R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-25
A member's dependents or survivors shall be eligible to receive the benefits provided in §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38 if the member shall have made regular contributions to the teachers' survivors benefit fund as provided in § 16-16-34 for a period of at least six (6) consecutive calendar months prior to his or her death or retirement, as the case may be. These benefits shall be payable the first of the month following that month in which eligibility for the benefits occurs and shall be paid at the same time as the regular retirement allowance payments are made. No payment shall be due for the month in which ineligibility occurs. No widow's or mother's or domestic partner's benefit payable under §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38 shall be reduced because of benefits payable to other dependents of the deceased member under the provisions of §§ 16-16-25 through 16-16-38.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-25