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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JRChristian
I am unclear on how my situation would be handled.
I am 67 years old, divorced and currently collecting my ex-husband’s social security. If i get remarried, will I loose my
social security payment?….I will receive a greater amount by waiting until age 70 to collect my social security, does this change by remarrying?
Thank you.
R.F.
Generally, your divorced spouse’s benefits end if you remarry. See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits?“.
You can still delay your retirement benefits (own record) up to age 70 to earn delayed retirement credits. We hope this helps!
Karen s.
My fiancée is 64 and currently gets ssdi. We’re planning on getting married. Will he lose his benefits?
I currently work part time and make $10/hr.
Thank you!
Louise D.
Re-sending this comment: I am *** – ** – ***, receiving deceased spousal benefits from *** – ** – ***. Remarried a month ago or so ago at age 79. Want to a) change my name on social security card, and b) do I still receive spousal benefits?
Louise D.
See above
Louise D.
Receive deceased spousal benefits from *** – ** – ***. Just remarried at age 79. Want to change my name social security card. Will I lose my spousal benefits?
Teresa
Hi, I’m entitled to widows benefits once I turn 62. I am currently 50. I would like to get married again, he is 76. If he passes away will I still be entitled to my late husbands SS or will I be able to collect on my new husbands SS once I’m of the correct age?
Thanks in advance. He really wants to get married and I’m afraid of being left without enough income. I will be able to collect on my own but my husbands SS was more than mine will be.
bobbie
at age 70 can I remarry and keep my social security benefits the same.
Sharon D.
My Fiance’ and i both get social security disability will getting married change that ?
R.F.
Good question Sharon. For individuals receiving Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, marriage does not affect their benefit. These benefits are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits.
For individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), getting married may affect their benefit. This is because the amount of the SSI benefit is based, in part, on the income available to them and the spouse.
See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits” for more information. Thanks!
Mary
My first husband is deceased, I remarried but the marriage ended just before our 15th anniversary. I have been divorced for 3 years now. I receive Social Security benefits. Would I be eligible for benefits based on my first late husband’s earnings?
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Mary. As a divorced spouse of a worker who died, you may be eligible to receive benefits just the same as a widow.
Current law provides that if you remarried, you cannot collect benefits on your former spouse’s record unless your later marriage ends (whether by death, divorce or annulment).
See our Retirement Planner: If You Are The Survivor for more information. For specific questions and to see if you’re eligible for benefits, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or contact your local office directly. Thanks!
clara o.
if i remarry will i lose my medicade
R.F.
Hello Clara, if you’re referring to Medicaid, Medicaid is administered by states. You will need to contact your local Social Services or Medicaid office.
Generally, getting married does not affect your Medicare benefits.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!