Rhode Island § 16-16-26 - Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 16-16-26 — Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act], with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-16-26. Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-26
§ 16-16-26. Spouse’s, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner’s benefits.
(a) Spouse’s, former spouse divorced, and domestic partner’s benefits are payable following the decease of a member as provided in §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38.
(b) The spouse, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner shall be entitled to benefits upon attaining the age of sixty (60) years.
(c) The spouse, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner was living with the deceased member at the time of the member’s death. A spouse, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner is deemed to have been living with the deceased member if they were both members of the same household on the date of the deceased member’s death, or the spouse, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner was receiving contributions from the deceased member toward support on that date, or the deceased member had been ordered by a court to contribute to the spouse’s, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner’s support.
(d) Remarriage of the spouse, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner or establishment of a domestic partnership shall render the person ineligible to receive current or future benefits under this section.
(e) The spouse or domestic partner of a member, as defined in this section, shall be entitled to monthly benefits payable in accordance with the following table:
| Spouse's or Domestic | ||
|---|---|---|
| Highest Annual | Partner's Monthly | |
| Salary | Minimum Benefit | |
| $17,000 or less | $825 | |
| $17,001 to $25,000 | $963 | |
| $25,001 to $33,000 | $1,100 | |
| $33,001 to $40,000 | $1,238 | |
| $40,001 and over | $1,375 |
(f) The former spouse divorced shall be entitled to monthly benefits, payable in accordance with the table provided in subsection (e) of this section, only if there are no dependent children, parents, or other spouse or domestic partner entitled to benefits.
(g) A yearly cost-of-living adjustment for spouse’s, former spouse divorced, or domestic partner’s benefits shall be based on the annual social security adjustment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 1974, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 1985,
ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 590, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 547,
§ 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 510, § 6; P.L. 2017, ch. 412, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 413, § 1; P.L.
2023, ch. 329, § 1, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 330, § 1, effective June
24, 2023.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 16-16-26
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 16-16-26 cover?
Section 16-16-26 ("Teachers’ Retirement [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]") 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 § 16-16-26?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 16-16-26" (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 § 16-16-26 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.