Posted on 07/12/2013 1:16:40 PM PDT by jazusamo
The Social Security Administration announced Friday that it would begin accepting benefit claims related to same-sex marriage.
The Supreme Court in June found the heart of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to be unconstitutional. It ruled that the federal government cannot treat same-sex marriages approved by some states any differently than heterosexual marriages.
The ruling affects more than 1,000 federal regulations affecting everything from tax breaks to entitlement benefits.
Prior to the ruling, an individual in a same-sex marriage was unable to claim survivor benefits from Social Security when a spouse died and a couple was unable to claim a 50-percent Social Security marriage bonus to their retirement benefits. .
“The President has directed the Attorney General to work with other members of his Cabinet to review the recent Supreme Court decision and determine its impact on Federal benefit programs – including benefits administered by Social Security – to ensure that we implement the decision swiftly and smoothly,” Social Security Administration spokesman Mark Hinkle said.
He said the agency was working with the Justice Department to revise its regulations.
“We are taking claims now from individuals who believe they may be eligible for Social Security benefits. We will process these claims as soon as we have finalized our instructions,” Hinkle said.
The DOMA ruling could end up reducing the federal budget deficit even though there will likely be an increase in Social Security spending. Most high-income married couples face a tax penalty when filing tax returns jointly.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) last looked at the issue in 2004 and has not done so since. CBO said at the time that allowing gay marriage could reduce the deficit by up to $10 billion over the following ten years.
CBO’s report predicted that most same-sex marriage would feature couples where both individuals qualify for Social Security benefits independently. Such couples would not receive the 50-percent spousal bonus and therefore would not trigger increased spending in that category.
That’s going to make it break a LOT faster.
So that’s good then. Faster please!
When was the law changed that allows this? Did the legal ruling have anything to do with federal law?
OMG...this is the end...but then I’ve been saying this for many months now.
“this is the end”
My only friend, the end. Good. The next step was always in my personal prayer...
I assume the minimum ten years of marriage still applies. Now how many have been married for 10 years?? 2 ??
that’s for divorced wife’s benefits.
Obamugabe can get that gubmint MOVIN’ when he wants to, can’t he?
Sodomy? Damn right we’ll get right on that!
Freedom of religion? We’ll crush it...what the heck is the First amendment anyway?
Yes, the suit concerned a direct challenge to a federal law, the Defense of Marriage Act. By striking down the law as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court changed federal statutes.
Hey Liberaltarians! (not you)
How’s that DOMA workin’ out for ya!
I thought you promised eliminating it was supposed to stop crap like this from happening!
This administration does two things quickly:
1) Gut the military
2) Embrace homosexuals
and America takes another one in the........
It’s only fair that those who marry a goat gives the goat rights to SS.
Gee Wiz! I guess they need to recalculate when SS will go broke now.
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