R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-32: Refund on retirement.

A member at the date of retirement in lieu of the survivors benefits provided in §§ 16-16-25 — 16-16-38 may elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to his or her contributions to the teachers’ survivors benefit fund, plus interest. Any member who retired prior to the effective date of this legislation shall have one hundred twenty (120) days from the effective date of this legislation to elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to his or her contributions to the teachers’ survivors benefit fund, plus interest. Interest is to be calculated and payable only up to the date of retirement.