Claiming Rules
Social Security Rules for Remarriage Impact
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 21, 2026
The short answer
Remarriage affects Social Security benefits differently depending on the type of benefit. An individual's own retirement or disability benefit is not affected by marriage. Divorced spouse benefits generally end upon remarriage, while survivor benefits may continue or remain available if the remarriage occurs at age 60 or older, or at age 50 or older if disabled.
Divorced Spouse Benefits
A divorced spouse who is receiving benefits on a living former spouse's record will generally lose entitlement upon remarriage.
If the subsequent marriage ends, the individual may become entitled or re-entitled to divorced spouse benefits on the former spouse's record, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.
RS 00202.045RS 00202.046Widow(er)'s and Surviving Divorced Spouse Benefits
Remarriage before age 60 generally prevents entitlement to widow(er)'s or surviving divorced spouse benefits while the remarriage remains in effect.
A remarriage occurring at age 60 or older does not prevent entitlement to survivor benefits on a prior deceased spouse's record.
For a disabled widow(er) or disabled surviving divorced spouse, a remarriage occurring at age 50 or older may be disregarded for purposes of entitlement.
RS 00207.003 View source ›If a Subsequent Marriage Ends
If a remarriage ends by death, divorce, or annulment, benefits on a prior spouse's record may become available again, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.
For widow(er)'s and surviving divorced spouse benefits, the individual is considered unmarried in the month the subsequent marriage ends. For divorced spouse benefits on a living former spouse's record, entitlement can begin with the month of divorce. If the subsequent marriage ends by death, entitlement generally begins with the following month.
RS 00207.003 View source ›RS 00207.004RS 00202.046Frequently asked
Does remarriage affect my own Social Security retirement or disability benefits?
No. Remarriage does not affect retirement or disability benefits based on your own earnings record. These benefits are based on your work and earnings history rather than your marital status.
What happens to my divorced spouse benefits if I remarry?
Generally, your divorced spouse benefits will end if you remarry, unless your remarriage is to someone receiving specific benefits like widow(er)’s benefits.
Does the age-60 remarriage rule apply to divorced spouse benefits on a living former spouse's record?
No. The age-60 rule applies to survivor benefits. Remarriage generally ends divorced spouse benefits on a living former spouse's record regardless of the divorced spouse's age, subject to limited exceptions.
How does Social Security determine when a survivor reaches age 60 for purposes of remarriage?
Social Security considers an individual to attain age 60 on the day before their 60th birthday. Therefore, a remarriage occurring on that day is considered to have occurred after attainment of age 60 and does not prevent entitlement to widow(er)'s or surviving divorced spouse benefits.