1. (a) The surviving spouse of a participant who:

   1. (1) dies; and

   2. (2) on the date of death:

      1. (A) was receiving benefits under this chapter;
      2. (B) had completed at least ten (10) years of service as a member of the general assembly; or

      3. (C) had a permanent disability and was receiving benefits under section 5 of this chapter;

         is entitled, regardless of the participant's age, to the benefit prescribed by subsection (b).

2. (b) The surviving spouse is entitled to a benefit for life equal to fifty percent (50%) of the amount of retirement benefit that:

   1. (1) the participant was receiving at the time of death; or
   2. (2) the participant would have been entitled to receive at fifty-five
   3. (55) years of age, or at the date of death, whichever is later.

As added by P.L.6-1989, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.99-2007, SEC.2.