What is the minimum marriage duration required for survivor benefits?

The minimum marriage duration required for survivor benefits from Social Security is indeed 9 months. This requirement ensures that the couple has established a legitimate marital relationship long enough for the surviving spouse to qualify for benefits after the other spouse's passing. The 9-month rule is designed to prevent abuse of the system, whereby individuals might marry shortly before a spouse's death solely to collect benefits.

In addition to the marriage duration, there are specific conditions under which survivor benefits are granted, but the key point here is that a marriage must last at least 9 months, with some exceptions in certain cases, such as if the death was due to an accident or if the couple had children together. Understanding this requirement is crucial for individuals planning their estate or retirement benefits as they navigate the Social Security system.