For three in four single retirees more than half of their income comes from Social Security.
A divorced retiree who was married for at least a decade is entitled to spousal Social Security benefits, the same as if they were still married. The benefits are available even if the ex-spouse remarries.
That eligibility ends when the divorced retiree remarries. The benefits are no longer based on the ex-spouse’s earning history. Instead benefits will be based on the new spouse’s earnings.
A widow or widower is entitled to survivor benefits. However, as this article from Daily Finance discusses, the rules are complex when a widow or widower remarries.
The Social Security Administration has a Survivors Planner for widows and widowers and a Retirement Planner for those who are divorced.
If you are a single retiree contemplating marrying again, understanding these rules will help ensure you won’t face unintended consequences after blissfully saying I do.
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