How Remarriage Affects Social Security Spousal Benefits
How Remarriage Affects Social Security Spousal Benefits is a critical piece of retirement planning for many people.
Remarriage can change what you’re eligible to receive from Social Security—especially spousal and survivor benefits.
This guide explains how remarriage timing affects benefits, the age-60 rule for widows and widowers, and how to plan your filing strategy.
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How Remarriage Affects Social Security Spousal Benefits
- Current marriage controls spousal eligibility. If you remarry, you generally become eligible for spousal benefits based on your current spouse’s record (once they’ve filed), not a former spouse’s.
- Amount at Full Retirement Age (FRA): Up to 50% of your spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA) at your FRA; reduced if taken early.
- Deemed filing (born Jan 2, 1954 or later): When you apply for any retirement/spousal benefit, you’re “deemed” to file for all, and SSA pays the higher amount.
- Waiting period: Typically you must be married for at least one year before qualifying for spousal benefits.
How Remarriage Affects Survivor Benefits (Widow/Widower)
- Remarriage before age 60 (or 50 if disabled): Generally ends eligibility for survivor benefits on a deceased spouse’s record while that marriage is in effect.
- Remarriage at age 60+ (50+ if disabled): You can typically keep survivor benefits even after you remarry. You may later compare and switch to benefits on your new spouse’s record if higher.
- Survivor amount: Up to 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefit (subject to reductions if claimed early).
Divorced Spouses: 10-Year Rule, Remarriage & Ex-Spousal Benefits
- Ex-spousal benefits (while ex is alive): Marriage must have lasted at least 10 years, you must be currently unmarried, and other conditions apply. Remarriage generally ends eligibility for benefits on an ex-spouse’s record.
- Divorced survivor benefits (ex-spouse deceased): 10-year marriage requirement applies. Remarriage at 60+ (50+ if disabled) generally does not prevent you from receiving divorced survivor benefits.
- If remarriage ends (by death, divorce, or annulment), eligibility on the prior spouse’s record can resume under SSA rules.
Quick Scenarios Matrix (Remarriage Timing)
| Situation | Remarry Timing | Impact on Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Widow/Widower (survivor benefits) | Before age 60 (50 if disabled) | Generally lose survivor eligibility while remarried |
| Widow/Widower (survivor benefits) | Age 60+ (50+ if disabled) | May keep survivor benefits after remarriage |
| Divorced (ex-spousal benefits) | Any remarriage | Generally ends benefits on ex-spouse’s record |
| Currently married (spousal benefits) | N/A | Eligible on current spouse’s record once they file & marriage duration met |
SSA rules are nuanced; exceptions and special cases exist. We’ll review your exact dates and status.
Switching Between Retirement, Spousal, and Survivor Benefits
- Survivor first, own later: A widow(er) can start reduced survivor benefits as early as 60, then switch to their own retirement benefit at 70 to leverage delayed credits—if higher.
- Own first, survivor later: If your own benefit is higher now, you might switch to survivor later if it becomes higher, depending on timing and amounts.
- Deemed filing for spousal/retirement: For those born 1954+, filing for one generally means filing for both; SSA pays the higher amount automatically.
Common Pitfalls: Deemed Filing, Earnings Test, GPO/WEP
- Earnings test: Benefits claimed before your FRA can be reduced if you earn above annual limits.
- Government Pension Offset (GPO): If you receive a pension from non-covered government work, spousal/survivor benefits may be reduced.
- Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): Can reduce your own retirement benefit if you have a non-covered pension.
- Family maximum: Applies when multiple family members receive benefits on one worker’s record.
How to Apply & Documents Checklist
Depending on the claim type, you may apply online, by phone, or at a local office. Have ready:
- Birth certificate and Social Security number
- Marriage certificate(s), divorce decree(s), or death certificate as applicable
- Banking info for direct deposit
- Work history and pension details (if any)
When health coverage timing is part of the decision, use our
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FAQs: How Remarriage Affects Social Security Spousal Benefits
Does remarriage stop my ex-spousal benefit?
Usually, yes. Remarriage generally ends eligibility on an ex-spouse’s record. You may qualify on your current spouse’s record after requirements are met.
Can I keep survivor benefits if I remarry?
If you remarry at 60 or older (50+ if disabled), you typically can keep survivor benefits. Remarriage before those ages usually ends them while the marriage is in effect.
How much is a spousal benefit?
Up to 50% of your spouse’s PIA at your Full Retirement Age; benefits are reduced if taken early. Survivor benefits can be up to 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefit (subject to early-claiming reductions).
What’s the “deemed filing” rule?
For people born January 2, 1954 or later, applying for one of retirement or spousal benefits generally means you’ve applied for both; Social Security pays the higher amount automatically.
Is there a marriage-duration requirement for spousal benefits?
Typically you must be married for at least one year to qualify for spousal benefits on a current spouse’s record.
If my remarriage ends, can I claim on a prior spouse again?
If a subsequent marriage ends (by death, divorce, or annulment), eligibility on a prior spouse’s record can resume if other requirements are met.
Disclosures: Social Security rules are complex and may change. This is educational information—not legal or tax advice. Consult the SSA or a qualified professional for your situation.
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We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration. Educational only—not legal/tax advice.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
