Recognizing LGBT History Month

October is National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Month. This month is intended to encourage honesty and openness about being LGBT. First celebrated in 1994 to coincide with National Coming Out Day, the month has evolved to include a more diverse range of people identifying as LGBT.

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, Since a previous Supreme Court decision in 2013, Social Security has been able to recognize some same-sex marriages and non-marital legal same-sex relationships for purposes of determining entitlement to or eligibility for benefits. We also consider same-sex marriage when processing claims for SSI. Marriage may affect your SSI eligibility or payment amount.

As we have additional information, we’ll update our website and issue instructions to our staff. You can read more about important information for same-sex couples at www.socialsecurity.gov/people/same-sexcouples.

In the meantime, if you’re a spouse, divorced spouse, or surviving spouse of a same-sex marriage or non-marital legal same-sex relationship, we encourage you to apply right away for benefits. Applying now will preserve your filing date, which will protect you against the loss of any potential benefits.

If you have any questions about how to apply for benefits, call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). We can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. We treat all calls confidentially.

Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/people/same-sexcouples to learn more.