Key Points
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How remarriage affects your benefits depends on the type of check you’re currently claiming.
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You can’t claim a spousal benefit on your partner’s record until they’re claiming retirement benefits.
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Contact the Social Security Administration if you’d like to switch benefit types.
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Remarriage changes a lot in your life, including the Social Security benefits you’re eligible for. This might not be a concern for you if you’re not currently receiving checks. But those who are already enrolled in the program will definitely want to understand how tying the knot will affect their benefits going forward.
It depends a lot on the type of Social Security check you’d been receiving up until your marriage. Here’s what you need to know.
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If you’re claiming your own retirement benefit
When you’re married, the Social Security Administration gives you the larger of your own retirement benefit or your spousal benefit. If you’re currently receiving retirement checks and this amount is larger than what your new spousal benefit would be, your Social Security checks won’t change after marriage.
If your new spousal benefit is larger than your retirement benefit, you’ll be eligible to claim this larger amount. You may need to contact the Social Security Administration to request this change. Also, keep in mind that you can only claim a spousal benefit if your partner is currently receiving retirement checks.
If you’re claiming a spousal benefit on your ex’s work record
You can claim a spousal Social Security benefit on your ex’s work record if you were married for at least 10 years before divorcing. Your ex remarrying will not affect your ability to claim these checks, but your remarriage will.
If you remarry, you’ll lose the ability to claim benefits on your ex’s work record. But you’ll gain the ability to claim on your new spouse’s record, assuming they’re already on Social Security.
If you’re claiming survivor benefits on a deceased spouse’s work record
You may continue claiming survivor benefits on a deceased spouse’s work record even if you remarry, provided you’re 60 or older at the time of the remarriage, or 50 or older if you’re disabled. You’ll still have the option to claim your own retirement benefit, if you qualify, or a spousal benefit on your new partner’s work record.
Contact the Social Security Administration if you’re unsure what benefit types are available to you or how much they’re worth. A representative should be able to help you figure out which benefit will give you the most money overall and switch you to a different benefit type if needed. You can reach out by phone or schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office to get started.
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