Robinson v. New Orleans Employers Ila AFL-CIO Pension Welfare Vacation & Holiday Funds

# Robinson v. New Orleans Employers ILA AFL-CIO Pension & Welfare Funds **What Happened** Robinson claimed she was entitled to survivor benefits from a pension fund after her long-time partner passed away. She argued she should receive these benefits as his surviving spouse, even though they were never formally married. She had lived with the deceased participant as his partner, but they never obtained a marriage license. **What the Court Decided** The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Robinson. The court determined that pension benefits for surviving spouses only go to people who are legally married. Since Robinson and the deceased were not legally married when he retired in 1984, she did not qualify as a surviving spouse. The court also confirmed that Louisiana, where this case was heard, does not recognize common law marriages (informal marriages without a license). **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling shows that employer pension plans typically follow strict legal definitions of "spouse" for benefit purposes. Workers in long-term relationships without legal marriage should understand that they may not qualify for survivor benefits. Those concerned about family financial protection should consult with benefits administrators and consider formal marriage if pension or insurance benefits matter to them.