Social Security Survivors Benefits - Minimum Length of Marriage to Qualify?

Question

I've done some research into survivors benefits on behalf of a client (I'm a JD specializing in estate planning and probate), and I cannot find any kind of standard requirement as to how long a couple must be married before the widow/widower can qualify for survivors benefits (assuming the widow/widower is older than the required retirement age). Is there any such requirement? For example, if a couple, both over age 65 gets married, and then the wife dies after

6 months, will the husband qualify for full survivors benefits? Thanks in advance. Mary Kaplan Marietta, Georgia

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Harry Thompson · Accepted Answer

Try the Social Security Administration web site at

formatting link

& Other Survivors. I'm not sure what you're asking. The main test is how long the WORKER worked, not the length of the marriage. As I read the explanation, one day would do. There are marriage length requirements in case of divorce and/or remarriage, which see.

Harlan Lunsford · Answer

I should think it depends on elements contained within a particular plan, so look to the documents. The only system I know personally is civil service, and when my wife retired at Ft Benning, she designated survivor benefit for me in the amount of one dollar! (wonder if they'll have to take out tax on that! grin) It was of course to keep insurance active for us. Or me. something like that. ChEAr$, Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

Social Security Survivors Benefits - Minimum Length of Marriage to Qualify?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?