Do I have to report to Social Security if I get married?

Asked by: Dr. Janiya Glover  |  Last update: September 18, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (36 votes)

Married couples of all genders may be entitled to Social Security spousal or survivors' benefits as of November 2021, thanks to a new ruling. But couples have an obligation to report marriage, divorce or any other changes in status to the Social Security Administration.

What happens if you don t report your marriage to Social Security?

If you fail to report a change in marital status and collect SS benefits, you could face a penalty and have to pay back any overpayments. Or, you could miss out on additional payments you were due.

How do I notify Social Security of a marriage?

Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office to report your marriage and get additional information.

Will Social Security know I got married?

If you recently got married and have not reported it to the SSA, you should take into account that, when doing so, the Administration will request a certificate. If you don't have one, you can provide a certified statement from a religious record or a foreign record if you were married outside the country.

What is the 10 year marriage rule for Social Security?

Key Takeaways. A divorced spouse may be eligible to collect Social Security benefits based on the former spouse's work record. The marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years and the divorced spouse must be at least 62 years old.

Social Security Spousal Benefits - MADE EASY to Understand

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What is the marriage penalty for Social Security?

Marriage has no impact on your Social Security retirement benefit, which is based on your work record and earnings history. You and your spouse, assuming he or she also qualifies for retirement benefits, each collect your own separate benefits, and the amounts do not limit or otherwise affect each other.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

Will I lose my ex husband's Social Security if I remarry?

If you began drawing such ex-spousal benefits when you were single but then remarry, those payments will be terminated (except as noted below).

Can I collect my husband's Social Security if we are still married?

You qualify for spousal benefits if: Your spouse is already collecting retirement benefits. You have been married for at least a year. You are at least 62 years old (unless you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled, in which case the age rule does not apply).

Will I lose my benefits if I move in with my boyfriend?

Although your state Department of Human Health and Services can't restrict who you live with, it can reduce or eliminate your benefits based on the size of your household or combined income.

Will I lose Medicare if I get married?

Marriage and Medicare

Your marital status doesn't affect your coverage, so you don't gain or lose coverage by getting married or divorced. (The only thing it really does affect is whether or not you pay a premium for Medicare Part A and how much you pay for your Medicare Part B premium, but we'll get to that later.)

Can I stop my ex wife from getting my Social Security?

They'll simply use the former spouse's work record if it results in more money for the person who's applying. Social Security will give you whichever benefit is bigger, but not both. There's nothing anyone can do to prevent their ex from claiming their Social Security.

What is the Social Security 5 year rule?

The Five-Year Rule is important to consider when saving for retirement. If you anticipate needing Social Security in the future, you must have five years of covered earnings to maximize the amount of money you receive.

How do I report income changes to Social Security?

How do I report earnings? You may call us at 1-800-772-1213. Or you may call, visit, or write your local Social Security office.

Can you go to jail for not reporting income to SSI?

The first sanction period is a withholding of payments for six months. Subsequent sanction periods are for 12 months and then 24 months. If you intentionally withhold information to continue to receive payments, you may face criminal prosecution. Criminal penalties can include fines and imprisonment.

Can my wife collect my Social Security while I'm alive?

If you are receiving retirement or disability benefits, your spouse may be eligible for spouse benefits if they are: At least age 62. Any age and caring for a child who is under age 16 or who has a disability that began before age 22.

How many years do I have to be married to collect my spouse's Social Security?

What are the marriage requirements to receive Social Security spouse's benefits? Generally, you must be married for one year before you can get spouse's benefits. However, if you are the parent of your spouse's child, the one-year rule does not apply.

How long do you have to be married to receive your husband's Social Security?

Qualifying spouse beneficiaries must be married to the retiring spouse for at least one continuous year prior to applying for benefits, with certain exceptions.

How does marriage affect SSI?

In the Supplemental Security Income ( SSI ) program, for example, two recipients married to each other receive a benefit that is one-quarter less than if they simply lived together but not as husband and wife.

What is the Social Security spousal benefits loophole?

The Restricted Application Loophole

One Social Security loophole allowed married individuals to begin receiving a spousal benefit at full retirement age, while letting their own retirement benefit grow.

Can I take half my spouse's Social Security and let mine grow?

You could collect the survivor benefits from your deceased spouse or deceased ex-spouse's record. You might choose to let your own benefit grow until age 70. At that time, if your personal benefit is higher than the survivor benefit, you can change to receive your own benefits.

How do I get the $16000 Social Security bonus?

How to Get a Social Security Bonus
  1. Option 1: Increase Your Earnings.
  2. Option 2: Wait Until Age 70 to Claim Social Security Benefits.
  3. Option 3: Be Strategic With Spousal Benefits.
  4. Option 4: Make the Most of COLA Increases.

Does money in the bank affect Social Security retirement benefits?

Social Security does not count pension payments, annuities, or the interest or dividends from your savings and investments as earnings. They do not lower your Social Security retirement benefits.

What is the average Social Security check?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average monthly retirement benefit for Security Security recipients is $1,781.63 as of February.

What are the benefits of getting married?

Marriage
  • Employment benefits—health insurance, family leave, bereavement leave.
  • Family benefits: Adoption rights and joint foster care rights. ...
  • Government benefits: ...
  • Tax and estate planning benefits: ...
  • Medical and death benefits: ...
  • Consumer benefits—discounts to families or couples.