Termination of death benefits in Pennsylvania is limited to specific circumstances
- Termination of Death Benefits awarded or agreed to under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act are only permitted under the following circumstances:
Meretricious relationship. If a meretricious relationship (two people living together in a carnal way without benefit of marriage) is established, workers’ compensation benefits may be terminated unless the widow’s economic circumstances warrant otherwise. Such a petition may only be filed during the existence of the relationship. There must be evidence of sexual relations between the people living together and proof of cohabitation alone is not enough.
Prostitution. The Appeal Board may terminate benefits in its discretion if the widow is living a life of prostitution.
Remarriage or Death of Dependent or Change in Dependency Status. Remarriage of the widow allows for 104 of dowry benefits. Death of a dependent terminates the right to benefits. In addition, change in the dependency status such as a child reaching age 18 unless enrolled in an accredition institution of higher learning, and then 23, also stops death benefits.
