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Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.
Is A COVID Delay Grounds For Appealing The 9-Month Rule For Survivor Benefits?
I'm 64 and already taking SS benefits ($2000/month), and have terminal cancer. My wife and I have lived together for 8 years, but only married 1 month ago. We postponed our wedding in early 2020 due to Covid. Is this grounds for appealing the 9-month rule for survivor benefits?
Hi. I'm sorry to hear about your prognosis. No, there is no COVID related exception to the duration of marriage requirement for widow's benefits. The only exceptions to the 9-month duration of marriage requirement for widow's benefits are outlined in the following section of Social Security's operations manual: https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0404.html.
Best, Jerry
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February 8, 2022