R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-10-16: Disability benefits pending final decision on application.

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