Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Address Surviving Spouse Benefits

Pennsylvania Rep. Lindsay Powell introduced legislation that would require that the same eligibility standards apply when awarding death benefits to widows and widowers while also exempting spouses of first responders from a provision that terminates death benefits upon remarriage. Powell, D-Allegheny, said House Bill 2559 seeks to address an “inconsistency” between workers’ compensation death benefits and retirement benefits. Work comp benefits cease upon remarriage, while pension benefits for a surviving spouse continue at 50%, even after remarriage. “This legislati...