If you’ve been divorced and are contemplating remarrying, one major question might be in your mind: “What will happen to my Social Security if I remarry?” The quick answer is—it varies, depending on the kind of benefits you’re drawing. In some cases, your checks won’t change. But in others, particularly if you’re receiving benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings record, remarriage could radically alter the picture.
Let’s go through what you might want to know before you say “I do” again.
If you’re receiving retirement or disability benefits on your record
Here’s the good news—your marital status does not affect you. If your Social Security benefit is received on your record for either retirement or disability, those benefits will not be affected if you remarry.
Those are yours that you’ve earned working and paying into the system through FICA taxes. So, whether it’s your first marriage, your second, or later, your benefits don’t change.
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If you’re receiving benefits on a divorced spouse’s record
This is where it gets complicated. If you’re receiving divorced spouse benefits based on an ex-spouse’s work record, those benefits usually end if you remarry.
To qualify for divorced spouse benefits, you must:
* Be aged 62 or older
* Be married to your ex for 10 years or more
* Be not currently married
If you meet all these, you can receive up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s Social Security benefit. This doesn’t affect your ex-spouse’s payments or your new spouse’s benefits.
But here’s the catch: once you remarry, you generally forfeit the right to those ex-spouse benefits. The Social Security Administration will generally compute any future benefits on your new spouse’s record instead.
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If that second marriage ends in divorce or death, you may again be eligible for benefits based on your first spouse’s record, depending on the circumstances.
What about survivor benefits?
Survivor benefits allow you to receive your deceased spouse’s Social Security if they passed away. You may wonder—does remarriage affect that?
The answer depends pretty much on how old you were when you remarried:
* Less than 50: You cannot receive survivor benefits from your previous spouse while you’re married to someone else.
* 50–59 years old: In the majority of situations, you are not eligible for survivor benefits should you remarry during this age range.
* 60 or older: Yes, you can still receive survivor benefits on your late spouse, even if you remarry.
So, the case where you’re 60 or older and remarry is one where you can still qualify to receive benefits on a deceased ex or former spouse. That is a key exception, especially if those benefits are higher than your new spouse would be eligible for.
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How remarriage affects SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
SSI is a low-income, needs-based program for individuals who are aged or disabled, among others. The program takes into account your household income and resources, not your finances.
If you remarry, your family’s income can be greater. That difference can reduce your SSI benefit—or even make you ineligible—depending on your spouse’s income and resources. Even if your spouse is not receiving SSI, their financial resources matter.
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Bottom Line: What you should do next
If you’re receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits in your own earnings record, this alteration will not impact you. However, if you’re receiving benefits on an ex-spouse’s record—or you expect to receive survivor benefits—remarriage could significantly alter your checks.
Before walking down the aisle, make it a point to discuss your Social Security options with each other. If you have no idea what will become of your payments, think about talking to a financial advisor who can assist you in considering the whole picture.
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After all, this is your economic future. Getting the information right now can save you a shock later on.
Pro tip
Use your ZIP code to get matched with a qualified financial advisor who can advise you on how marriage can impact your benefits. It will only take a minute or two to get matched, and the guidance will pay for itself many times over.
