### Question
Can you define what covered spouse means?


### Answer
**Covered spouse** is defined as the following in *42 U.S.C. § 7385s*:

> a spouse of the employee who was married to the employee for at least one year immediately before the employee's death

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 7385s*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 84-DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY > SUBCHAPTER XVI-ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM > Part E-Contractor Employee Compensation**

