This bill modifies Social Security rules to help domestic violence survivors access spousal and survivor benefits more quickly. Currently, divorced individuals can only claim Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse's earnings record if they were married for at least 10 years. The bill reduces this requirement to 5 years for those who can provide a court finding proving they were victims of domestic violence during the marriage. The change applies to divorced women and men seeking their own benefits, as well as surviving spouses seeking survivor benefits. The bill takes effect 18 months after enactment, giving Social Security time to implement the new rules.
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