To be eligible for a Social Security survivor's benefit, the widow or widower needs to have been married to the deceased at the time of their death and for the immediate nine months preceding their death. There are several exceptions to this. For instance, if the deceased's death occurred as an active duty member of the armed forces and in the line of duty, an exception can be made to that requirement. And if the spouse is still living, the spousal benefit is available if the couple is married at the time of the application and for one continuous year immediately preceding the application date.
