Can the second wife collect Social Security?

Asked by: Erik Batz  |  Last update: March 19, 2024
Score: 4.5/5 (75 votes)

Remarriage at any time makes the widow potentially eligible for spouse benefits on her new husband's work record, so marriage is unlikely to leave a woman ineligible for Social Security. However, spouse benefits may be less generous than widow benefits for two reasons.

Which wife gets the Social Security?

If you are married and you and your spouse have worked and earned enough credits individually, you will each get your own Social Security benefit.

How does a second marriage affect Social Security benefits?

If you remarry after age 60, you can still receive survivor benefits based on your former spouse's record. However, if your new spouse is also collecting Social Security benefits and you would receive a higher amount based on the new spouse's work record, you will receive the higher amount.

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.

Can I stop my ex wife from getting my Social Security?

This is good news when former spouses are not on good terms. Your ex cannot “block” you from drawing your spousal benefit. In fact, he probably won't even know if you are drawing off him unless he calls SSA to ask.

Social Security Spousal Benefits - MADE EASY to Understand

22 related questions found

What percent of Social Security does a divorced spouse get?

A divorced spouse can receive up to 50% of an ex-spouse's Social Security benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and the divorced spouse is divorced at least two years, unmarried and at least 62. The benefit doesn't increase existing payments or reduce the ex-spouse's benefits.

How much can my ex wife collect on my Social Security?

If you're getting Social Security retirement benefits, some members of your family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. If they qualify, your ex-spouse, spouse, or child may receive a monthly payment of up to one-half of your retirement benefit amount.

What is a second wife entitled to?

For example, if you were to get married for a second time without a will, trust, nor prenuptial agreement, your second wife would be entitled to 50% of your community property earned during your second marriage, while your children from your first marriage would also be entitled to 50% after your death.

Who gets Social Security if you are married twice?

However, a widow who remarries after reaching age 60 retains full claim on these benefits. Remarriage at any time makes the widow potentially eligible for spouse benefits on her new husband's work record, so marriage is unlikely to leave a woman ineligible for Social Security.

How does Social Security work for two spouses?

Each married person is entitled to their social security benefits based on their own work record and is available to file for when the age of 62 is reached, though waiting beyond early retirement can increase the amount of the social security benefit.

Do you lose your first husband's Social Security if you remarry?

If you have since remarried, you can't collect benefits on your former spouse's record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death. Also, if you're entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse's work.

Will I lose my ex husband's Social Security if I remarry?

What Happens If I Remarry? Generally, you cannot collect benefits on your ex-spouse's work record unless your second marriage ends by annulment, divorce, or death. Your SSI benefits payments may change based on your new spouse's record.

When a husband dies does the wife get his Social Security?

Surviving spouse, full retirement age or older — 100% of the deceased worker's benefit amount. Surviving spouse, age 60 — through full retirement age — 71½ to 99% of the deceased worker's basic amount. Surviving spouse with a disability aged 50 through 59 — 71½%.

At what age can a wife take half of her husband's Social Security?

Another requirement is that the spouse must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in her/his care. By a qualifying child, we mean a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits.

When can my wife get 50% of my Social Security?

To qualify for spouse's benefits, you must be one of the following: 62 years of age or older. Any age and have in your care a child younger than age 16, or who has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse's record.

Does a stay at home wife get Social Security?

If you're a stay-at-home spouse, you may be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits based on your spouse's work history. Those who worked typically receive the higher of their earned or spousal benefits.

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.

Why does Social Security ask about previous marriages?

We will use the information you give us about your prior marriage along with your other responses to decide if you or your ex-spouse can receive benefits on the other's record. For more information about divorced spouse's benefits for: you, read "If you are divorced."

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Beneficiaries are currently searching for information on How Do I Receive the $16728 Social Security Bonus? Retirees can't actually receive any kind of “bonus.” Your lifetime earnings are the basis for a calculation that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to calculate how much benefits you will receive.

What are the disadvantages of being a second wife?

11 major challenges of being a second wife
  • Negative stigma. ...
  • The statistics are stacked against you. ...
  • First marriage baggage. ...
  • Being a stepparent. ...
  • A second marriage gets serious quick. ...
  • Financial issues. ...
  • Nontraditional holidays. ...
  • Relationship issues we all face.

What are the benefits of a second marriage?

Experience: Individuals who enter into second marriages often bring the lessons learned from their previous experiences. They might better understand what they seek in a partner and what relationship dynamics are essential for a successful marriage.

How long do you have to be married to get spouse Social Security?

Qualifying spouse beneficiaries must be married to the retiring spouse for at least one continuous year prior to applying for benefits, with certain exceptions.

What is the 10 year rule for Social Security?

If you've worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more, you'll get a monthly benefit based on that work.

Why can't I get half of my husband's Social Security?

If you qualify for your own retirement benefit and a spouse's benefit, we always pay your own benefit first. You cannot receive spouse's benefits unless your spouse is receiving his or her retirement benefits (except for divorced spouses).

Can my wife take Social Security at 62 and then switch to spousal benefit?

Whether you can make this switch is determined by whether your spouse is already receiving benefits. If your spouse is not receiving any retirement benefits yet, then you could technically take your regular Social Security benefit as early as age 62.