Marriage does not end your SSDI, but it can change how much you receive

Getting married does not make you lose your SSDI benefits. Your medical condition and work history — the things that made you may be able to access in the first place — do not change because you got married. However, your spouse's income and resources may affect how much money you receive each month, and marriage can open up new benefits for your spouse that you should know about.

The key difference is between your own SSDI (which is based on your work record) and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI (which is based on how much money you have). SSDI is not affected by marriage at all. SSI can be affected, depending on your spouse's income and savings.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI payments continue after marriage because they are based on your own work history, not your household income.
  • SSI payments may decrease if your spouse earns income or has savings, because SSI counts a spouse's resources as household resources.
  • Your spouse may become may be able to access for spousal benefits based on your own work record, which is a separate payment they can receive.
  • You should report your marriage to Social Security within 30 days to make sure your records are correct and any new benefits are processed.

Why SSDI and marriage do not affect each other

SSDI is earned insurance. You paid into Social Security through payroll taxes during the years you worked, and SSDI is your benefit based on that payment history. Marriage does not erase your work record or the taxes you paid. Social Security does not care whether you are married, single, or divorced — your SSDI amount stays the same.

The only time marriage affects SSDI is if you are receiving family benefits — payments based on someone else's work record (such as a parent's or ex-spouse's). If you marry, you generally lose the right to collect family benefits on that person's record. But if you are receiving SSDI on your own record because of your own disability, marriage does not change that.

How marriage can affect SSI payments

If you receive SSI instead of (or in addition to) SSDI, marriage can lower your monthly payment. SSI is a needs-based program, meaning it looks at how much money and property you have. When you marry, Social Security counts your spouse's income and resources as part of your household.

Social Security uses a formula to decide how much of your spouse's income counts against your SSI. For 2024, the first $20 of your spouse's monthly income does not count, and then Social Security counts half of the rest. If your spouse has savings or property, those are counted as household resources. If your household resources exceed the SSI limit (currently $2,000 for an individual, though this varies), your SSI payment may be reduced or stopped.

You should contact your local Social Security office before you marry if you receive SSI, so they can explain exactly how your spouse's income will affect your payment. The impact depends on how much your spouse earns and owns.

Spousal benefits your spouse may receive

When you marry, your spouse may become may be able to access for spousal benefits based on your own work record. This is a separate payment from your SSDI. Your spouse does not have to be disabled to receive spousal benefits — they only need to be at least 62 years old, or any age if they are caring for a child under 16 who is receiving benefits on your record.

Spousal benefits are typically 50 percent of what you receive (though the exact amount depends on your spouse's age and other factors). Your spouse would explore for these benefits at their local Social Security office. Receiving spousal benefits does not reduce your own SSDI payment — it is a separate benefit funded by your work record.

If your spouse is also disabled and has their own work record, they may receive their own SSDI instead of spousal benefits, whichever is higher. They should speak with Social Security to understand which option applies to them.

What to do when you get married

Report your marriage to Social Security within 30 days. You can do this by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or creating an account at ssa.gov and updating your information online. Bring your marriage certificate or a certified copy.

When you report the marriage, tell Social Security whether you receive SSDI, SSI, or both. If you receive SSI, they will ask about your spouse's income and resources so they can recalculate your payment. If your spouse is interested in spousal benefits, Social Security can explain the process and what documents they will need to explore.

Reporting the marriage promptly helps avoid overpayments. If Social Security pays you more than you are may have access to to receive after your marriage, you may have to repay the difference later.

How divorce or death of a spouse affects your benefits

If you divorce, your SSDI continues unchanged. If you were receiving reduced SSI because of your spouse's income, your SSI payment may increase once the marriage ends, because your spouse's income no longer counts. Report the divorce to Social Security within 30 days, just as you would report a marriage.

If your spouse dies, your SSDI continues. If you were receiving spousal benefits based on your spouse's work record, those benefits end. However, you may become may be able to access for survivor benefits based on your spouse's record if you meet certain conditions — Social Security will explain this when you report the death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my SSDI payment go down if my spouse has a good job?

No. SSDI is based on your own work history and does not change based on your spouse's income. However, if you receive SSI, your payment may decrease because SSI counts household income. If you receive both SSDI and SSI, only the SSI portion could be affected.

Can my spouse get benefits based on my SSDI?

Yes, if they are at least 62 years old or caring for a child under 16 who receives benefits on your record. They would receive spousal benefits, which is typically 50 percent of your benefit amount. This does not reduce your own payment.

What happens to my benefits if my spouse and I separate but do not divorce?

Social Security still considers you married for benefit purposes. If you receive SSI, your spouse's income and resources still count against your payment. You should report the separation to Social Security and ask how it affects your specific situation, since the rules can vary.

Do I have to tell Social Security I got married if I only receive SSDI?

You should report it within 30 days so your records are accurate. If you only receive SSDI (not SSI), the marriage itself will not change your payment, but reporting it keeps your file current and prevents confusion if you ever need to contact Social Security about your benefits.

What if my spouse is not a U.S. citizen?

Your SSDI is not affected. If your spouse wants to receive spousal benefits, they must meet additional requirements, including having a valid Social Security number. Contact Social Security directly to discuss your spouse's situation, as the rules for non-citizens can be complex.