Will my foreign-born wife qualify for Social Security survivor benefits with only 2 years of marriage?

Yes, she would likely qualify for survivor benefits as long as they've been married for at least 9 months at the time of his passing. The fact that she's from Thailand doesn't matter for survivor benefit eligibility - what matters is her legal status in the US and the length of the marriage. As his widow, she could receive between 71.5% and 100% of his benefit amount, depending on her age when she applies. Since they've been married for 2 years already, they've met the 9-month requirement. Her having an SSN is good - that will make the application process smoother.

I went thru this with my mom who married a Canadian. SSA will make her prove the marriage was legit and not just for benefits. They'll want marriage cert with official translation and immigration docs. Tell them to gather all that stuff NOW while he's still here to help with it!!! The 9 month rule has exceptions if death is accidental btw.

Does she have a green card or is she here on a visa? That makes a BIG difference. My cousin's wife couldn't get SS benefits when he died cuz she was still waiting on her green card even though they were married 5 years!!! The system is RIDICULOUS!

my husband's from mexico and we worried about the same thing, they told us as long as we're legally married and i have my green card i can get his SS if something happens. but if i leave US for too long they stop payments unless i come back. i think its the same for thailand wife

When I was trying to reach SSA to ask about survivor benefits for my mom (similar situation), I spent WEEKS trying to get through on the phone. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me so much frustration! I'd highly recommend getting specific info from SSA directly since foreign spouse situations can have special considerations. Better to know exactly where they stand.

To clarify a few important points about survivor benefits for your uncle's wife: 1. The 9-month marriage duration requirement is satisfied since they've been married for 2 years. 2. At age 68, she's eligible for 100% of his benefit amount since she's past her Full Retirement Age. 3. Her work-authorized SSN is sufficient for claiming benefits. 4. Key requirement: She must remain in the US as a legal resident to continue receiving benefits uninterrupted. As a non-citizen, if she leaves the US for more than 6 consecutive months, her benefits would be suspended until she returns. 5. She should apply promptly after his passing - survivor benefits can only be paid up to 6 months retroactively. 6. Her receiving survivor benefits wouldn't affect any benefits his children or former spouses might be entitled to.

Thank you all so much for the helpful information! I'm going to talk with them this weekend about organizing all their documentation and making sure everything is in order. It sounds like she should be eligible for his full benefit amount since she's already past her FRA. I'll also warn her about the residency requirements so she understands she needs to stay in the US to maintain benefits if something happens to him. This has been such a relief - I was worried she might be left with nothing after all the care she's providing.

does she get medicare too? my dad remarried late n his wife got his SS but had to pay for medicare still

Tell them to set up a my social security account online NOW too if they haven't!!! Makes everything easier later!!!