### Question
How is the term surviving spouse defined?


### Answer
The term **surviving spouse** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 416* as the following:

> a widow as defined in subsection (c) of this section or a widower as defined in subsection (g) of this section

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 416*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 7-SOCIAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER II-FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS**

