There Is No Marriage Penalty With Social Security

There Is No Marriage Penalty With Social Security
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I frequently hear from readers who ask me about an alleged marriage penalty associated with Social Security. Or they say they heard there is a maximum amount that can be paid to members of a married couple. These rumors are untrue. Today’s emails illustrate what I am talking about.

Q: I am living with a woman and have been for many years. We each get our own Social Security check. The reason we have never gotten married is that we heard our Social Security benefits will be cut if we tie the knot. Is this true?
Tom Margenau
Tom Margenau
Author
Tom Margenau worked for 32 years in a variety of positions for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2005. He has served as the director of SSA’s public information office, the chief editor of more than 100 SSA publications, a deputy press officer and spokesman, and a speechwriter for the commissioner of Social Security. For 12 years, he also wrote Social Security columns for local newspapers, and recently published the book “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” If you have a Social Security question, contact him at [email protected]
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