I am a 71 year old widow with my own SSI benefit (more than the half I would have received from my husband’s) and I’m wondering if I married a 67 year old man who receives SSDI benefits, would my benefits be penalized? We have no dependent children and any eligible dependents.

Hi,

Not if you're drawing Social Security and not Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Marriages occurring at age 60 or later do not affect either Social Security widow's benefits or retirement benefits based on your own work record.

Just to clarify, though, unreduced widow's benefits are based on the deceased spouse's full benefit rate, not half. You may want to double check with Social Security to see if you could qualify for widow's benefits if you're not already drawing them.

Best, Jerry