Social Security benefits are an essential source of income for many Americans. As a retiree or someone receiving disability benefits, it’s important to understand how remarriage may impact your Social Security payments. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the impact of remarriage on Social Security benefits and what you need to know.
How Remarriage Can Affect Social Security Benefits
Remarriage can impact Social Security benefits in different ways depending on your specific situation. In general, here’s what you need to know:
- If you remarry after age 60, your eligibility for Social Security survivor benefits based on your former spouse’s earnings record will not be affected. You can continue to receive survivor benefits if you meet the other eligibility requirements.
- If you remarry before age 60, you will no longer be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based on your former spouse’s earnings record.
- If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits and remarry, your benefits will continue as long as you are still disabled. However, if you remarry before you turn 50, you may no longer be eligible for disability benefits.
- If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits and remarry, your benefits will not be affected. You will continue to receive your retirement benefits.
It’s important to note that if you remarry and your new spouse is also eligible for Social Security benefits, you may be eligible for spousal benefits based on their earnings record.
How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
Whether you are single, married, or remarried, it’s important to make informed decisions about your Social Security benefits. Here are some tips to help you maximize your benefits:
- Understand your eligibility requirements: Make sure you understand the eligibility requirements for the different types of Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
- Delay taking benefits: Delaying taking your Social Security benefits until after your full retirement age (between 66 and 67 depending on your birth year) can result in a higher monthly benefit.
- Work for at least 35 years: Your Social Security benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you haven’t worked for at least 35 years, consider working longer or earning more to increase your benefit.
- Get professional advice: Social Security rules can be complicated, so consider working with a financial advisor or Social Security expert to help you make informed decisions about your benefits.
In conclusion, if you’re considering remarriage, it’s important to understand how it may impact your Social Security benefits. By knowing your eligibility requirements and making informed decisions, you can maximize your benefits and ensure your financial security in retirement. For more information, visit the Social Security Administration’s website at https://www.ssa.gov/.
Reference:
“Will Remarriage Affect My Social Security Benefits?” Social Security Matters Blog. Social Security Administration, 19 July 2021, https://blog.ssa.gov/will-remarriage-affect-my-social-security-benefits/.