I am 73, presently drawing SS. My wife died late in 2014. I am considering a marriage with a foreign national.
1. If we do become husband and wife, and I predecease her, will she be entitled to my SS benefits? (Monthly benefit;, medical benefits, as a dependent?)
a. If yes, under what conditions?
b. Is there a time period prior to her being able to receive benefits?

Hi,

The answer to your questions depends on your potential wife's age, immigration status, and residency. At a minimum, you would likely need to be married for at least a year before your wife could qualify for spousal benefits (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202001). The following Social Security publication may give you some additional answers: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf.

Best, Jerry