I'm 70 years old and single. I collected Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) until I reached 65 years old, when my benefits automatically converted to regular Social Security (SSA) benefits. There was no change in the benefit amount.

I'm contemplating marriage. Will my benefits be decreased as a result of marriage? I understand that if I were still receiving benefits under the SSDI program, I would see a decrease in benefits, the amount determined by the level of income that my spouse earns. Even though I am now receiving regular Social Security benefits under SSA rules, since I converted from SSDI to SSA at 65 years old, I'm concerned that the SSDI rules would still apply if I were to marry, resulting in a permanent decrease in my benefits.

Am I concerned over nothing, or is this something to consider before tying the knot?

Hi,

No, your Social Security retirement benefits won't be adversely affected if you get married, nor would your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits have been affected if you had gotten married when you were receiving those benefits.

Best, Jerry