What is necessary for a spouse to qualify for social security survivor benefits?

For a spouse to qualify for social security survivor benefits, it is essential that they were married to the worker who is fully insured. This means that the deceased worker must have earned sufficient work credits through their employment and made contributions to the Social Security system. The marriage must also meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being legally recognized and lasting for at least nine months before the worker’s death, with some exceptions in cases of accidental death. This foundational requirement ensures that benefits are provided to those who had a legitimate marital relationship with the insured individual, reflecting the program's aim to support surviving spouses who depended on the deceased for financial stability.