Will Remarrying Affect My Social Security Benefits

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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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Tags:General Information, survivors benefits