If you’re currently receiving Social Security retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you might be wondering how getting married again could impact your benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific rules regarding remarriage, which could potentially affect your benefit payments. Here’s what you need to know.
How Remarrying Can Affect Your Social Security Benefits
When it comes to Social Security benefits, remarriage can impact the amount you receive or even your eligibility for certain benefits. This typically depends on the type of benefit you’re receiving.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled. Because SSI benefits are determined by your household income and resources, getting married could affect your payments. Here’s how:
- Household Income: When you marry, your spouse’s income and resources are considered when determining your SSI eligibility and benefit amount. If your combined household income exceeds the SSI income limits, your benefits could be reduced or terminated.
- Couple’s Rate: If you and your spouse are both eligible for SSI, your benefits may change to the married couple’s rate, which in 2024 is up to $1,415 per month, compared to the individual rate of $943 per month.
Surviving Spouse and Divorced Spouse Benefits
Remarrying can also impact benefits you receive as a surviving spouse or a divorced spouse. The effect of remarriage depends on your age when you remarry:
- Before Age 50: If you remarry before age 50, you generally lose eligibility for disability or survivor benefits on your deceased spouse’s record.
- Between Ages 50 and 59: If you are disabled and remarry between the ages of 50 and 59, you may still be eligible for survivor benefits, as long as you were already receiving benefits due to a disability that existed before your remarriage.
- After Age 60: If you remarry after age 60, you can continue to receive survivor benefits based on your deceased spouse’s record. Alternatively, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on your new spouse’s record. In this case, you should contact Social Security to determine which option provides the highest benefit.
Divorced Spouse’s Benefits
If you are receiving benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work record, remarrying will generally disqualify you from continuing to receive those benefits, unless your later marriage ends in divorce or annulment.
Children’s Benefits
Children’s benefits, which are paid to children under 18 (or under 19 if still in high school) based on a parent’s Social Security record, are not directly affected by the parent’s remarriage.
However, if the parent receiving benefits marries someone with a significant income, it could affect the household’s total income, which might indirectly impact the benefits.
Reporting Your Marriage to the SSA
It is crucial to report any changes in your marital status to the SSA to ensure you receive the correct benefit amount and avoid any issues with overpayments or underpayments.
You can report your marriage by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.
Remarrying can have significant implications for your Social Security benefits, depending on the type of benefits you receive and your age at the time of remarriage.
Whether it affects your payments positively or negatively, understanding these potential changes can help you make informed decisions.
Always report your marriage to the SSA to ensure your benefits are correctly calculated and to avoid any future complications.
FAQs
Will remarriage affect my SSI benefits?
Yes, remarriage can affect SSI benefits as your spouse’s income will be considered, possibly reducing or ending your payments.
Can I still receive survivor benefits if I remarry?
It depends on your age. Remarrying after age 60 generally allows you to keep your survivor benefits.
What happens to my SSDI benefits if I remarry?
SSDI benefits based on your own work record are not affected by remarriage. However, if you’re receiving benefits as a surviving or divorced spouse, they might be affected.
Do I need to report my remarriage to Social Security?
Yes, you should report any changes in your marital status to the SSA.
Can I receive benefits on my new spouse’s record if I remarry after age 60?
Yes, you may be eligible for benefits on your new spouse’s record, depending on the amount.
