R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-17.1-2: Powers of office of veterans’ affairs.

The office of veterans’ affairs, in addition to having the control and management of veterans’ affairs, shall have custody of all records inquiring into the needs of worthy veterans and the needs of dependent worthy families of those veterans, residing within the State of Rhode Island, and shall also assist such cases as examination proves worthy of assistance, in such sums of money and by such methods as will, in the judgment of that office, best relieve the needs of worthy applicants for assistance.