### Question
How is the term widow defined?


### Answer
The term **widow** is defined in *5 U.S.C. § 8441* as the following:

> the surviving wife of an employee, Member, or annuitant, or of a former employee or Member, who—


(A) was married to him for at least 9 months immediately before his death

#### Citation:
  - *5 U.S.C. § 8441*
  - Heading: **PART III-EMPLOYEES > Subpart G-Insurance and Annuities > CHAPTER 84-FEDERAL EMPLOYEES&rsquo; RETIREMENT SYSTEM > SUBCHAPTER IV-SURVIVOR ANNUITIES**

