Also called: joint and survivor annuity, QJSA, single life
A choice made at retirement: a single-life pension pays more but stops at your death; a joint-and-survivor pension pays less but continues at 50% to 100% for your spouse.
For most private-sector plans the default for a married participant is a qualified joint and survivor annuity of at least 50%. Choosing single life requires the spouse's written, witnessed consent. The election is usually irrevocable once payments begin.