Posts tagged LGBT
Social Security Works
Retirement Security for All
While LGBT couples still face significant barriers to equitable benefits, some groups are trying to change the language of the Social Security Act as a way to incorporate same sex marriage, domestic partnerships, and civil unions.
A coalition of advocacy groups has proposed the Social Security Equality Act, which would let couples in relationships recognized by their state of residence to receive the same Social Security benefits as heterosexual married couples. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Linda Sanchez, a Democrat from California, would recognize domestic partnership, civil union and marriage.
Last week, the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare proposed removing gender-specific definitions of the words “husband” and “wife” in the Act as part of a broader proposal to enhance and reform Social Security benefits.
The full article is here.
Obama’s endorsement of same sex marriage is welcome after the disappointment in North Carolina, but it’s also an opportunity to consider how far we have to go with Social Security.
For many LGBT seniors, Social Security cannot work because of the federal and state laws that won’t recognize same sex marriage. This report comes from the LGBT Aging Center, and offers very good coverage on the difficulties facing the elders in the LGBT community.
The legal barriers around Social Security break down pretty easily, because Social Security provides additional benefits for spouses.
- Gay marriage is only legal in nine states, so only spouses in those states would be allowed to receive benefits.
- The Defense of Marriage Act prevents the federal government from recognizing marriages even when they do occur.
This has a very serious impact on the financial stability of elderly LGBT Americans, as this table shows.
