My partner and I have been together 35 years. We are considering marriage (my mother passed in 2015 and we did not marry then). Does this program cover same-sex issues in retirement as well social security for gay couples? Thank you for your answer.

Hi,

The maximization software covers all types of Social Security benefits, including spousal benefits in same-sex marriage cases. Social Security also recognizes some types of non-marital legal relationships for benefit purposes in certain States, such as civil unions and domestic partnerships. The software is not designed to determine whether or not a non-marital union would count for Social Security benefit purposes, so you would need to research those requirements if you decide not to get married (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200210004).

Best, Jerry