### Question
How does the law define surviving spouse?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 416*, **surviving spouse** is defined as:

> 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 6-THE CHILDREN'S BUREAU > SUBCHAPTER II-FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS**

