W killed her husband and was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the state of Kentucky. She was sentenced to a term of five years in prison. Because of the prison sentence this was considered a felonious homicide. She was therefore not eligible for social security widow’s benefits, thank heavens.

Before W had finished serving her term, her sentence was commuted by the governor of Kentucky. She then applied for a change of decision on her application for widow’s benefits. But the fact that she had received clemency did not nullify her conviction, which remained a felonious manslaughter. She was denied benefits.

Justice prevailed.

See Social Security Ruling 65-25.