Effect of State Marital Laws on Widow\u27s Benefits Under the Social Security Act

This note concerns one part of the voluminous Social Security Act: Subchapter II–Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Benefits. Although the persons entitled to benefits under this Subchapter include those who meet the requirements of wife, child, widower, widow, or parent of the wage earner, this note is confined to the widow’s Survivors benefits and examines: The reference to state law to determine widow\u27s status; The effect of this reference upon her right to benefits; The recent congressional amendments to the act which concern the problem; and, The impact of state law upon the right to reinstatement of benefits after annulment of subsequent remarriage