Rhode Island § 36-10-21 - Retirement System — Contributions and Benefits
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 36-10-21 — Retirement System — Contributions and Benefits, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-10-21. Retirement System — Contributions and Benefits
R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-10-21
§ 36-10-21. Ordinary death benefit.
Upon the death of a member before retirement from any cause other than one compensable under § 36-10-20, a payment shall be made of the contributions of the member without interest. If the death of a member occurred while in an employee status, or while on an official leave of absence for illness from his or her position which had not extended at the date of death for a continuous period in excess of one year, a death benefit shall be paid which shall be equal to eight hundred dollars ($800) for each completed year of total service subject to a minimum payment of four thousand dollars ($4,000) and a maximum payment of sixteen thousand dollars ($16,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2334, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 18, § 9; P.L. 1947, ch. 1971, § 8; P.L. 1949,
ch. 2377, § 3; P.L. 1951, ch. 2747, § 1; P.L. 1951, ch. 2830, § 4; P.L. 1953, ch.
3180, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3370, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3610, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 36-10-21;
R.P.L. 1957, ch. 60, § 1; P.L. 1960, ch. 132, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1970,
ch. 112, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 395, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 36-10-21
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 36-10-21 cover?
Section 36-10-21 ("Retirement System — Contributions and Benefits") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 36-10-21?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 36-10-21" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 36-10-21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.