BFG in the News: Victoria answers a reader’s question about Social Security benefits from a domestic partnership

Victoria Cannillo, an Associate Financial Planner/Analyst at Baron Financial Group, is quoted on this topic, answering a reader’s question on NJMoneyHelp.com by Karin Price Mueller, originally published in March 2024:

“Can I get Social Security from a domestic partnership?”

A 30-second read by Victoria Cannillo:  According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you can apply for benefits, even if you are not sure that you are permitted.  In some instances, individuals who are in non-marital legal relationships like a domestic partnership, may be entitled to benefits as a married person.

The SSA has some good information regarding survivors benefits for same-sex partners and spouses. We highlight some of the important points below to help answer your question.

If you were in a same-sex relationship with a partner who passed away, you may be eligible for survivors benefits if either of the following are true:

• “You would have been married at the time of your partner’s death if state laws hadn’t prevented you from doing so.”
• “You would have been married longer if not for unconstitutional state laws that prevented you from marrying earlier.”

The application to file for survivors benefits is not online. If you think you may be entitled to survivors benefits you can call them at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office. 

Please refer to these resources from the Social Security Administration to learn more about benefits for same-sex partners and spouses:

• https://www.ssa.gov/people/lgbtq/couples.html
• https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10014.pdf
  
• https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-17-019.pdf

Read Karin Price Mueller’s article here.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to your Baron Team.

Disclosure:  This is a general communication being provided for informational purposes only. This material is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research, tax or investment advice. Please consult your financial planning and tax professional for personal advice.