What Same-Sex Couples Need to Know
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
For more than 80 years, Social Security has helped secure today and tomorrow for many Americans.
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.
Social Security 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. We also consider marital status when we determine 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‘re entitled to benefits, 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’re married or have entered a non-marital legal relationship, we encourage you to apply right away, even if you’re not sure you’re eligible. Applying now will protect you against the loss of any potential benefits.
- Report life changes right away — you should let us know immediately if you move, marry, separate, divorce, or become the parent of a child. Don’t wait until we review your benefits to tell us about any changes. You should report changes right away so benefits are paid correctly.
For more information, please visit our website for same-sex couples. You can also read our publication What Same-Sex Couples Need to Know.
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Tags: LGBT, Social Security benefits, Social Security taxes, SSI
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Denise R.
Do civil union same Sex couples receive social security benefits at time of death of one partner?
Michael W.
If I get Married will my benefits change ???
V.V.
Hi Michael, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits” for more information. Thanks!
Jaysen G.
can I collect on my partners social security when he starts collecting his, and I am 62
Kariz
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Sherina
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Karen M.
I am in a same sex marriage. February 1st my spouse will receive SS because of age. At the present time I am receiving disability Social Security. How does this impact us or not?
sexmag
Wow! Thank you! I continually wanted to write on my site something like that. Can I take a portion of your post to my site?…
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deneme
dede
Mike
The benefits and rights allowed to same-sex couples when they get married must be the same as for straight couples having a wedding. Choco Studio
Bill B.
To understand their consequences will have a hard time at school because their peers will make fun of them for having parents of the same sex, but the parents may not seem to care.