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. William R.

    I have a question.
    a 68 year old divorced woman receives social security benefits based on her ex-husband’s work record. They were married for 26 years. He made a good salary. She put in for social security at 66 based on her first husband’s work record. She gets 1/2 of her first husband’s SSI. Can she now marry a 74 year old guy and continue with her benefits from the earlier marriage, or does she have to accept 1/2 of her new husband’s SSI (which of course is lower)?

    Please advise.

    Thanks

    • Vonda V.

      Hi William, thanks for using our blog. If receiving divorced spouse’s benefits, generally benefits end if you remarry. If receiving surviving divorced widow’s benefits, you can remarry after age 60 and continue to receive the surviving divorced widow’s benefit. See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits” for more information. Thanks!

  2. Jasmine B.

    Do kids get impact payment that get social security that have a payee ????

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Jasmine, thank you for your question. Please visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments Information Center to answer your questions about eligibility, payment amounts, what to expect, when to expect it and more. Hope this helps!

  3. Anna.Judy

    A person’s success does not depend on his wisdom, but perseverance

  4. Margaret A.

    I am 75 and recently divorced. I have worked my entire life and receive my own social security. If I remarry will I lose my social security?

    • Vonda V.

      Hello Margaret, 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!

  5. steven c.

    why is there no inform. on ssi person that wants to remarry a person that works.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Steven, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how marriage may affect benefits. We hope this helps!

  6. Queen H.

    I just noticed my mother is receiving SSI, not SSA retirement, she is 86, it was never changed by SS. She now wants to apply for spousal benefits. How is this handled?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Queen. For your mother to qualify for spouse’s benefits, her spouse must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Also, your mother must file for Social Security retirement benefits on her own record first. But, if she also qualifies for a higher amount 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 on eligibility and how to apply.

  7. Malinda G.

    I am 52 been on ssi disability for a while now about 10 years . If I remarry and my new husband makes between 17-22 hr will it Effect my disability income are my Medical in any way?

    • Vonda V.

      Hello Malinda, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on the effect marriage could have on benefits. We hope this helps!

  8. Naomi I.

    I am a widow, age 83. I am getting SS benefits adjusted after my husband died.
    I would like to get married. Can I continue to get that same amount of SS when I remarry ?

  9. Michael B.

    I was married for 12+ years, now divorced. Now I want to remarry someone else. New prospective wife makes more money than I do. After I retire, and then we marry, am I entitled to benefits based on her income.
    TY

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Michael, 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 on eligibility factors.

  10. Melissa

    I am on SSDI divorced my mom passed away last year she lived with me for 5 years am I entitled to assistance of any kind? Also can my son 19. Collect benefits from me he is ADHD and cares for me what are my options? Also would mine or his benefits change if I married someone who is also disabled

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