How long do you have to report a marriage to Social Security?
Asked by: Louie Batz | Last update: April 3, 2025Score: 5/5 (39 votes)
If something in your life changes at any point, we need to know about the change right away so you can keep getting your benefits on time. Be sure to tell us about the change by the 10th day of the month after it happened.
What happens if I don't report my marriage to Social Security?
You and your family may miss out on additional payments you may be due if you don't report changes to us in a timely manner. Or you may be overpaid benefits and have to pay us back.
Do I need to update Social Security after marriage?
No. Your SSN is yours for life. If you have changed your surname when you married, and your marriage certificate shows it, all you need to do is go to the local SS office with your ID and your marriage certificate, and the clerk will arrange for you to get a new card with your new name, but the same number.
What is the 9 month marriage rule for Social Security?
They may meet this entitlement requirement if the marriage on which the relationship is based took place no later than 9 months immediately preceding the day on which the worker died. Under certain conditions (see GN 00305.100A. 2.), the 9-month requirement is deemed to be met.
Do I need to let Social Security know I got married?
If you fail to report a change in marital status, you risk forfeiting your eligibility for certain Social Security benefits, including spousal benefits and survivor benefits. For example, if you are eligible for spousal benefits, but Social Security does not know your marital status, you may miss out on these benefits.
Social Security Spousal Benefits - MADE EASY to Understand
What happens if you don't report a previous marriage?
As long as the previous marriages ended legally, there is no legal requirement for disclosure UNLESS the marriage license specifically asks about them.
Why does Social Security make you wait 30 days after marriage?
You should wait at least 30 days after the date of your marriage to request a replacement card. This allows the state time to update its records. If you got married in another state or the District of Columbia or you are unable to use our online application, visit Your Number and Card webpage.
How does Social Security verify marriage?
A photocopy of the original marriage record or an extract from the record is acceptable as preferred proof of marriage if it is certified by the custodian of the religious records in their official capacity or by an authorized SSA, State Department, or VA employee.
What benefits will I lose if I get married?
If you get Social Security disability or retirement benefits and you marry, your benefit will stay the same. However, other benefits such as SSI, Survivors, Divorced Spouses, and Child's benefits may be affected.
What is the 10 year marriage rule for Social Security?
The 10 year rule applies to spouses who are divorced and claiming their ex's Social Security benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, you can receive your ex-spouse's benefits based on your own record as long as you were married to them for at least 10 years.
Why does SSA need my marriage certificate?
We rarely use the information you supply for any purpose other than for determining the identity of a spouse. However, we may use it for the administration and integrity of Social Security programs.
What changes do you have to report to Social Security?
WHAT THINGS MUST YOU REPORT TO SOCIAL SECURITY? Change of address. Change in living arrangements. Change in earned and unearned income, including a change in wages or net earnings from self-employment, including your spouse's income if you are married and living together, and parents' income if applying for a child.
Does the government know when you get married?
When a US citizen gets married, he/she registers the marriage with the state, not the federal government. That said, certain married couples may qualify for certain tax benefits that unmarried people may not otherwise qualify for.
What is the Social Security weird marriage rule?
If the widow does not wait until age 60 to marry, she cannot claim the widow benefit on her first husband's record. This leaves her ineligible for Social Security benefits for the first 24 months after attaining age 60. Assume that she files for the spouse benefit from her second husband's record at age 62.
What happens if you don't report marriage?
Future Ineligibility. Committing Medicaid fraud by failing to report a marriage could affect your future eligibility for Medicaid and other government assistance programs. If you are found guilty of fraud, you may be barred from receiving Medicaid benefits for a certain period or even permanently.
How long do you have to change your Social Security after marriage?
Be sure to tell us about the change by the 10th day of the month after it happened. For example, if you get married on January 27th, tell us about the change to your marital status by February 10th. If you're not sure if the change is something that's important for our records, let us know anyway.
How does getting married affect your Social Security check?
Marriage has its perks
Social Security covers both spouses, regardless of whether one or both brought home a paycheck over the years. A married person may collect benefits based on their own earnings or receive a maximum of 50% of their spouse's Social Security benefits, whichever is greater.
Is it better financially to be single or married?
There are a number of financial benefits to marriage, ranging from lower insurance costs to greater mortgage eligibility. The marriage benefits are particularly pronounced for people who have widely different incomes.
Do you get more money back on taxes if your married?
Key Takeaways
Double the Deductions: Married and filing jointly typically can net you a bigger Standard Deduction, reducing your taxable income—$29,200 for most couples under age 65 in 2024, up from $27,700 in 2023.
What are the marriage rules for 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.
Do you need to show your Social Security card to get a marriage license?
Check the website of your local county clerk before going in for your marriage license. Not all counties require a social security card.
Does marriage show up on background check?
Yes, they do. Public records possess data about millions of Americans – their spending habits, credit history, marriage licenses, criminal backgrounds, and more.
Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband?
Each survivor benefit can be up to 100% of your benefit. The amount may be reduced if the women start benefits before their own full retirement age, but they don't have to share — the amount isn't reduced because you've had more than one spouse.
How do I report my marriage to Social Security?
You can report your change online, or by calling toll free at 1-800-772-1213. If you're deaf or hearing-impaired call TTY 1-800-325-0778. Mail the information to your local Social Security office or in person if you prefer.
Is there a deadline for name change after marriage?
Your marriage license doesn't expire, so there is no deadline for a name change after marriage. You don't have a time limit that you must adhere to in order to change your name after marriage. In fact, many spouses and newly married couples may choose to wait to “see what happens” after they get married.