### Question
Can you define what qualified preretirement survivor annuity means?


### Answer
**Qualified preretirement survivor annuity** is defined as the following in *29 U.S.C. § 1055*:

> an annuity for the life of the surviving spouse the actuarial equivalent of which is not less than 50 percent of the portion of the account balance of the participant (as of the date of death) to which the participant had a nonforfeitable right (within the meaning of section 1053 of this title)

#### Citation:
  - *29 U.S.C. § 1055*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 18-EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY PROGRAM > SUBCHAPTER I-PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS > Subtitle B-Regulatory Provisions > part 2-participation and vesting**

