US Social Security
Benefits and Disability Assistance

How remarriage affects survivors benefits

In general, you cannot receive survivors benefits if you remarry before the age of 60 unless the latter marriage ends, whether by death, divorce, or annulment.

If you remarry after age 60 (50 if disabled), you can still collect benefits on your former spouse's record. When you reach age 62 or older, you may get retirement benefits on the record of your new spouse if they are higher. Your remarriage would have no effect on the benefits being paid to your children.

If you are collecting survivors benefits, you can switch to your own retirement benefits (assuming you are eligible and your retirement rate is higher than the widow/widower's rate) as early as age 62.

In many cases, you can begin receiving retirement benefits either on your own or your spouse's record at age 62 and then switch to the other benefit when you reach full retirement age, if that amount is higher.

How to apply

     * Call or visit your local Social Security Office.
     * If you live outside the United States, read Service Around the World.

When you apply, please be ready to supply the information they need to approve your application for these benefits:

     * Lump Sum Death Payment,
     * Widow's, Widower's, or Surviving Divorced Spouse,
     * Child's,
     * Mother's or Father's, or
     * Parent's

Also, bring your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other financial institution, so you can have your benefits deposited directly into your account. Direct deposit protects you from loss or theft of your check, and mail delays. The money is always on time and ready for you to use without a trip to the bank.

If you do not have a bank account, you can sign up for the Direct Express® card program. With Direct Express®, deposits from federal payments are made directly to the card.

Your remarriage would have no effect on the benefits being paid to your children.