Will Remarrying Affect My Social Security Benefits?
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: October 14, 2021
Whether it’s a morning ceremony or an evening gala, excitement’s in the air. You’re getting remarried! Social Security is with you throughout life’s journey and we are here to help you on any Social Security related questions, after your special day!
If you’re getting remarried, you may have some questions about changing the name on your Social Security card. Also, if you’re remarrying, you may wonder how that affects your Social Security benefits.
Remarrying may affect your benefits if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments — your SSI payment amount may change as a result of your new spouse’s income and resources. If you and your spouse both get SSI, your payment amount will change from an individual rate to a couple’s rate.
- Widow/widower, or divorced widow/widower payments—
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- If you remarry before age 50 — you won’t be entitled to survivor’s or disability benefits unless you divorce.
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- If you remarry between the ages of 50 and 59 — you can’t get benefits. Note: If you remarry before you turn 60 and that marriage ends, you may become entitled or re-entitled to benefits on your prior deceased spouse’s earnings record. Your benefits begin the first month in which the subsequent marriage ended if all entitlement requirements are met.
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- If you remarry after age 60 — you may still become entitled to benefits on your prior deceased spouse’s Social Security earnings record.
- Divorced spouse’s benefits — Generally, if you remarry, benefits paid to you from your prior spouse’s account stop. Check out if you are divorced for more information.
- Children’s benefits (under age 18 or student ages 18 or 19) — Children’s benefits end once the child marries. You can find more information in our Benefits for Children page.
Visit our Benefits page for more information. Please share this information with family and friends – and post it on social media.
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Tags: Children, social security, Social Security benefits, Social Security card, SSA, supplemental security income, survivors benefits
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Cynthia R.
I am 64 and collect my own social security I also have a disabled son who collects on mine. I am thinking of remarrying does this affect mine and my sons social security?
R.F.
Hello Cynthia. If you get Social Security disability or retirement benefits and you marry, your benefit will stay the same. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information. Thanks!
shirley y.
I am 73, considering remarriage, am currently drawing my own social security benefit…..will marriage affect my monthly benefit?
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Shirley. If you get Social Security retirement benefits and you marry, your benefit will stay the same.
Constance V.
Will I be able to receive my deceased husbands full social security benefits if I remarry at age 76
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Constance. If you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled), your remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits.
Yvonne C.
My husband died when I was 57 they tell me I will not receive Social Security from him If I get remarried before 60. If my new husband dies would I be eligible for his Social Security or do we have to be married for a certain period of time?
R.F.
That’s right, Yvonne. You cannot get widow’s benefits if you remarry before age 60 (age 50 if disabled).
Generally, individuals must be married for one year before they can get spouse’s benefits. In most cases, an applicant for surviving spouse benefits must meet a 9 months duration-of-marriage requirement.
Thanks!
Shirley H.
IF you are retired and you receive SS benefits based on your own work record and you should get married after 70 will your benefits be affected?
Patricia m.
Iam 62 i receive widows benifits if i get married can i still receive my widows pension.
R.F.
Hello Patricia. If you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled), your remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits. Thanks!
Connie G.
I am receiving divorced spouse SS benefits. When I remarry a man who is NOT on SS at all, do I lose my benefits? What about my Medicare be efits?
Deborah j.
Hi I am 62 thinking about getting married okay I gets spousal with my disability. I draw off move ex husband who died .we were married 10 years and 1 month.
R.F.
Hello Deborah, if you get Social Security disability or retirement benefits on your own record and you marry, your benefit will stay the same. However, your divorced spouse’s benefits end if you remarry.
For further assistance, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Thanks!
cathy A.
my ex husband passed away suddenly in may, I was is only wife. we had one child. am I eligible for his social security even though I remarried 9 years ago. we were married 29 years.
R.F.
Hello Cathy, if you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled), the remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 if you need further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Thanks!
David T.
Can a woman who is receiving her husband’s social security still receive it once he dies and she re-marries? She is 66 and they have been married for 45 years.