Q. After almost 10 years of marriage, my divorce has been finalized, but unfortunately the marriage ended a few months prior to 10 years. It is my understanding that unless the marriage lasted 10 years, I would not eligible for a spousal benefit from Social Security. My ex did work a sufficient number of years to qualify for a Social Security benefit, so I know that I would eventually have been eligible for a spousal benefit had the marriage lasted 10 years. My question is whether there are any exceptions to the 10-year rule.

A. I asked some Social Security experts I work with whether there are any exceptions to the 10-year minimum for marriage in order to be eligible for spousal and survivor benefits. They were aware of only one exception. The exception is applicable when an individual w

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