Tallahassee, FL  – Social Security has changed their policy regarding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility and same-sex marriages. This comes as a result of the June 2013 Supreme Court ruling that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. Social Security can now consider the assets of both members of a same-sex marriage when determining eligibility and monthly payment. This can make eligibility easier for certain same-sex couples because the maximum amount of assets allowed for somebody in a marriage is higher than somebody whose marital status is single. Social Security is also now handling some retirement, surviving spouse and lump-sum death claims for people in same-sex marriages. This policy is new to Social Security, so the kinks are yet to be worked out, but in the next few weeks and months Social Security will be releasing additional policy, if necessary, as well as processing instructions. This will make members of same-sex marriages more familiar with how to go about enrolling and applying for SSI, as well as making any transition that needs to be done, smoother. If you are a member of a same-sex marriage, or a surviving spouse of one, and have questions or concerns, contact Social Security Disability Lawyer Matt Liebenhaut for a free case evaluation.  If you have any questions about whether marital status and this new policy will affect your SSI claim, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If you are looking for social security disability lawyers in Tallahassee, FL or the surrounding areas, please consider calling the Law Office of Matt Liebenhaut.  We represent clients in all areas of disability law.