Helen Chlystek v. Joseph Califano, Individually and in His Capacity as the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare

OPINION OF THE COURT

JAMES HUNTER, III, Circuit Judge:

Helen Chlystek appeals from the judgment of the district court, affirming the Appeals Council of the Social Security Administration (SSA), which denied her widow’s benefits under the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 401-433 (1976) (Subchapter II — Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits). The district court held that under Pennsylvania law, the claimant was not legally married to Adam Chlystek, the deceased wage earner, at the time of his death and therefore is not entitled to receive widow’s benefits. We reverse.

I

The…