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

Asked by: Caleigh Sporer  |  Last update: September 27, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (67 votes)

If you have since remarried, you can't collect benefits on your former spouse's record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death. Also, if you're entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse's work.

Can an ex-spouse collect on your Social Security if they remarry?

If you are divorced, your ex-spouse can receive benefits based on your record (even if you have remarried) if: Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer. Your ex-spouse is unmarried. Your ex-spouse is age 62 or older.

When a widow remarries does she lose her husband's Social Security?

A widow(er) is eligible to receive benefits if she or he is at least age 60. If a widow(er) remarries before age 60, she or he forfeits the benefit and, therefore, faces a marriage penalty. Under current law, there is no penalty if the remarriage occurs at 60 years of age or later.

How does a second marriage affect Social Security benefits?

If we're talking about your retirement benefit, the answer is no. Social Security has no marriage penalty.

Can you collect Social Security from two ex husbands?

Yes, you can. Notify the Social Security Administration that you were married more than once and may qualify for benefits on more than one spouse's earnings record. They will be able to tell you which record provides the higher payment and set your benefit accordingly.

How Remarriage Affects Social Security Benefits

40 related questions found

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.

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

There's nothing anyone can do to prevent their ex from claiming their Social Security. Even though some divorce decrees specify that one spouse will relinquish their rights to collect the other spouse's benefits, the Social Security Administration says these provisions “are worthless and are never enforced.”

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.

Who gets Social Security if you are married twice?

People who have been married more than once, for longer than 10 years, may claim benefits against the ex-spouse with the largest Social Security account. And a divorced person who was remarried for less than 10 years may claim benefits on the account of the first spouse.

How much Social Security does a divorced spouse get?

How much Social Security does a divorced spouse get? A divorced spouse can receive up to 50% of their ex-spouse's full retirement benefit. You must wait until you reach full retirement age if you want to claim your full benefit.

What is the Social Security 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.

Which wife gets the Social Security?

If you are married and you and your spouse have worked and earned enough credits individually, you will each get your own Social Security benefit.

Can I draw my ex husband's Social Security?

Yes. You are eligible to collect spousal benefits on a living former wife's or husband's earnings record as long as: The marriage lasted at least 10 years. You have not remarried.

What are the benefits of remarriage after divorce?

However, happiness isn't the only benefit of remarriage. People who remarry are statistically less likely to develop chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. They are also more likely to remain physically active, which can help avoid mobility limitations in the aging process.

How long do you have to be married to receive your 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.

Are you still a widow if you are divorced?

A woman who is divorced is not a widow. She is an ex-wife.

Can ex-wife claim my pension years after divorce?

It is crucial that you take into account the division of your pension or other retirement funds as part of a divorce. Your ex-wife or husband may be able to claim a portion of your pension years after you were divorced if you do not address the issue in your separation agreement.

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.

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 changes are coming for Social Security in 2023?

For 2023, the changes consist of an 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the monthly benefit amount, an increase in the maximum earnings subject to the Social Security tax, a rise in disability benefits, and more.

How do I claim my divorced spouse's Social Security?

By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.

Does length of marriage affect Social Security benefits?

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.

Can I collect spousal benefits and wait until I am 67 to collect my own Social Security?

Hi. No, assuming that you were born after January 1 1954. Only people who were born prior to January 2 1954 are allowed to claim spousal benefits without also being required to claim their own benefits at the same time (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/claiming.html).

How does Social Security know if you are married?

The SSA will verify your marriage through a marriage certificate, certified public record of marriage, a certified statement of a religious record of marriage, or a foreign record of your marriage if married overseas.

Will my ex husband know if I draw his Social Security?

This is good news when former spouses are not on good terms. Your ex cannot “block” you from drawing your spousal benefit. In fact, he probably won't even know if you are drawing off him unless he calls SSA to ask.