Getting married can bring about many changes in your life, including in the way your Social Security benefits are handled. While your retirement or disability benefits typically stay the same after marriage, there are other programs, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), survivor benefits, and benefits for ex-spouses or children, that may be affected. To avoid any complications, it’s important to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your marriage as soon as possible.
Here’s a breakdown of how marriage can affect your Social Security benefits and how to update your information.
Does Marriage Affect My Social Security Benefits?
While some Social Security benefits, such as retirement or disability payments, generally remain unchanged after marriage, other benefits may be impacted. These include:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Marriage can affect the eligibility for SSI, especially since the program is income-based. If your spouse has income or assets, this could impact your SSI benefits.
Survivor Benefits – If your spouse passes away, you may be eligible for survivor benefits. However, these benefits can be adjusted based on your marital status.
Ex-Spouse Benefits – If you were previously married and your ex-spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits, your eligibility for benefits may change after remarrying. You might no longer qualify for benefits from your ex-spouse’s record if you marry someone else.
Child Benefits – If you are the parent of a child who is receiving Social Security benefits, marriage may impact the household’s eligibility or the amount of benefits, depending on the financial situation of the new spouse.
Why Should I Notify the SSA of My Marriage?
It’s important to notify the SSA of your marriage to ensure that your benefits are calculated correctly. Failing to inform the SSA of a change in your marital status can lead to incorrect payments, and you may have to pay back any overpayments later. The SSA can guide you on how your benefits might be affected based on your specific situation.
How to Update Your Information with the SSA After Marriage
If you change your name after marriage, it’s important to update your Social Security records. Here’s how you can do that:
Online Process: You can update your name on the SSA website. Many people can complete this process online by visiting the “name change” page on the SSA’s official website.
In-Person Process: If you need to visit a local SSA office, you can start the process online and schedule an appointment. When you go in person, you’ll need to bring your original marriage certificate to verify the name change. Once the change is processed, you should receive a new Social Security card in about 14 business days.
Don’t Forget to Notify Your Employer
Along with updating your Social Security records, it’s crucial to inform your employer of your name change. This will help avoid any discrepancies in your income records and ensure that your Social Security contributions are accurately reported.
Marriage can bring both exciting changes and some important administrative updates, especially when it comes to Social Security benefits. Whether it’s notifying the SSA about your marriage or updating your name on your Social Security card, staying on top of these changes is important to ensure that your benefits continue to be handled correctly. Always reach out to the SSA for guidance, and make sure your employer is informed to avoid any errors in reporting your income.
