Social Security for Same-Sex Couples
Posted June 4, 2021 by Premier Disability Services, LLC®We are happy to celebrate June 2021 as Pride Month! Pride Month occurs in the United States in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. Gay pride or LGBT pride is the promotion of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as a social group. Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, is the predominant outlook that bolsters most LGBT rights movements.
On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes same-sex couples’ marriages in all states, and some non-marital legal relationships (such as some civil unions and domestic partnerships), for purposes of determining entitlement to Social Security benefits, Medicare entitlement, and eligibility and payment amount for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Here are five things you should know about our benefits for same-sex couples:
- Marital status is important — same-sex couple can receive Social Security benefits when a worker retires, becomes disabled, or dies. SSA also considers marital status when determining eligibility and payment amount for Supplemental Security Income.
- What type of benefits can you receive — Social Security taxes pay for three kinds of benefits: retirement, disability, and survivors. If you are entitled to benefits, then your spouse and eligible family members might receive benefits, too.
- Children may receive benefits — your children or stepchildren could also be entitled to benefits.
- When you apply for benefits is important — if you are married or have entered a non-marital legal relationship, you are encouraged to apply right away, even if you are not sure if you’re eligible. Applying now will protect you against the loss of any potential benefits.
- Report life changes right away — you should notify SSA immediately if you move, marry, separate, divorce, or become the parent of a child. Don’t wait until SSA reviews your benefits to tell them about any changes. You should report changes right away so benefits are paid correctly.
For more information, please visit SSA’s website for same-sex couples. You can also read their publication What Same-Sex Couples Need to Know.
Contact our office today if you or anyone you know would like to learn more about qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits.
By: Joyce Trudeau of Premier Disability Services, LLC®
