### Question
How does the law define widower?


### Answer
Under *5 U.S.C. § 8441*, **widower** is defined as:

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


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

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

