Rhode Island General Laws Title 36. Public Officers and Employees § 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).