Can You Lose Your Social Security Benefits If You Get Married?
Marriage and Social Security benefits: Get clear answers on how your marital status can affect eligibility and reporting requirements.
Social Security benefits are an important aspect of financial planning. Significant life events, such as marriage, often prompt questions about how these benefits might be affected. Understanding these rules is important for beneficiaries and those planning for their future. The impact of marriage on Social Security benefits varies considerably depending on the type of benefit received or sought.
Your Earned Social Security Benefits
Individuals who receive Social Security benefits based on their own work record are generally unaffected by marriage. This includes retirement benefits, which are calculated based on an individual’s average indexed monthly earnings over their career. The SSA calculates these benefits based on up to 35 years of earnings, with higher earnings leading to higher benefits.
Disability benefits are also typically unaffected by marriage. These benefits are for individuals who meet the SSA’s disability definition and have sufficient work credits. Marriage does not alter eligibility criteria.
These benefits are earned entitlements, accumulated through payroll taxes. Work credits are required to qualify. Once earned, they are individual property, not contingent on marital status. Thus, an individual’s own retirement or disability benefit remains constant after marriage.
Benefits Based on Another’s Record
Social Security benefits derived from another person’s work record are subject to different rules regarding marriage and remarriage. These rules recognize financial interdependencies, and marital status changes can alter eligibility. The specific impact depends on the type of benefit and the age of the beneficiary.
Spousal Benefits
Marriage can establish eligibility for spousal benefits based on a living spouse’s work record. To qualify for spousal benefits, the marriage must have lasted for at least one continuous year. The claiming spouse must be at least 62, unless caring for the beneficiary’s child under 16 or disabled. The maximum spousal benefit is generally up to 50% of the primary earner’s full retirement age benefit amount.
These benefits are available only if the primary earner has already filed for their own Social Security retirement or disability benefits. If the claiming spouse is also eligible for benefits on their own record, the SSA pays their own benefit first. If the spousal benefit is higher, they receive an additional amount. This ensures that beneficiaries receive the greater of the two potential benefit amounts.
Survivor Benefits
Remarriage rules for survivor benefits have specific age-related exceptions. A widow or widower generally loses their eligibility for survivor benefits if they remarry before age 60. However, remarriage on or after age 60 usually allows continued survivor benefits based on their deceased spouse’s record.
A similar exception applies to disabled widows or widowers. If they remarry before age 50, they typically lose their survivor benefits. However, if they remarry on or after age 50, and their disability began before or within seven years of their spouse’s death, they can continue benefits. The survivor benefit amount can be up to 100% of the deceased worker’s basic benefit amount if the survivor has reached their full retirement age.
Divorced Spouse Benefits
Benefits for a divorced spouse have particular remarriage rules. Generally, a divorced spouse can receive benefits based on their former spouse’s record if the marriage lasted for at least 10 years, and the divorced spouse is currently unmarried. If the divorced spouse remarries, they typically lose eligibility for benefits on their former spouse’s record.
However, exceptions exist. If the remarriage ends (death, divorce, or annulment), the divorced spouse may regain eligibility for benefits on their former spouse’s record, if other requirements are met.
Another exception is if the divorced spouse remarries someone also receiving Social Security benefits. In some cases, they may choose benefits on their new spouse’s record if higher, or retain eligibility on their former spouse’s record under specific circumstances.
Child and Dependent Benefits
Marriage impacts eligibility for dependent child or other dependent benefits. An unmarried child under 18 (or 19 if a full-time student) can receive benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. If such a child marries, their eligibility typically terminates, regardless of age or student status.
Other dependents, like a dependent parent, might also see benefits affected by marriage. Each specific dependent category has its own set of rules and conditions that govern eligibility and the impact of life events like marriage.
Notifying Social Security of Marriage
Beneficiaries, especially those on another’s record, must inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of marital status changes. This is important because marriage can affect eligibility and benefit amounts. Prompt reporting ensures correct payments and avoids overpayments.
The SSA advises reporting changes as soon as possible, ideally within 10 days. Timely notification prevents complications. This allows the SSA to review the new status and make adjustments.
Individuals can contact the SSA to report a marriage. Common methods include calling the national toll-free number, visiting a local office, or, in limited cases, reporting online. Having their Social Security number ready is helpful.
The SSA typically requires documentation to verify marital status changes. This usually includes the marriage certificate. Other documents like birth certificates or proof of identity might also be requested. After information is provided, the SSA processes the change, which may adjust future payments or confirm continued benefits.
Divorced Spouse Benefits
However, exceptions exist. If the remarriage ends (death, divorce, or annulment), the divorced spouse may regain eligibility for benefits on their former spouse’s record, if other requirements are met.
Another exception is if the divorced spouse remarries someone also receiving Social Security benefits. In some cases, they may choose benefits on their new spouse’s record if higher, or retain eligibility on their former spouse’s record under specific circumstances.
Child and Dependent Benefits
Marriage impacts eligibility for dependent child or other dependent benefits. An unmarried child under 18 (or 19 if a full-time student) can receive benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. If such a child marries, their eligibility typically terminates, regardless of age or student status.
Other dependents, like a dependent parent, might also see benefits affected by marriage. Each specific dependent category has its own set of rules and conditions that govern eligibility and the impact of life events like marriage.