What happens if your spouse died so young (22) that it would be impossible to be married for ten years?

Hi,

Ten years of marriage is only required to receive divorced spousal benefits or surviving divorced spousal benefits. If you're still married to your spouse at the time of their death you would only need to have been married for at least 9 months to meet the marriage duration requirement for widow's benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html). Or, if your spouse's death is accidental or if you have an eligible child, you may be able to qualify for survivor benefits even if your marriage lasted less than 9 months.

Best, Jerry