General

Recognizing LGBT History Month

October 17, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

lgbt-historySocial Security is committed to treating all Americans fairly. This commitment extends to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people covered by Social Security’s many programs.

October is also National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) History Month. It’s a month-long annual observance of the history of the gay rights movement. First observed in 1994 to coincide with National Coming Out Day, the month has evolved to include a more diverse range of people identifying as LGBT.

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 and have their marriages recognized in all states. This decision made it possible for more same-sex couples and their families to benefit from Social Security.

We now recognize same-sex couples’ marriages in all states, and some non-marital legal relationships, for purposes of determining entitlement to Social Security benefits, Medicare entitlement, and eligibility and payment amount for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We also recognize same-sex marriages and some non-marital legal relationships established in foreign jurisdictions for purposes of determining entitlement to Social Security benefits, Medicare entitlement, and SSI eligibility.

We encourage anyone who is unsure whether they are entitled or eligible for Social Security to apply right away for benefits. Applying now will protect against the loss of any potential benefits.

If you have any questions about how to apply for benefits, call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). We can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. We treat all calls confidentially.

Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/people/same-sexcouples to apply for benefits and learn more about our policies for same-sex couples.

 

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags:

See Comments

About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Related Articles

85 Years Serving the American People

Social Security and Small Businesses

Celebrating Older Americans Month

Ten Years Since Hurricane Katrina

Comments

  1. Moneyman

    Once you’re one you’re one for life.

  2. Derek

    I’m a registered — offender. Do people like me get a month dedicated to them and help from the government too?

    • Mike

      No they get cell. And hopefully a lot of the worst kinds of abuse prison has to offer.
      That is not even cool to joke about. You troll

      • Derek

        Your a sad, hateful person Mike. It’s too bad their are “trolls” like you in the world. God bless you.

  3. Str8faith

    History? No heritage, no ancestry, no generations, no future. These are sexually corrupted and distorted perverions whose ill unnatural practices will lead to extinction of the human race. These people need psychiatric help.

    • Mike

      Why are you so afraid of them?
      Are you afraid that since same sex marriage is legal, that you will be forced to marry the same sex? Ok…I can understand the confusion, but you are still free to marry who you choose to, the only difference is that they are now free to do the same. It will not affect you at all! Really! I promise. Take a breath…it’s ok…you are still a D-bag.
      Your welcome

      • Cortez

        Mike, it seems to me that the people that feel a need to troll on this kind of site and verbally abuse others will eventually be caught in an airport bathroom stall in a “wide stance”. lol

        • Mike

          Ha ha, I knew I liked you and your ideas, that was terrific! That would traumatize them! Ha ha

  4. Diane R.

    Thank you so very much in following through on your commitments for LGBT people in the USA and its territories. This will help m and my spouse tremendously.

    • Mike

      Diane, I am happy for you and your spouse that finally getting this recognition and equal rights to benefits will help you. Just remember that the bigotry and hatred being so freely spewed here is not representative of all of America, but unfortunately they are a loud and closed minded lot, on here tonight, aren’t they? Hang tough, and best wishes to you

  5. Evelyn S.

    Thank you “Robert The Normal”, I was just thinking the same thing. Great post!

    • Evelyn S.

      Sorry, it posted two times, but it was worth saying again! Ha!

      • Mike

        Right, ‘cuz everyone knows good bigotry and rampant idiocy certainly needs repeating, in case anyone missed it the first time.

  6. Evelyn

    Thank you “Robert The Normal”, I was just thinking the same thing. Great post.!

  7. joe j.

    How much raise we get in 2017

  8. Robert T.

    Even a fool can see that the physical apparatus of the opposite sexes match up together perfectly as nature designed them and the same sexes do not. The lowest of animals have known this from the beginning of time!

    • Elcho

      At least there’s one person that can think correctly here,
      thanks

    • Cortez

      Said the white, hetero male that has no clue what being a minority is like.
      FYI, there are gay animals. Google it.
      Better yet, come on out of your secret closet. We have a spot waiting just for you.

      • Mike

        Ha ha….I like you Cortez, it is nice to see another human being in these comments

  9. Derek

    How does one prove one is homo—ual or tran—ual?

  10. James C.

    I can’t wait to hear their “logical reasoning” being given to God on the Judgement Day. He said that He created Man and Woman, there as no third sex. At least from God the Creator.

Comments are closed.