Louisiana § RS 11:952.37 - Surviving spouse allowance

Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 11:952.37 — Surviving spouse allowance, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ RS 11:952.37. Surviving spouse allowance

A.(1)  Upon receipt by the board of supervisors of proper proof of the death of a member in service who has completed ten years of credited service, or a member not in service who, on the date his employment ceased, had completed twenty years of credited service and elected to receive a vested deferred retirement allowance pursuant to R.S. 11:952.41 and who is not yet in receipt of such allowance, a survivor's allowance shall be payable to his spouse, if any, as herein specified:

(2)  If the surviving spouse was married to the deceased member for at least two years prior to the death of the member, the surviving spouse may elect to receive a spouse allowance benefit as provided under Option 2 in R.S. 11:952.38 with such allowance to terminate upon spouse's death or remarriage except that remarriage will not terminate a spouse allowance benefit if the member had twenty-five years or more of credited service or was eligible but was not yet in receipt of a service retirement or early service retirement allowance at the time of the member's death.

B.  In lieu of a survivor's allowance, the surviving spouse may elect to receive a refund of the member's accumulated contributions.

C.  No beneficiary shall receive more than one survivor's benefit at any one time, but may receive the highest eligible benefit, provided that after the spouse's election to receive one of said benefits at the time of application for benefits, said election shall be final and irrevocable.

D.  The survivor's benefit is payable upon application and effective the day after the member's death.

Added by Acts 1971, No. 26, §1.  Amended by Acts 1972, No. 519, §1.  Redesignated from R.S. 17:1630 pursuant to R.S. 24:253.

Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 11:952.37

What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 11:952.37 cover?

Section RS 11:952.37 ("Surviving spouse allowance") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Louisiana § RS 11:952.37?

A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 11:952.37" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Louisiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.

How does Louisiana § RS 11:952.37 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.