A deceased worker's former spouse age 60 or older (as early as age 50 if disabled) may qualify for benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. However, a former spouse does not have to meet the age or length-of-marriage rule if he or she is caring for the deceased worker's child younger than age 16 or disabled and entitled based on the deceased worker's record. The child also must be the former spouse's natural or legally adopted child.

Take a look at "Survivor Benefits" (Pub. No. 05-10084) for more information.

NOTE: Benefits paid to a surviving divorced spouse 60 or older, will not affect the payment amount for other survivors.