Can the deceased pastor's wife benefit financially from the church?

by Concerned Member
(Cleveland Ohio)

Our pastor recently passed away and the church voted to give his wife a portion of his salary for 3 months plus pay her long-term care insurance for 2017.

All total it's about $4,000. Per IRS rules it looks like it is not allowable however the leadership at church wants this amount paid out to her.

Is this allowed and if it is under what circumstances?

We do have a benevolent fund but based on IRS' rules you have to prove need. How do we prove need? The church provided adequately for our pastor; life insurance retirement and long term care insurance.

This has become contentious as the treasurer is being asked to write this check against her wishes.

Thank you in advance for your answer.