U.S. Attorney General: Federal Benefits on Way for All Married Same-Sex Couples

Married same-sex couples will receive full federal benefits - including Social Security and veterans spousal benefits - following last month's Supreme Court decision making marriage equality the law of the land.



In an exclusive statement to the Washington Blade, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced Thursday that the long awaited benefits are on their way to all married same-sex couples in all 50 states.



“Following the Supreme Court’s historic decision in Obergefell that every couple has the same right to participate in the institution of marriage, whether the partners are of the same sex or opposite sexes, I directed Justice Department staff to work with the agencies to ensure that the ruling be given full effect across the federal government,” Lynch said. “Thanks to their leadership and the quick work of the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs, today I am proud to announce that the critical programs for veterans and elderly and disabled Americans, which previously could not give effect to the marriages of couples living in states that did not recognize those marriages, will now provide federal recognition for all marriages nationwide.”