My friend was telling me that after retirement if our spouse dies we don't get their pension. Is that true?
It surprises me because my dad retired from American Airlines in 1996 and died in 2002 but my mom still gets his pension. I would think we would too considering all the BS we have to deal with as spouses during active duty! Why not if that is the case?
TIA!

i ma pretty sure we get their pension. But i do not know for sure.

Well, dh showed me on a website called military compensation and no we do not get the pension if our retired s/o dies. I am going to make sure to have his ass insured for a million at least when he retires. I mean I gave up my Navy career to be a SAHM for his career! I don't regret it but it kinda screws me if I don't have him insured.

More info here: http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits/survivor-benefit-plan-explained

You do not automatically receive the pension upon their death. If you elect to pay for the Survivor Benefit Plan, then you will. Most people compare the costs of the SBP with the cost of life insurance that would be the same. Then you can decide which makes the most financial sense.

no you don't unless you have TSP or something like that. His retirement is just that his.. as sad as that sounds.

thats good to know and something that everyone needs to know and makes sure they take care of