What is a requirement for a survivor to be eligible for spouse benefits?

To qualify for spouse benefits, a requirement is that the couple must have been married for at least 9 months before the death of the spouse. This regulation is in place to ensure that the marriage is a substantial one and that the surviving spouse is genuinely tied to the deceased through a significant duration of marriage, thereby reinforcing the legitimacy of the claim to benefits.

This 9-month requirement is particularly important in contexts such as Social Security, where benefits are designed to support those who have experienced the loss of their partner, ensuring that they have a strong claim based on their relationship. Meeting this time frame helps to mitigate potential abuses of the system and ensures that benefits reach those who have formed a deep and lasting commitment through marriage.

The other options do not accurately reflect the criteria for eligibility regarding the timing of the marriage and death for survivor benefits.