Does marriage affect eligibility for Social Security benefits?

Yes, marriage can affect eligibility for Social Security benefits in North Carolina. Generally, an individual can qualify for Social Security benefits either through their own work record or through their spouse’s. For those who qualify for Social Security benefits through the work record of a spouse, it is important to note that a valid marriage must have been in place at least nine months prior to the application for benefits. Additionally, a divorced spouse may be eligible for benefits if they had been married for at least ten years, even if the former spouse is still living. In this case, the individual may be able to collect half of the former spouse’s benefits, even if the former spouse is remarried. However, the individual cannot receive this benefit if the former spouse has since remarried and the marriage preceded the divorce. For married couples, Social Security benefits can be increased by up to 50 percent of what the spouse would have been eligible for. This is called “spousal benefits” and is designed to help couples maximize their Social Security payment amounts. In addition to eligibility for benefits, marriage can affect the amount of spousal benefits that an individual is eligible for. It is important to note that both spouses must be at least 62 years old in order for the spousal benefits to begin, and the amount of benefits cannot exceed the amount that the benefit recipient would have received without the spouse’s record. It is important for North Carolina residents to understand how marriage can affect Social Security benefits. Knowing the law can help individuals make more informed decisions about their financial planning.

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