### Question
Can you define what minimum-required qualified joint and survivor annuity means?


### Answer
**Minimum-required qualified joint and survivor annuity** is defined as the following in *29 U.S.C. § 1056*:

> the qualified joint and survivor annuity which is the actuarial equivalent of the participant's accrued benefit (within the meaning of section 1002(23) of this title) and under which the survivor annuity is 50 percent of the amount of the annuity which is payable during the joint lives of the participant and the spouse

#### Citation:
  - *29 U.S.C. § 1056*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 18-EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY PROGRAM > SUBCHAPTER I-PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS > Subtitle B-Regulatory Provisions > part 2-participation and vesting**

