Think You Qualify? Then Now is the Time to Apply for Benefits
On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states. As a result, more same-sex couples will be recognized as married for purposes of determining entitlement to Social Security benefits or eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides helpful information on how same-sex marriage may affect your claim and has a Same-Sex Couples Web page located at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/people/same-sexcouples.
If you are a spouse, divorced spouse, or surviving spouse of a same-sex marriage or non-marital legal same-sex relationship the SSA encourages you to apply right away for benefits. If you have any questions about how to apply for benefits, call the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). The SSA can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. According to the SSA you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. Additionally, the SSA treats all calls confidentially.
About ksindell
Kathleen Sindell, Ph.D. is the author of numerous academic, popular, and professional finance articles, Web sites, proposals, and books. This includes the bestselling reference book, "Investing Online for Dummies, Eds 1-5" (listed for two consecutive years on the Wall Street Journal's Bestselling Business Book List). Her most recent book "Social Security: Maximize your Benefits" has been listed in Amazon's Top 100 Bestselling Retirement Planning Books. It is important to note that "Social Security: Maximize Your Benefits, 2nd Edition" was just released.
Sindell has an in-depth understanding of the financial services industry and has held Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. Dr. Sindell is regularly tapped as a financial services expert on ABC World News, The Nightly Business Report, and at popular online and print outlets. Kathleen Sindell, Ph.D. is a member of the Board of Directors for the Financial Planning Association, National Capital Area (FPA NCA), is on the Editorial Advisory Panel of the Journal of Financial Planning, and is Co-Chair of the Metro Washington Financial Planning Day. Sindell is a Course Chair II, CFP Program Academic Officer, and adjunct full-professor at the University of Maryland, UMUC, School of Undergraduate Studies.
Contact Information: ksindell@kathleensindell.com or 703-299-1700
