Same-Sex Couples Can Collect Social Security Benefits

Last month, in an historic ruling, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages throughout the country, overriding states that had enacted bans.

Because of this, if you collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and you are in a same-sex marriage, your husband or wife may be able to collect spousal benefits.

If you would like information about benefits for qualified relatives, you can click here. Same-sex marriages are not expected to be treated differently than heterosexual unions by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The agency began updating its policies in 2013 for same-sex claims and payouts, allowing couples living in states without bans to collect benefits.

After the Supreme Court ruling, the SSA said it would be consulting with the Department of Justice about how to issue instructions to local offices about handling same-sex marriage claims. It is expected that there may be a rush for benefits because people who were not able to collect them before will be testing their eligibility. It has been noted that people should move forward with claims—if the SSA is still debating instructions going forward, there is a possibility that you could collect benefits retroactively from the date when you applied. Therefore, the sooner you apply for benefits, the better.

If you are attempting to collect spousal benefits and you have questions, speak to our Tulsa Social Security attorneys. Social Security disability law can be extremely confusing when determining eligibility for family members and spouses, regardless of the type of marriage involved.

Speaking to an Attorney about a Social Security Eligibility

Again, if you have questions about spousal benefits and same-sex marriage, we suggest contacting our Tulsa Social Security lawyers.

In the video above, attorney Steve Troutman discusses how our lawyers have a passion for helping clients needing to file for Social Security benefits or appeal a disability claim. Disability law is all we do.

Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers

Categories

    I didn't think there was a caring professional considerate attorney firm on the planet, but Troutman & Troutman proved me wrong. From the receptionist to the legal assistance to the attorney and more they were exceptional people.

    - Robert S.

    They did a fantastic job getting everything gathered up and getting the trial done as quickly as possible. Anytime I had a question they were patient and help me understand what was going on. Especially Christy and Charlie were great.

    - Michael M.

    Steve Troutman was able to get my short-term and long-term disability for me. Then Erin another lawyer for their firm got my Social security disability for me. Great people.

    - Billy S.

    Mr. Troutman walked me through the entire process. Heather was available each time I called, answered all my crazy questions, and helped me fill out forms along the way. I was never treated like I was wasting time.

    - Julia C.

    Erin and Keith were fabulous! They were compassionate, helpful, and very responsive! They made the process very smooth and painless every step of the way.

    - Valerie W.
/

We Are Here to Help 

Free & Confidential Consultations
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.