2005 Arizona Revised Statutes - Revised Statutes §38-888  Pension to the surviving spouse of a member who dies before retirement

A. The surviving spouse of a deceased active member is entitled to receive a pension for life if each of the following conditions is met:

1. The member was married to the surviving spouse for at least two years at the time of death.

2. The surviving spouse files a written application with the retirement plan for the survivor benefit.

B. The amount of a surviving spouse's pension is forty per cent of the deceased member's average monthly salary.

C. The surviving spouse of a deceased member who is killed in the line of duty or dies from injuries suffered in the line of duty is entitled to receive a monthly amount equal to the deceased member's average monthly benefit compensation. For the purposes of this subsection, "killed in the line of duty" means the decedent's death was the direct and proximate result of physical injuries incurred in the performance of the decedent's public safety duties and does not include suicide.