Subject to the other provisions of this act, any city employee who shall become permanently or totally disabled as a result of injury or illness arising out of and in the course of his employment shall, upon his application and approval thereof by the commission, be retired on a pension equal to one-half of the annual salary received by him at the time of his retirement; provided, however, that in no instance shall the pension exceed $12,000.00 per annum; and provided further, however, that where an employee has served more than 30 years he shall be entitled to 2 1/2 % of his annual salary for each additional year of service over 30 years, but not exceeding 40 years, and in no event shall such pension exceed $12,000.00 annually. Upon and after the death of such retired member or upon and after the death of any member who dies as a result of any injury or illness arising out of and in the course of his employment, the said pension or a pension of one-half of the said annual salary of such member shall be paid as hereinafter provided to the surviving widow or widower, so long as he or she remains unmarried; minor children or dependent parent, as the case may be; provided, however, that in no instance shall the pension exceed $3,000.00 per annum.
N.J.S. § 43:13-22.22