Same-sex Marriage Annuity Guidelines
For Social Security, the rules were even more confusing. Decisions on benefits were made on the basis of whether the couple's state of residence recognized their marriage. So if a couple moved from where they had married to a state in which they could not marry, Social Security would no longer pay benefits.
Before 2015, same-sex couples faced a potential nightmare when trying to get social security benefits. The same-sex marriage law itself was a patchwork, with some states allowing all couples to marry within their boundaries, and others recognizing marriages in other states without explicitly allowing same-sex marriage themselves.
The joint lifetime income benefit is that the annuity will be the life of the spouse, even if the annuity has been used up. All legally recognized married couples are eligible for spousal renewal benefits as well. Having said that, civil unions and family partnerships (non-marriage legal relationships) may not be eligible for co-earning benefits or continuing spouse benefits. Every insurance company is different.
Some insurers have a uniform "ineligible policy" while others use "applicable state law," which means that if citizens' unions and domestic partnerships are considered "spouses" under applicable state law, they will be allowed to participate in joint insurance. Lifetime income and spouse continuity benefits. The legal relationship policy for non-legal marriage applies to all legal relationships, regardless of sexual orientation. Simply contact your insurance company before you buy.
It may also be helpful to consult a local tax advisor. In any case, "married" is the key term for each state to obtain spouse-related benefits.
What if I can't take advantage of spouse-related benefits?
You can always designate your partner as the primary beneficiary, standard annuity death benefit rules.
You just can't participate in lifetime payments or spouse renewals.
Social Security Benefits for Same-Sex Couples
The Social Security Administration recognizes same-sex marriage and some non-marriage legal relationships in all states when determining Social Security income benefits.
If you plan to apply for future benefits in the near future to maximize your retirement income, be sure to contact them.
