In the context of pension plans, who is often entitled to receive survivor benefits after retirement?

In pension plans, survivor benefits are typically designed to provide financial support to the spouse of a deceased employee. When a retiree passes away, these benefits are generally structured to continue providing income to the surviving spouse, reflecting the understanding that the spouse is often financially dependent on the retiree’s pension income. This arrangement helps ensure that the surviving spouse is not left in a vulnerable financial position after the loss of their partner.

While it is true that some plans may also include provisions for designated beneficiaries or children, the primary entitlement often rests with the spouse. This is rooted in both the legal and social expectation of financial support within marriage. Designated beneficiaries may be applicable in specific cases, but they are usually not as common as spousal benefits, which are central to the purpose of survivor benefits in pension plans.