scope:

GENERAL

The authority for ACMSS payments has been in effect since November 18, 1997. An annuity shall be paid to the qualified surviving spouse of each member of the uniformed services who:

A. Became eligible for retired or retainer pay before September 21, 1972, died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay on the date of death; or

B. Was a member of a Reserve Component of the Armed Forces and died before October 1, 1978, and at the time of his death would have been entitled to retired pay under chapter 67 of Title 10 U.S.C. (as in effect before December 1, 1994), but for the fact that he was under 60 years of age.