General, SSI

Will Remarrying Affect My Social Security Benefits?

September 5, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: October 14, 2021

married couple hugging 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:

  1. 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.
  1. Widow/widower, or divorced widow/widower payments—
    • If you remarry before age 50 — you won’t be entitled to survivor’s or disability benefits unless you divorce.
    • 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.
    • If you remarry after age 60 — you may still become entitled to benefits on your prior deceased spouse’s Social Security earnings record.
  1. 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.
  1. 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Gail G.

    I’m 65 I collect my late husbands money. If I remarry now will I lose his benefits

  2. Frances R.

    If I remarry and my future husband now receives SOC sec benefits as well as myself will it affect my benefits

  3. Kathleen W.

    If get married to my ex-Husband will I lose my Social Seruity Disability

  4. Connie H.

    I receive my social security plus $394.00 from my deceased husband. I am 76. My husband passed March 2019. If I remarry now will I lose the money I am receiving from his account? What are the rules?.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Connie. We are sorry to hear about your loss. If you receive retirement or Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, your marriage will not affect your benefit. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), widow or widower’s benefits, your marriage may affect your benefit. To learn more about how marriage affects benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  5. Marianne E.

    I am a 61 year old woman who receives benefits.

    I would like to find out more information on what changes would be happening if I remarried.

    I read that if you get remarried it would change from the individual right to a couple rate. What does that mean?

    I’m not sure if I receive disability or regular social security. I had a settlement for my disability.

    Do I need to file for social security at 62?

  6. Carole M.

    My husband and I got married when he was over 70 should he get his first wife’s Social security benefits? He has all documents he needs as of her death certificate and their marriage license our marriage license. Just wanting to know he has never went to see about this. She made more than him her social security would be way more than his . Thank you for any information you could give me.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Carole. For your husband’s security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. He can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, he will have a shorter wait if he calls later in the day. He can also contact his local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  7. Pat R.

    I’m a little confused….Can a Widow of 20 years remarry and still receive Widow Pension?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Pat. Thanks for your question. If you receive retirement or Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, your marriage will not affect your benefit. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), widow or widower’s benefits, your marriage may affect your benefit. To learn more about how marriage affects benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  8. D.

    If two people age 65+ ( receiving their own benefits) get married could their benefits be reduced?

  9. Connie A.

    I’m 72and thinking of getting remarried I have drawn ssd from my deceased husband social security. Question if I remarry will this affected my receiving this benifit.

  10. Louis M.

    Recently Married, And I currently receive SSI. I need assistance with the process. Please advise.

    Sincerely,

    Louis Moreno

    • A.C.

      Hi, Louis. You can contact your local Social Security office to report your marriage and living arrangement change. Thanks!

Comments are closed.