for the affected employees in the preceding year. The bond stands behind those wages: if the employer fails to pay them, employees can recover against the bond.

It is not insurance for the employer — if the surety pays employees, the employer repays the surety. An employer who pays on its predesignated schedule treats the bond as a filing formality. Confirm the exact amount and conditions with the DLT, since the petition drives both.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-14-2.2R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-14-2.2 (Frequency of payment) requires weekly wage payment unless the Director of the Department of Labor and Training permits otherwise on written petition, with the employer providing a surety bond or other sufficient security in the amount of the highest bi-weekly payroll exposure for the affected employees in the preceding year. Even when permitted, payment must be made on a predesignated date no less than twice per month. Confirm your required amount with the DLT.

You need this bond if you are

✓

An employer petitioning the DLT to pay wages bi-weekly or semi-monthly instead of weekly

✓

Below the payroll threshold the statute sets, and need to show security for the exception

✓

Renewing an existing exception whose payroll exposure (and bond amount) has changed

✓

New to Rhode Island and want a non-weekly pay schedule from the start

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Submit once and your bond is issued when you pay.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Rhode Island bi-weekly payment bond?The premium is 4% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum. Enter your highest bi-weekly payroll exposure at the application to see your exact price.

Why does Rhode Island require it?Rhode Island defaults to weekly wage payment. To pay less often, you petition the Department of Labor and Training, and the bond secures the wages so employees are protected if you fail to pay on your predesignated schedule.

Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply — it is never a hard inquiry and never affects your score. The premium is set at 4% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum, regardless of credit tier.

What amount should I choose?The statute ties it to your highest bi-weekly payroll exposure for the affected employees in the preceding year. If you are unsure of the exact figure the DLT expects, send us your petition and we will confirm before issuing.

When does it renew?You can buy a 1, 2, or 3-year term; we send renewal notices 60 and 30 days out. Because the amount tracks payroll, re-confirm the figure at renewal if your headcount or wages have changed.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

Related bonds

Other Rhode Island bonds.

Your DLT petition is waiting on one document.

Premiums from $100. Enter your bi-weekly payroll exposure and see your exact price.

Start application

Your premiumfrom $100

Apply now →