The amount the healthy spouse can receive depends on the state.
If a covered worker dies, his or her spouse and children may receive survivors' benefits.
A spouse receives a share of the pension only if her former husband, the employee, agrees.
Your spouse would receive these benefits until the child reaches age 16.
This includes a case in which the companion died and the surviving spouse received the pension.
A military spouse could receive part of the pension in the divorce agreement.
After the retiree's death, the spouse would receive 50 percent, or $13,116, for life.
In 1981 the average pensioner and spouse received about $6,800 annually; next year it will reach $10,000.
After five years the spouses receive an annual $2,500 exemption under the legislation.
During the Games, 175 top executives and their spouses will receive even better treatment.