I'm a widow and receive a survivor pension from my husband's employer. If I remarry would the pension be void?

Question

Its only been a year since my husband passed away and I receive a survivor pension. It is a very good pension. I'm only 54 so its possible I might want to re-marry some day. If there is a marriage penalty of no pension it seems very unfair. Anyone ever dealt with this situation?

Answer 1

You'll need to contact whomever is administering the survivor's pension. Some remain in force after re-marriage and some do not. Others will remain in force if you remarry after a certain age.

For example, if you are the widowed spouse of a military retiree and are collecting Surviror's Benefit Plan (SBP) payments based on the retired member's retired pay you may remarry after age 55 and keep your SBP benefits. If you remarry prior to age 55 the SBP payments would stop but could be restarted if that marriage ended in death or divorce.

Every plan has its own requirements, so you need to contact the plan administrator for guidance.

Answer 2

If nothing else I would check with the company issuing the the pension check and see what their rules call for. If they want to give you a lot of flack about it I would contact an attourney.

Answer 3

I am so sorry for your loss. I don't believe that they cease payments. You are receiving his pension payments as he would have had he survived and retired. You should contact the company the provides the benefits to be sure should you decide to re-marry.

Answer 4

No - you are okay. The pension has nothing to do with your current or future marital status. It is and acknowledgment of the marital rights of your past marriage.

Answer 5

you need to contact human resources at hubby's work for answers
Every company has their own set of rules
No one here can decide for you without knowing the contract/rules