7 Days Short: How U.S. Social Security's 10-Year Marriage Rule Denies Key Survivor Benefits
Briefly

Survivor benefits from Social Security provide essential income to the spouses or ex-spouses of deceased beneficiaries. Qualification criteria include a 10-year marriage requirement for divorced spouses. Missing this mark by even a short period can result in disqualification, highlighting the strict nature of eligibility rules. Exceptionally, individuals caring for a minor or disabled child may still qualify despite not meeting the marriage duration. Knowledge of these rules is vital to avoid unexpected financial difficulties associated with survivor benefits.
Survivor benefits are payments made to the spouses or ex-spouses of deceased Social Security beneficiaries. These benefits can provide crucial income to those left behind.
To qualify for survivor benefits as a divorced spouse, your marriage must have lasted at least 10 years. Falling just days short of the 10-year mark may disqualify you.
Having a greater understanding of the rules surrounding the ins and outs of survivor benefits will help you avoid financial surprises down the road.
If you're divorced, check the exact length of your marriage. Survivor benefits require precise eligibility.
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