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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Jim M.
Can’t find an answer to my question ” is there a time limit necessary for remarried couples to wait before being eligible for spousal benefits.
Both were 66 or older. One was divorced, one never married. One is on full SS retirement the other still working.
I can find nothing that comes close to answering my question.
V.V.
Hi Jim, thank you for the question. According to current policy, a spouse must meet a 1 year duration-of-marriage requirement just before filing for the spousal benefit. Check out our Benefits For Your Spouse web page for more details.
sharlene m.
i remarried in 2016 and i draw my ss. can i draw off my deceased husbands ss?
Fran
What if I don’t know my ex-spouse’s S.S. number?
V.V.
Hi Fran, thank you for the question. A Social Security representative will be able to help you. To find out how much you may be eligible for on your ex-spouses record and to discuss your options, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit your local Social Security office.
Kathie
I am 63,will getting married affect my survivor benefits in any way?
V.V.
Hi Kathie, thank you for the question. Widows that remarry after age 60 (age 50 if disabled), may continue to qualify for benefits on their deceased spouse’s Social Security record. If your new spouse is a Social Security beneficiary, you may want to apply for spouse’s benefits on that record. If that amount is higher, you may be entitled to the higher amount, based on both records. Generally, you must be married for one year before you can get spouse’s benefits. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page to see how marriage can affect Social Security benefits. We hope this helps!
Mary
If i will earn roughly 2400 in social security when i retire, what exactly happens if i get married? The page talking about this is very vague and says it will change. Where are the rates, information? Sadly, this may impact whether people get married or just live together. Thank you kindly
V.V.
Hi Mary, thank you for your question. 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 to see how marriage may affect other benefits.
nancy w.
i am 56 and get ssi I got remarried at the age of 55 why does mean i lost everything
R.F.
See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits?“. Thanks!
Laura A.
I am currently receiving my survivers benefits from my deceased husband, I remarried one year ago. can I switch my benefits to my new husband’s retirement amount because it is more than my deceased husband check.
R.F.
Hello Laura. Individuals must be married for one year before they can get spouse’s benefits. You will have to contact us to see if you’re eligible for a higher benefit amount than what you’re receiving now.
Generally, survivor’s benefits are paid at a higher rate.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local office directly. Thanks!
Brenda Y.
How will remarrying effect my social security benefits. I’m receiving retirement benefits not disable or widows.
V.V.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page to see how marriage can affect Social Security benefits.
Javier M.
1) I am 71 year old male receiving Social Security retirement benefits. If I remary a 61 year old working female, a non social security retirement recepient, will it affect my social security retirement income benefits that I am currently receiving?
2) Same scenario as above with the only exception that: if we marry when she reaches early retirement age of 62 and starts receiving Social Security retirement benefits how will our marriage affect hers and my Social Security benefits?
V.V.
Hi Javier, thank you for the questions. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page to see how marriage can affect Social Security benefits.
ALENE M.
I am 77 years old and receive social security benefirs from my deceased spouse’ If I remarry, will I lose those benefits?
V.V.
Alene, thank you for your question. Widows that remarry after age 60 (age 50 if disabled), may continue to qualify for benefits on their deceased spouse’s Social Security record.