[Navy Member's Widow's Claim for SBP Annuity]

A Navy member's widow claimed entitlement to her husband's Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity, contending that she and the decedent became married at common law subsequent to his divorce. GAO held that the claimant was entitled to receive SBP benefits, since the Kansas district court recognized that a valid common law marriage existed between the claimant and the decedent during the last year of the decedent's life. Accordingly, the claim was allowed.