Obama budget extends Social Security benefits to all married gay couples
Wed. February 4, 2015 7:36 AM by Carlos Santoscoy
Washington, D.C. -
President Barack Obama's $4 trillion budget proposal would allow married gay couples living in states that do not recognize such unions to receive Social Security spousal benefits.
Currently, gay couples can marry in 36 states plus the District of Columbia.
However, a couple who marries in one of those jurisdictions but lives in one of the 14 states where their marriage is not recognized cannot receive federal Social Security spousal benefits.
"Under this proposal, such married couples would have access to these benefits," the budget states.
Kathy Murphy told the AP that she was denied survivor benefits under Social Security after her wife died. Because Texas does not recognize Murphy's Massachusetts marriage, she cannot collect the $600 a month benefit.
"It's like sort of getting kicked in the gut after a loss, you know," Murphy said.
A bill with similar goals was introduced last year by Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Mark Udall. Neither proposal, however, is expected to clear the Republican-controlled Congress.
Currently, gay couples can marry in 36 states plus the District of Columbia.
However, a couple who marries in one of those jurisdictions but lives in one of the 14 states where their marriage is not recognized cannot receive federal Social Security spousal benefits.
"Under this proposal, such married couples would have access to these benefits," the budget states.
Kathy Murphy told the AP that she was denied survivor benefits under Social Security after her wife died. Because Texas does not recognize Murphy's Massachusetts marriage, she cannot collect the $600 a month benefit.
"It's like sort of getting kicked in the gut after a loss, you know," Murphy said.
A bill with similar goals was introduced last year by Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Mark Udall. Neither proposal, however, is expected to clear the Republican-controlled Congress.
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine