If you receive Social Security retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks, you might be wondering how remarrying could impact your benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) states that getting married again can indeed affect your monthly benefits, potentially altering the amount you receive or even your eligibility.
Benefits Impacted
The effect of remarriage on Social Security benefits varies depending on the type of benefits you receive. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits that could be affected:
SSI Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based benefit that provides financial assistance to individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled and have limited income. If you’re receiving SSI, getting married could change your benefit amount because SSI considers household income when determining eligibility and payment amounts.
When you marry, your spouse’s income and resources are considered alongside yours, which could potentially increase your household income to a level that disqualifies you from receiving SSI. Alternatively, your SSI benefit could be reduced, or in some cases, you might transition to a married couple’s rate.
For instance, the maximum SSI payment for an individual is $943 per month, while the maximum for a married couple is $1,415 per month. Depending on your combined income, you could see your SSI payments adjust accordingly.
Spousal Benefits
If you receive Social Security benefits as a surviving spouse, divorced surviving spouse, or divorced spouse, your benefits could be impacted by remarriage. The rules differ based on your age when you remarry and the type of benefits you’re receiving:
- Surviving Spouse or Divorced Surviving Spouse: If you remarry before age 50, you generally lose eligibility for survivor benefits, including those tied to a deceased spouse’s record. However, if you remarry after age 60, you may still be eligible to receive survivor benefits. You can even choose to receive benefits on your deceased spouse’s record or on your new spouse’s record, depending on which amount is greater.
- Divorced Spouse’s Benefits: If you receive benefits based on an ex-spouse’s work record, remarrying typically ends your eligibility for these benefits unless your new marriage ends in divorce or annulment.
- Children’s Benefits: If you’re receiving benefits on behalf of a child under 18, the child’s benefits generally remain unaffected by your remarriage. However, the SSA may need to be informed about your new marital status to avoid any confusion or issues with your benefits.
Reporting Marriage
Regardless of the potential impact, it’s crucial to report any change in your marital status to the SSA. Failing to do so could lead to overpayments, underpayments, or even penalties. You can report your marriage by contacting the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. This ensures that your benefits are calculated accurately and that you avoid any complications down the line.
Survivor Benefits
If you are a surviving spouse or a divorced surviving spouse, remarrying can have significant implications depending on your age. Here’s what you need to know:
- Before Age 50: If you remarry before turning 50, you generally lose eligibility for survivor benefits unless your later marriage ends in divorce or annulment.
- Between Ages 50 and 59: You might retain eligibility for survivor benefits if you are disabled and remarry after age 50 but before age 60.
- After Age 60: Remarrying after 60 typically does not affect your eligibility for survivor benefits. You may even have the option to choose between benefits from your deceased spouse’s record or your new spouse’s record, depending on which provides a higher amount.
Key Considerations
When considering remarriage, it’s essential to weigh the potential impact on your Social Security benefits. While some benefits may decrease or be lost entirely, others could remain unchanged or even increase, depending on your circumstances. Consulting with the SSA or a financial advisor can help you navigate these changes and make the best decision for your financial situation.
FAQs
Will my Social Security benefits stop if I remarry?
It depends on the type of benefit. Some may reduce or stop, others may continue.
Can I still receive SSI after getting married?
Possibly, but your payments could be adjusted based on household income.
What happens to survivor benefits if I remarry before 50?
You generally lose eligibility unless the marriage ends in divorce or annulment.
Can I choose between survivor benefits and spousal benefits after remarrying?
Yes, if you remarry after 60, you can choose the higher benefit amount.
How do I report my marriage to Social Security?
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to report your marriage and update your benefits.
