[ClintonBeGone]

OK, there is a provision for survivor's benefits for spouses who are caring for minor children of the decedent. But the scenario you described, a man who is dying of HIV marries a young man, doesn't seem conducive to minor children being in the picture.

I saw that provision, but thats not what I was talking about. I thought the 10 year rule was in regards to how long the dying man had to work before his spouse (no mention of how long they had to be married) got survivor benefits.

[CobaltBlue]

The ten year rule applies if you are getting benefits as a spouse or former spouse.

It doesn't apply if you are getting benefits because you are taking care of a minor child of yourself and a deceased person of retirement age.

If you die, your widow or widower will get benefits if you and he/she had a minor child under the age of 16, but the benefits end when the child turns 16. This benefit is regardless of the length of the marriage.