It’s exciting whether it’s a ceremony in the morning or a dinner in the evening. You’re getting married again! We can help you with any questions you have about your new marriage and Social Security.
You might be curious about how to change your name on your Social Security card. To get a new card with your new last name, go to our page on How to Change Your Last Name with Social Security and answer a few questions. You might even be able to fill out the whole application online.
Start the new card application online if you can’t finish it there. Then, go to a local Social Security office or card center to finish the application. You might be able to make your own online appointment to go to an office and fill out your application and show your actual marriage certificate.
You’ll get a new card in the mail, generally in 14 business days. Don’t forget to let your boss know about the name change so they can update your payroll records and we can keep correct records of how much you’ve earned.
You might be thinking what will happen to your Social Security benefits now and in the future now that you are married. If you get (or plan to get) any of the following benefits, getting married again could affect them:
1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments –
If you get married and your new partner makes money or has resources, your SSI eligibility and payment amount may change (or stop). You and your partner may get a different amount of SSI if you both get it. We call this a “couples rate.” Report your marriage right away by calling 1-800-772-1213 so you don’t get paid too much.
2. Surviving spouse or divorced surviving spouse benefits –
If you remarry before age 50 , you won’t be able to get disability or survivors benefits as a surviving partner unless the second marriage ends in divorce or annulment.
If you remarry between the ages of 50 and 59, and you were injured and couldn’t work when you got married again, you may be able to get benefits as a disabled surviving spouse (or qualified disabled divorced spouse). If you get married again before you turn 60 and the new marriage ends, you might be able to get benefits based on the record of your first partner who died. If all the requirements are met, your benefits may start the first month after the second marriage ended. Get in touch with us if you need help.
If you remarry after age 60 , you might be able to get benefits on the record of your deceased spouse or the record of your new partner. Get in touch with us to find out where you are owed the most money in benefits.
Read this Survivors Benefits publication or go to this Survivor benefits page to learn more.
3. Divorced spouse’s benefits:
If you get married again, most of the benefits you were getting from your ex-spouse will stop. You should let us know about your new marriage so that you don’t get paid too much.
4. Benefits for children (under 18 or full-time students ages 18 or 19):
We may be able to pay stepchildren of a worker who gets retirement or disability benefits in some situations. Visit our Who can get Family benefits page to learn more about benefits for kids. Get in touch with us if you need help.