There was good news for same-sex couples across America this summer. The Department of Justice ruled that these couples will now be able to collect spousal Social Security benefits.
Many people mistakenly took June’s Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage as also applying to Social Security benefits. But it didn’t. The new decision was entirely separate.
It will help potentially millions of widows, widowers and retirees who’ve earned Social Security benefits to collect them, and have better lives in their senior years. After all, let’s face it…if these people worked hard their whole lives, they’re entitled to the same benefits as everybody else.
As a result of the Department of Justice ruling, Social Security will soon start processing spousal benefit claims for same-sex couples, even in states that hadn’t previously recognized same-sex marriage.
For many people, it means an entirely new life – a life free of constant financial worry. And that, to a senior citizen, is a beautiful gift.
Married people whose deceased spouses earned more money than they did may be eligible for bigger benefits. And widows or widowers would be entitled to receive a survivor benefit equal to the spouse’s monthly check.
The wheels of government, of course, sometimes move slowly. So, as of yet, Social Security can’t say when the new policy will actually start. The agency is now working with the Justice Department updating processing instructions…which will extend to same-sex marriage claims already pending, in addition to new ones.
If you think you’re eligible under the new law, it’s a good idea to get going on your application process. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefits will start.
And, if you’re a member of this group, you’ve probably waited long enough already!
