How long do I have to be married to qualify for wife's benefits?

The general rule is that you must be married a year to qualify for benefits as a husband or wife. There are a few exceptions, notably if you received or could have received benefits on a former spouse's record in the month before the month you married.  This is sometimes overlooked so when your husband applies for benefits, be sure to check with Social Security to see if you meet an exception to the one year marriage rule!