Can my friend get Social Security survivor benefits if married only 5 years before husband died?

Yes, your friend is eligible for survivor benefits! The 10-year marriage duration only applies to divorced spouse benefits, NOT to widow/widower benefits. For survivor benefits, you only need to have been married for 9 months before the spouse passed away (with some exceptions for accidental death). Since they were married for 5 years, she absolutely qualifies. At age 62, she would receive approximately 71.5% of her deceased husband's full benefit amount. If she waits until her Full Retirement Age (probably 67 for her), she could get 100% of what he was receiving. She should contact SSA immediately to apply as these benefits are only backdated 6 months. Tell her to schedule an appointment right away and bring their marriage certificate and his death certificate.

Your friend MIGHT qualify but there are EXCEPTIONS to everything with Social Security!!! Has she been married before? Was her husband receiving SSDI instead of retirement? These things MATTER! And she better apply QUICK because they only backpay 6 months!!

The previous info is correct - your friend qualifies since they were married more than 9 months. But it's important to know that if she has any benefits based on her own work record, SSA will pay that amount first, then supplement with survivor benefits up to the higher amount she's eligible for. Also, taking survivor benefits early (before her FRA) will permanently reduce them. At 62, she'll get about 71.5% of his benefit amount. Each month she waits until her FRA increases that percentage slightly. She should also ask about the one-time $255 death benefit if she hasn't already received it.

my condolences to your friend. my hubby passed last year and dealing with SS was actually easier than I thought. they were very nice on the phone when i finally got thru

I had almost the exact situation! Husband died at 71, I was 63, married 6 years. I got survivor benefits and it was 82.5% of his full amount because I was a bit older than your friend. One thing to know - she can't apply online for survivor benefits, has to either call SS or go to office in person. I tried calling for WEEKS and couldn't get through - busy signals and disconnects constantly. Finally I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a live agent in about 20 minutes instead of struggling for weeks. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Tell your friend not to delay - I almost missed out on a full month of benefits because I waited too long!

i think everyone is forgetting about the LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT!!! she should get $255 one-time payment too. not much but better than nothing!!

Social Security survivor benefits expert here. Your friend absolutely qualifies with a 5-year marriage (9 months is the minimum requirement). Here are some important points she should know: 1. At age 62, she'll receive approximately 71.5% of her deceased husband's benefit amount. This reduction is permanent. 2. If she has her own work record, SSA will pay whichever is higher - her own reduced retirement benefit or the reduced survivor benefit. She can actually switch between benefits later if advantageous. 3. She should bring: marriage certificate, husband's death certificate, both Social Security cards, birth certificate, and a direct deposit form with her bank information. 4. If she had been receiving spousal benefits already, they DO NOT automatically convert to survivor benefits. She must apply separately. 5. When comparing her retirement benefit vs. survivor benefit, be aware she can take one type at 62 and switch to the other later if it maximizes her lifetime benefits. Hope this helps!

has anyone actually confirmed if the deceased spouse QUALIFIES her for benefits??? just because he was 70 doesn't mean he had enough work credits!!!

Based on follow-up comments, I want to clarify one more thing - your friend should consider her claiming strategy carefully. At 62, she could: 1. Claim her OWN reduced retirement benefit now and later switch to 100% of her husband's benefit at her FRA OR 2. Claim the reduced survivor benefit now (71.5%) and later switch to her own benefit at age 70 if it would be higher with delayed retirement credits This decision depends on their relative benefit amounts. SSA should calculate both scenarios for her.