Are civil unions recognized on Social Security benefits?
Civil unions are not legally recognized by the State of Texas, so they are not recognized for the purposes of obtaining Social Security benefits. This means that people in civil unions in Texas are not eligible to receive any of the benefits associated with being married, including Social Security benefits. Federal Social Security law stipulates that only opposite-sex married couples, and couples in same-sex marriages, may receive Social Security benefits. Since civil unions are not recognized under the law in Texas, those in this kind of union are not eligible for the associated Social Security benefits. Since Social Security is a federal program, couples in civil unions in states which recognize these unions will be eligible for the associated Social Security benefits. In states where civil unions are recognized, the law stipulates that couples in civil unions must be treated the same as opposite-sex married couples for matters pertaining to federal programs – such as Social Security. This means that those in civil unions in these states will be able to receive the same Social Security benefits associated with marriage. In short, couples in civil unions in Texas are not eligible for any of the benefits associated with being married – including Social Security – because civil unions are not legally recognized in Texas. On the other hand, couples in civil unions in states which recognize these unions – such as Massachusetts, Colorado, and Connecticut – are eligible for Social Security benefits, as they must be treated the same as opposite-sex married couples in terms of federal programs.
Related FAQs
Are civil unions recognized in immigration benefits?Are civil unions recognized in bankruptcy proceedings?
What are the legal implications of a civil union?
What are the legal benefits of a civil union?
Is a civil union recognized for student loan benefits?
Does a civil union provide the same rights and responsibilities as marriage?
Are civil unions recognized in Social Security and Medicare benefits?
Is a civil union a legal contract?
Does a civil union provide any rights to a surviving partner?
How is a civil union distinguished from a domestic partnership?
Related Blog Posts
Explaining Civil Union Laws: An Overview of How They Work - July 31, 2023Civil Union Laws: What You Need to Know Before Entering into One - August 7, 2023
Estate Planning Considerations for Couples in a Civil Union - August 14, 2023
Benefits and Disadvantages of Entering into a Civil Union - August 21, 2023
Types of Civil Union Laws and How They Differ from Traditional Marriage - August 28, 2023