AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- TEACHERS' RETIREMENT .

New survivor rules and higher checks for teachers' families

Effective upon passage, the law updates survivor benefits for Rhode Island teachers' families. A spouse, former spouse, or domestic partner must be at least 60 to get payments. They must have been living with the member at death, or getting support from them, or have a court order for support. Remarriage or starting a new domestic partnership ends current and future payments. If a former spouse applies, no dependent children, parents, or another spouse/partner can be entitled. Monthly checks are tied to the member’s top yearly pay: $1,025 (≤ $17,000), $1,200 ($17,001–$25,000), $1,375 ($25,001–$33,000), $1,550 ($33,001–$40,000), or $1,725 ($40,001+). The base amount and yearly cost-of-living raise follow the Social Security COLA.