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Law Offices of Deborah G. Matthews

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Retired and Considering Remarrying? Consider how Social Security benefits will change

September 23, 2014 by Deborah Matthews

Senior Couple at home. Part of a series

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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Filed Under: Retirement, Trusts and Estates Tagged With: Daily Finance, divorce, Social Security Administration, social security benefits, Widow, Widower

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  • Exemplary Service Award from Mount Vernon Unitarian Church: for tireless efforts to support refugees around the globe, including the Afghan family that MVUC supports locally, with Co-Chair Roberta Finkelstein.
  • Door Opener Society member, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, 2021
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  • Recognition from Delegate Scott A. Surovell for suggested legislation HB1973 – Clarifying Control of Real Estate Brokerages
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  • Fairfax Bar Association, President’s Award, 2006

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110 North Royal Street, Suite 575
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

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