How Getting Married Affects Your Social Security Benefits
Once you tie the knot, your Social Security benefit will be forever tied up with your spouse’s — and that can be a good thing if you understand how it works.


Getting married is a major life event. It requires a lot of planning that goes beyond the ceremony, especially when it comes to your finances. In addition to making sure you and your partner have similar spending habits and financial goals, you may want to consider planning for your lives in retirement. This may seem premature, but in the world of personal finance, it’s never too early to plan for your retirement.
An important part of planning is knowing what benefits you’ll have once you clock out from work for good.
The Social Security benefits of marriage
You’re probably aware that marriage brings certain financial benefits. For some, this could mean tax breaks or better access to health insurance, but it could also lead to bigger Social Security benefits. To qualify for Social Security benefits you must be at least 62 and have worked long enough to earn 40 credits, but there’s an exemption for married couples. The Social Security Administration provides benefits to both spouses, regardless of who brought home a paycheck.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
This means a stay-at-home parent is eligible for benefits, even if they’ve never entered the workforce, but some other requirements must be met.
Some Social Security qualification basics
Generally speaking, you must be married for at least a year to qualify for spousal benefits. You must also be at least 62 years old, unless you’re caring for a biological child under 16, or a child who is already receiving Social Security disability benefits. However, your spouse must file for Social Security before you can receive spousal benefits regardless of age.
As for the actual payment, a married person can collect benefits based on their earnings or receive a maximum of 50% of their spouse’s Social Security benefits. The government will calculate both scenarios, basing your payment on whichever amount is greater.
Situations where your spousal benefit may be reduced
Now there are some caveats to spousal benefits. If you file to start taking your benefits before your full retirement age, your spousal benefit will be reduced. However, it’s important to note that simply claiming spousal benefits will not impact your spouse’s checks. Another caveat to this system applies to certain workers. If you receive a pension from a government job and you’re not required to pay into Social Security while working there, your benefits and your spouse’s benefits will be reduced by two-thirds of the amount of your pension.
Whether you’re planning a wedding or are a newlywed couple, it’s important to explore all the options you have at your disposal when planning for life in retirement. Social Security is a great benefit to have. But to live comfortably, you must start saving for your retirement as soon as possible. Consider talking with your spouse about opening an IRA or high-yield savings account. Also, check out employer-sponsored retirement accounts.
Taking the time to kickstart your retirement plan now will save you a lot of stress in the future.
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Patrick M. Simasko is an elder law attorney and financial adviser at Simasko Law and Simasko Financial, specializing in elder law and wealth preservation. He’s also an Elder Law Professor at Michigan State University School of Law. His self-effacing character, style and ability have garnered him prominence and recognition throughout the metro Detroit area as well as the entire state.
-
Average Social Security Claiming Age is Trending Higher
Fewer people are claiming Social Security benefits at age 62. Better health and the elimination of the earnings test after 65 have lowered barriers to working longer.
-
My Three-Day Rule for Investing: And If it Applies Now
Stock Market I've seen a lot in my career. Here's what I see now in the stock market.
-
Such Attractive Yields in High-Grade Munis Are Rare and May Not Last Long
According to this munis expert, the last time munis were this cheap was a brief period in 2023. If you kicked yourself for missing out then, you have a second chance now.
-
Financial Analyst Sees a Bright Present for Municipal Bond Investors
High-tax-bracket investors have an excellent opportunity to secure low-volatility, high-quality returns at yield levels rarely seen in over a decade.
-
I'm an Insurance Pro: How Not to Get Dumped by Your Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent or broker might show you the door if you do any of these five things. Being a good customer is about more than paying your bill on time.
-
Two Estate Planning Issues You Should Never Overlook
This estate planning attorney explains why proper asset titling and beneficiary designations make a big difference when it's time to transfer your wealth.
-
The Four D's That Could Force You to Sell Your Business
Business owners (or their heirs) can be rushed into a sale of their company if they haven't planned for a major change in circumstances — or the four D's.
-
The Three Retirement Tax Issues I Nag My Clients About
A financial professional highlights areas of tax planning that retirees should have on their radar as they finalize their retirement plan.
-
Do You Need Disability Insurance? Three Things to Know
Disability insurance can help replace some of your income during unexpected life events. Here are the basics, courtesy of a financial professional.
-
How to Turn Education Planning Into Retirement Planning
Nervous about investing in a 529 plan? If college doesn't pan out, the money can now be rolled over into a Roth IRA, which will grow tax-free until retirement.