Same Sex Couples To Gain Benefits

Have you heard that a new Pentagon policy follows decision by Supreme Court on marriage law?

Same-sex spouses of service members and civilian Defense Department employees can now claim the entitlements retroactive to June 26 – the date of the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down the Defense of Marriage Act.

The Defense Department recently announced that it would begin offering benefits to the same-sex spouses of military personnel and other employees by early September. Under this new plan, spousal and family benefits, including health care coverage, housing allowances and survivor benefits will be available to all legally married military spouses.

To be eligible, couples must provide a valid marriage certificate.

In February, government officials estimated that approximately 17,000 military personnel and veterans would apply for partial benefits for their domestic partners, 5,600 of whom were active-duty service members.

If you have questions regarding benefits, contact the Orange County family law offices of Amy M. Montes for the help you need. Amy will answer your questions and discuss your options with you.