It has taken some time, but recently the Social Security Administration published new instructions allowing Social Security to process more claims that entitle people involved in same-sex relationships.
After the Supreme Court found a section of the Defensive Marriage Act unconstitutional it allowed for some Social Security benefits to be provided to same-sex couples.
According to Social Security, the latest policy development lets the agency recognize some non-marital legal relationships as marriages for determining entitlement to benefits. These same instructions allow Social Security to process claims in states that do not recognize same-sex marriages or non-marital legal relationships. The new policy deals with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims as well as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims.
“As with previous same-sex marriage policies, we worked closely with the Department of Justice,” said Acting Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin. “We are bound by the law within the Social Security Act, and we have to respect state laws. We remain committed to treating all Americans fairly, with dignity and respect.”
If same-sex couples believe they may be entitled to Social Security benefits they are encouraged to contact their local Social Security office.
Recovery of Overpayment Debt Stopped
A news story that was released a couple of months ago that the Social Security Administration was going to stop active recovery efforts to collect overpayment debt 10 year old and older was met with the sigh of relief for many people who could not pay back this debt. This debt occurred due to, much of the time, Social Security’s own error of paying disability benefits to people who were no longer qualified for them. Social Security will continue attempt to recover overpayments made to other individuals if these payments were made within the last 10 years. To learn more about Social Security’s enforcement of retrieving overpayments click here.
