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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christina B.
I am 39 and going to remarry my ex-husband who is 62,
I am on disability and he gets Social security. I was wondering if it would some how effect our income?
R.F.
Hello Christina, if you get Social Security disability or retirement benefits and you marry, your benefit will stay the same. See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits” for more information. Thanks!
Debra h.
I am wanting to know how much my fiancés check will drop if we get married. I am able to work
V.V.
Hi Debra: See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits” for more information. Thanks!
Nancy A.
I an a little confused on the amount of funds taken back if you work between the age of 62/66. How much can you work and not have funds removed? What I’m thinking is that for every two dollars you make one dollar is taken from your SS pay.. there is the only base to start with is the amount from S/S. So to make a short point, if you work any little bit while getting S/S, and lets sat you make $75.00, S/S will take $25.00. Right of the bat. There is no cushion.
Joseph
I receive SS Disability Benefits & a pension from my former employer as a single person over 50. If I get married with my significant other (she’s doesn’t receive benefits and not employed, also over 50); does she qualifies for benefits under mine? And, does my benefits be affected?
V.V.
Hi Joseph. For your wife to qualify for spouse’s benefits on your record, she must be 62 years old. If she is 62 or older and qualifies for her own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay her own benefits first. If benefits as a spouse are higher than her own retirement benefits, she will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Benefits paid to her as a spouse will not decrease your disability benefit. Visit our Retirement Planner: Benefits For Your Spouse for more information.
Miranda B.
Will my social security benefits remain the same if I remarry? I am 63 and retired. What about his whenever he starts receiving his? He is 65 and not retired yet.
Thank you for your help,
Miranda
R.F.
Hello Miranda. If you get Social Security retirement benefits and you marry, your benefit will stay the same. Generally, individuals must be married for one year before they can get spouse’s benefits. You will have to check with us, to see if you qualify for a higher benefit amount on your spouse’s record.
We hope this information helps!
maxine
if i get remarried, and we are both on a disability , i am 65, with there be a decrease in benefits or an in crease
R.F.
Hello Maxine, if you get Social Security disability (SSDI) or retirement benefits and you marry, your benefit will stay the same. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information. Thanks!
Deborah R.
i am 67 years old and recieving social security benefits from a ex spouse i was married to for 26years. He is deceased as of 2014. If i remarry can these benefits be reduced or changed. The new husband is 50 years oold or less and still works for a long time to come
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Deborah. If you remarry after you reach age 60, the remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits.
Teresa G.
If u get remarried and draw your deceased husband social security but u were on as I and they changed it. Will it be cut off.
R.F.
See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits” for more information.
Albert D.
If a widower remarries is his new spouse eligible for any his benefits? The spousal benefit was not received by the former spouse. She expired before widower was eligible for benefits.
V.V.
Hi Albert. For your wife to qualify for spouse’s benefits on your record, you must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Also, if your wife is receiving Social Security benefits on her own record, we pay that amount first. But, if she also qualifies for a higher amount on your record as a spouse, she may be able to get a combination of benefits that equals that higher amount. Visit our Retirement Planner: Benefits For You As A Spouse for more information.
Charles E.
I was trying to find out when my new wife will draw benefits and her to kids under 18
R.F.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!