Larry, Will your household service answer this question;
Both my girlfriend and I are over 65, we want to get married, she is 65 and a widower collecting S.S., I am divorced, 69 and collecting. What will happen if we notify SSA, what happens if one of us dies, etc?
We plan on purchasing your $40.00 program.
Thank you for your time and knowledge.

Hi,

My answer assumes that you are drawing your own Social Security retirement benefits, and that your girlfriend isn't eligible for benefits on her own Social Security record. That said, getting married wouldn't affect the benefits that the two of you currently receive, provided that you aren't receiving divorced spousal benefits on a living ex-spouse's record. It's possible that your new wife could become eligible for additional spousal benefits if you marry, but only if 50% of your full retirement age rate, or primary insurance amount (PIA), is higher than her widow's benefit.

If you die before your new wife she could be eligible for up to 100% of your benefit rate at the time of your death, or 82.5% of your PIA if that amount is higher. But, she would only be eligible on your record if her widow's rate on your account is higher than her current widow's rate.

And yes, our software could analyze a scenario such as yours in order to determine what effect (if any) that getting married would have on your benefits and options.

Best, Jerry