Ask Larry

Same Sex Couples

Should I Forego Spousal Benefits Because Of My Concern That It Could Cause A Problem For My Spouse?

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.

Posted: 
Sunday, August 19, 2018 - 10:47

Can a Widow From a Gay Couple Married Abroad in 1992 Collect a Widows Benefit?

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?

Posted: 
Friday, June 17, 2016 - 06:30
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.