My same sex partner and I married in July 2011 after NY began recognizing same-sex marriages. At that time she was age 66 1/2 and was collecting social security spousal benefits on the account of her former husband to whom she had been married for more than 10 years.

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,

I have not seen this issue discussed, either at PBS.org or with the Social Security website - my spouse was receiving disability benefits (since 1992) before she died (at age 52), we were married for 10 years, and could not file as "Married" on our income taxes because it was not allowed at the time. Am I entitled to any widow's benefits when I reach the age of 60?