R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-18: Disability benefits pending final decision on application.

Notwithstanding any of the provisions of chapters 3 and 4 of title 36, and/or any existing regulations of the director of administration or the state retirement board, the state retirement board shall accord to a teacher, so entitled under present existing regulations, the minimum retirement benefits pending a decision upon any disability retirement of the teacher; provided, however, the granting of the minimum retirement shall not estop the teacher, so claiming disability, from any disability retirement consideration by the board.