 You qualify for benefits as a survivor if you were married to your spouse for at least nine months before the employee died. A spouse can receive half of a retired worker's full benefit unless the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age. You should also know that if you remarry, your benefits could be affected. Generally, you won't be eligible for widow or widower benefits if the remarriage occurs before age 60, or age 50 if you are disabled. Down the road, you are entitled to benefits even in the event of a divorce. If you split up but your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you can still receive benefits based on your ex-spouse's record. Go to the Social Security Administration's Web site, www.ssa.gov, for more details about spousal benefits.
