IRMAA life-changing events › Marriage
IRMAA after marriage: when getting married lowers it
You got married, and your new joint income is under the joint line, which is twice the single one. If that lowered your income, Social Security can set your IRMAA from the newer, lower year instead of your income from two years ago. You ask with Form SSA-44 and tick "Marriage".
Does it qualify?
Counts
- You married someone with a lower income, so your joint income is under the joint bracket
Doesn't count
- Marrying someone with a high income too: marriage can raise IRMAA instead
- Living together without marrying
Worked example: Ann, married in May 2025
Ann was single in 2024 with a high income, so she pays IRMAA in 2026. She married Jim in May 2025. Jim's income is modest, and their joint 2025 income is under the joint line.
| Income | MAGI | IRMAA a month |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 single income (used now) | $150,000 | $240.40 |
| 2025 joint income (asked for) | $186,000 | $0.00 |
Saves $240.40 a month
Watch out: Run the numbers first: when both spouses have high incomes, marriage can push you into a higher joint bracket.
Proof of the event: send one
- The original marriage certificate. Social Security mails originals back.
- Or a certified copy of the public record of your marriage. From the county clerk or vital records office where you married.
You also need proof of income for the year in Step 2: a signed copy of your Form 1040 or an IRS transcript. For a year you haven't filed yet, your estimate on the form is enough for now.
Don't have it yet?
Check before you send
- Filing status in Step 2 is the one on that year's return. Usually Married, Filing Jointly.
- Your joint income is under the joint line. Check the IRMAA brackets first.
- Your spouse files their own SSA-44, if they are on Medicare and pay IRMAA
- Your name and Social Security number are on every page
- You kept a full copy of everything you sent
Send it online after signing in to your my Social Security account, or to your local Social Security office. The Form SSA-44 guide walks through every step. If Social Security says no, see how to appeal IRMAA.
Ann would save $2,884.80 a year. The kit costs $49 once, with a filled SSA-44 for your exact event.
Everything you need to fill out Form SSA-44, prove your life-changing event, and stop paying a surcharge based on income you no longer have.
- SSA-44 walkthrough for all 8 life-changing events
- Evidence checklist for your event
- What gets rejected, and why
- Income estimate worksheet
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The other life-changing events
- Retirement (work stoppage)
- Cutting back hours (work reduction)
- Divorce or annulment
- Death of a spouse
- Loss of income-producing property
- Loss of pension income
- Employer settlement payment
Questions people ask
Does marriage count as a life-changing event for IRMAA?
Yes. "Marriage" is one of the 8 life-changing events on Form SSA-44. You got married, and your new joint income is under the joint line, which is twice the single one. It lowers IRMAA only if your income dropped enough to move you to a lower bracket.
What proof do I need?
The original marriage certificate. Or a certified copy of the public record of your marriage. You also need proof of income for the year in Step 2: a signed copy of your tax return or an IRS transcript, or your estimate for a year not filed yet.
What date goes in Step 1?
The month and year of the wedding. It must be in or before the Step 2 tax year.
Which tax year do I put in Step 2?
The first year with the lower income. It must be more recent than the year Social Security used, and not before the event. If this year (the premium year) will be lower than last year, use this year as an estimate.