Will Remarrying Affect My Social Security Benefits?
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 22, 2024
Whether it’s a morning ceremony or an evening gala, excitement is in the air. You’re getting remarried! We can help you with Social Security-related questions regarding your remarriage.
You may be wondering about changing your name on your Social Security card. Visit our Change name with Social Security page and answer a few questions to find out the best way to apply for a replacement card with your new last name. You may even be able to complete the application completely online.
If you can’t complete the application online, you can start your replacement card application online, then visit a local Social Security office or card center. You may be able to self-schedule an appointment online to visit an office to show your original marriage certificate and complete your application.
We’ll mail an updated card to you, usually within 14 business days. Remember to let your employer know about your name change so they can update payroll records, and we can accurately keep track of your earnings.
You may be wondering how your new marriage affects your Social Security benefits now or in the future. Remarrying may affect your benefits if you receive (or expect to receive) any of the following:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments – Your SSI eligibility and payment amount may change (or stop) due to your new spouse’s income and resources. If you and your spouse both get SSI, your payment amount may change from a single person’s rate to a couple’s rate. Be sure to call us right away at 1-800-772-1213 to report your marriage to avoid being overpaid.
- Surviving spouse or divorced surviving spouse benefits –
- If you remarry before age 50 – You won’t be eligible for survivors or disability benefits as a surviving spouse unless your later marriage ends by divorce or annulment.
- If you remarry between the ages of 50 and 59 – You may be able to get benefits as a disabled surviving spouse (or disabled surviving divorced spouse) if you were disabled and unable to work when you remarried and your remarriage occurred after age 50. If you remarry before you reach age 60 and that marriage ends, you may be able to get benefits on your previous deceased spouse’s record. Your benefits may begin the first month in which the later marriage ended if all entitlement requirements are met. Contact us if you have questions.
- If you remarry after age 60 – You may be eligible for survivors benefits on your deceased spouse’s record or benefits on your new spouse’s record. Contact us to find out where you are due the greatest benefit amount.
For more information, read our Survivors Benefits publication or visit our Survivor benefits page.
- Divorced spouse’s benefits – Generally, if you remarry, benefits paid to you on your former spouse’s record stop. You should report your new marriage to us to avoid being overpaid.
- Children’s benefits (under age 18 or full-time student ages 18 or 19) – Under certain circumstances, we may be able to make payments to stepchildren of a worker who receives retirement or disability benefits. For more information about benefits for children, visit our Who can get Family benefits page. Contact us if you have questions.
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Julie R.
I retired early,, at 53 yrs old. I put in 30 yrs, but I didn’t file for ss when I’m 70 yrs (only 3 yrs to go).. https://streameastguide.com Should I wait to file under my SS, or continue on widow’s benefits? Please advise.
S.S.
Hi, Julia. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefit, you may be able to get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse’s amount. To speak with a representative about your eligibility for benefits, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Kathy N.
I’m about to turn 70 and I went down to the SS office. Waited and hour to be told I will be called with an appointment to apply.
Is this the only way?
S.S.
Hi, Kathy. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. When you’re ready to apply, you can complete the online application in as little as 15 minutes. To discuss your benefits with a representative, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Edgar G.
What about a widower older than 75 years old that remarries? Will he losses his late spouse’s Widow S.S. benefits?
T.Y.
Hello, Edgar. Thank you for reading our blog. Surviving spouses who remarry after age 60 (age 50 with a disability), may continue to be eligible 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. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Yvonne G.
I would like to know about the Widow Pension. How does this affect them? Also, I retired early,, at 53 yrs old. I put in 30 yrs, but I didn’t file for ss when I’m 70 yrs (only 3 yrs to go).. Should I wait to file under my SS, or continue on widow’s benefits? Please advise.
Nancy M.
I am73 drawing from deceased divorced husband if I remarry can I continue to draw same benefits
Elizabeth G.
When a divorced woman who already receives Social Security benefits remarries, does it affect her future Social Security benefits?