# JD Approves Retroactive SSD Benefits for Gay Couples Same-sex married couples from states that did not recognize their marriages were finally able to begin collecting social security benefits last week. The Social Security Administration will now retroactively be applying the *Obergefell v. Hodges*decision to couples with pending claims who were married before the SCOTUS decision and who lived in states that previously did not recognize same-sex marriage. Widowers, widows, and retirees from all over the country who have worked hard for their Social Security benefits will soon be able to receive them. The *Obergefell*case came about in response to 2013’s Windsor decision, which declared that gay couples were entitled to receive federal benefits. While this decision helped many couples whose marriages were recognized by their state of residence, couples in states that did not acknowledge their marriages still were not deemed eligible by the Social Security Administration to receive spousal-related benefits. Now that same-sex marriages are legally recognized in all 50 states, couples can finally enjoy all of the benefits and protections that come with it. Ready to pursue your Social Security Disability case? Our attorneys have the experience and passion to help you navigate the claims process every step of the way. [Start Your Case Evaluation](https://www.shookandstone.com/legal-forms/disability-form/) This is good news for many couples who applied for Social Security before the *Obergefell r*uling. Take, for example, the case of Kathy Murphy, who lived in a state that did not recognize her marriage to her spouse before she passed away from cancer in 2012. Since Ms. Murphy retired early and was not allowed to collect any survivor benefits, she was forced to begin collecting her own Social Security early, which was nearly $600 less than she could have received if she had been able to delay collecting her benefits. Thankfully, gay couples will no longer have to choose between caring for their spouse or getting the most out of their hard earned benefits. The retroactive payments will ensure that everyone is on equal footing by giving all marriages, gay or straight, the benefits they are entitled to by law. ![Social Security Disability Insurance Logo](https://www.shookandstone.com/wp-content/themes/shook-and-stone-redesign/assets/app/img/ssdi-logo.webp) Wondering if you meet the SSDI requirements? We’ll walk you through the Social Security Administrations’s formula to estimate your potential Compensation. [Start Your Case Evaluation](https://www.shookandstone.com/legal-forms/disability-form/) ![Pie Chart](https://www.shookandstone.com/wp-content/themes/shook-and-stone-redesign/assets/app/img/pie-chart-2.png) *Do you need assistance obtaining Social Security benefits on behalf of a spouse? Get in touch with a Las Vegas Social Security attorney from Shook & Stone. The Social Security system is notoriously complex, so let us do the hard work for you. Call us today for a [free consultation](https://www.shookandstone.com/contact-us/): 702-570-0000. There is absolutely no cost to you unless we win your case!* ![Cta Image](https://www.shookandstone.com/wp-content/themes/shook-and-stone-redesign/assets/app/img/john.webp) ![Cta Image](https://www.shookandstone.com/wp-content/themes/shook-and-stone-redesign/assets/app/img/shook-cta.webp) Struggling to get SSD benefits? Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. [Start Your Case Evaluation](https://www.shookandstone.com/contact-us/) Social Security Disability Blog Posts: [![2023 Social Security Benefits Rate Increase](https://www.shookandstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ssdi-300x200.jpg)](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/2023-social-security-benefits-rate-increase/) [Social Security Disability](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/category/social-security-disability/) | October 12 2022 ### [2023 Social Security Benefits Rate Increase](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/2023-social-security-benefits-rate-increase/) [READ POST](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/2023-social-security-benefits-rate-increase/) [![Working and SSA Benefits](https://www.shookandstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/social-security-300x200.jpg)](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/working-and-ssa-benefits/) [Social Security Disability](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/category/social-security-disability/) | April 30 2013 ### [Working and SSA Benefits](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/working-and-ssa-benefits/) [READ POST](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/working-and-ssa-benefits/) [![Work Attempts, Medical Treatment, and SSD](https://www.shookandstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/social-security-disability-300x169.jpg)](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/work-attempts-medical-treatment-and-ssd/) [Social Security Disability](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/category/social-security-disability/) | May 1 2021 ### [Work Attempts, Medical Treatment, and SSD](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/work-attempts-medical-treatment-and-ssd/) [READ POST](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/work-attempts-medical-treatment-and-ssd/) [![Newly Proposed Legislation to Increase SSD Benefit Amounts](https://www.shookandstone.com/wp-content/themes/shook-and-stone-redesign/assets/app/img/default.webp)](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/newly-proposed-legislation-to-increase-ssd-benefit-amounts/) [Social Security Disability](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/category/social-security-disability/) | October 28 2021 ### [Newly Proposed Legislation to Increase SSD Benefit Amounts](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/newly-proposed-legislation-to-increase-ssd-benefit-amounts/) [READ POST](https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/newly-proposed-legislation-to-increase-ssd-benefit-amounts/) --- Source: https://www.shookandstone.com/blog/justice-department-approves-retroactive-ssd-benefits-for-gay-couples/