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.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags: , , , , , ,

See Comments

About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Related Articles

Preparation Starts with Information

Social Security and Veterans Affairs Partnership Speeds Disability Decisions for Veterans

The American Dream is Alive

Social Security Administration Expands Outreach and Access for Supplemental Security Income

Comments

  1. Christine c.

    I am 66 years old and receive Social Security from my deceased ex-husband . If I remarry will I lose my Social Security..

  2. Ruby D.

    If a spouse remarries will he or she lose the benefits they were awarded after their spouses death

  3. Ann R.

    Question: I am currently 80 years and currently receiving SSN benefits. The total benefit include both mine and my decreased husband’s benefits. I’m planning to remarry and understand that I will lose the my former husband’s benefits. If something happens (death/divorce?) happens to my new spouse can I resume receiving the benefits of my first spouses? Please advise – Thanks

    • Ray F.

      Hello Ann, if you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled), your remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits. See our Benefits Planner for Survivors for more information. Thanks!

  4. Kathryn W.

    I am a 70 yr old, single female, I receive a social security check each month based on my wages.
    If I get married, will that change my social security amount each month?
    Thank you.

    • Ray F.

      Thank you for your question, Kathryn. If you’re receiving retirement benefits based on your own work record, your Social Security benefits will not be affected.
      See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits” for more information.

  5. Jessie S.

    My husband passed 5 years ago and I’ve been drawing his social security since then , I’m considering getting remarried and I wanted to find out if I will loose my social security if I do, my boyfriend also lost a spouse and he’s drawing his own social security will that also affect him,

  6. Patsy B.

    I Am 70 and drawing part of my deceased husband’s SSD included in my own SS benefits , will remarriage affect my current benefits ?

  7. Barb

    What if I’m collecting on my ex-spouses SS, I’m 65 or 66, and I decide to remarry. He is remarried, and we’ve been divorced for 10 years…. Could I continue to collect on my ex-spouses SS?

  8. Janet S.

    I am currently receiving social security benefits. I am a divorced 72 year old woman. If I were to marry someone who is still working or even someone on social security would that affect the amount of my benefits?

  9. Jennifer

    My ex husband is on as. Age 70. And I am on sad. If we get married again will we lose money. We where married 30 years. We want to remarry each other but worry we would lose money. Thank you.

  10. Patricia S.

    I am currently retired and receiving social security ..I was married for 41 years and got divorce I am 66 now..I am currently engaged and I am wondering that if I do remarry will that affect my social security benefits and my Medicare benefits?

Comments are closed.