A change in marital status often changes the Social Security benefits you receive. The changes are dependent on whether your benefits are based on your or your former spouse’s work record. Your age and disability status impacts changes to your benefits as well.
If you remarry when receiving Social Security benefits based on your own work history your benefits will continue unchanged. If your benefits are based on your former spouse’s work record your benefits will typically cease when you remarry. You may however, be able to start receiving benefits based on your new spouse’s work record or on your own work record. ____________________________________________________________________
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The rules are a little different if you are a widow or widower or are disabled. If you have been receiving benefits based on your deceased spouse’s work record and are under 60, or are disabled and under 50, your benefits will end upon remarriage. If you are over 60, or are disabled and over 50, at time of remarriage your benefits will continue. The exception is if you start receiving benefits through your new spouse (if you are 62 or older.)
If your second marriage ends because of death, divorce, or annulment within 10 years, you will be eligible again to receive Social Security benefits based on your first spouse’s record. Benefits received by a disabled widow or widower are not affected by remarriage.
If you were the working spouse during your first marriage, your remarriage does not affect the benefits paid to your new spouse or your ex-spouse,
Social Security rules are complicated. Seek advice from your financial advisor or accountant for guidance. Also contact the Social Security Administration to ask about your particular situation.
