When you remarry, it may seem like a new chapter of your life, but did you know it can also impact your Social Security benefits? Depending on the type of benefits you’re receiving, the effects can vary. This article will help you understand how remarriage can influence your Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
Social Security Retirement Benefits: No Change When You Remarry
One of the key advantages of Social Security retirement benefits is that if you are already receiving benefits based on your own work history, remarriage does not affect your payments. If you’ve been receiving retirement benefits based on your own Social Security record, you can continue to receive them even if you decide to remarry.
This holds true for individuals of any age who are collecting Social Security retirement benefits. Your monthly benefit will remain the same regardless of your marital status, which offers some peace of mind for those entering a new relationship.
Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI): Remarriage Has No Effect
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits based on your own work record, remarriage will not alter the amount of your benefits. Like retirement benefits, SSDI benefits are tied to your own earnings history, so remarrying has no effect on your disability payments.
However, it’s important to note that if you receive SSDI benefits due to a former spouse’s earnings, remarriage can affect your eligibility for those benefits. In such cases, you should contact the Social Security Administration to determine the best course of action.
Survivor Benefits: Impact of Remarriage on Widow(er)’s Benefits
If you’re receiving survivor benefits—either as a widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse—your remarriage can have a significant impact. The effects vary depending on your age at the time of remarriage and the circumstances surrounding your original marriage.
Before Age 60:
If you remarry before the age of 60 (or 50 if you’re disabled), you will lose your eligibility for survivor benefits based on your deceased spouse’s record. This means that if your deceased spouse was the primary earner and you were relying on their Social Security benefits, remarriage will eliminate your eligibility for these payments.
After Age 60:
However, if you remarry after turning 60 (or age 50 if you are disabled), you will continue to receive your deceased spouse’s benefits. This rule helps protect those who have already established their survivor benefit entitlement.
Divorced Spouse Benefits: Remarriage Can End Eligibility
If you are divorced and were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years, you may qualify for Social Security benefits based on their record. However, if you remarry, you will lose this eligibility. If your remarriage ends (through divorce, annulment, or death), you may become eligible for benefits again based on your former spouse’s record.
It’s important to note that this rule only applies if you are not remarried when you reach the age of 62. Once you are remarried, you cannot claim benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record, even if your new marriage ends.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): How Remarriage Affects Eligibility
If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—a needs-based program for those with limited income and resources—remarriage can affect your eligibility. When you remarry, the income and resources of your new spouse will be counted toward the eligibility requirements. This may either increase or decrease your benefit amount depending on your new household’s financial situation.
It’s critical to inform the Social Security Administration about your change in marital status to avoid overpayments or underpayments. Be sure to provide full and accurate details about your spouse’s income to ensure your benefit calculation is correct.
What to Do if You Remarry
If you plan to remarry or have already remarried, it’s important to keep the Social Security Administration updated. Remarrying may alter your benefit eligibility, especially if you are receiving survivor benefits, divorced spouse benefits, or SSI.
The best course of action is to contact the SSA directly or visit your local office to discuss how your specific situation will be affected. Doing so will ensure that your benefits are not interrupted and that you receive the correct payments.
You can reach the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the SSA website for more information.
Conclusion
Understanding the impact of remarriage on Social Security benefits is vital for anyone navigating changes in their marital status. The effects can vary based on the type of benefits you’re receiving, so it’s important to stay informed and take action when necessary.
If you have any concerns about how remarriage might affect your Social Security payments, be sure to contact the Social Security Administration.
