AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' RETIREMENT .

Higher survivor checks for teachers' spouses

The law raises survivor checks for a deceased Rhode Island teacher’s spouse, domestic partner, or former spouse. You must be at least 60 and have lived with the member at death, or received support or a court-ordered contribution. A former spouse gets benefits only if no dependent children, parents, or another spouse or partner are entitled. Remarriage or starting a new domestic partnership ends current and future payments. Monthly amounts by the teacher’s highest salary: $1,025 (≤ $17,000), $1,200 ($17,001–$25,000), $1,375 ($25,001–$33,000), $1,550 ($33,001–$40,000), $1,725 ($40,001+). Each year, the base benefit and COLA increases match Social Security’s annual adjustment.