### Question
How is the "qualified joint and survivor annuity" defined?


### Answer
The term **qualified joint and survivor annuity** is defined in *29 U.S.C. § 1055* as follows -

> an annuity—


(A) for the life of the participant with a survivor annuity for the life of the spouse which is not less than 50 percent of (and is not greater than 100 percent of) the amount of the annuity which is payable during the joint lives of the participant and the spouse, and


(B) which is the actuarial equivalent of a single annuity for the life of the participant

#### 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**

