President Barack Obama's $4 trillion
budget proposal would allow married gay couples living in states that
do not recognize such unions to receive Social Security spousal
benefits.
Currently, gay couples can marry in 36
states plus the District of Columbia.
However, a couple who marries in one of
those jurisdictions but lives in one of the 14 states where their
marriage is not recognized cannot receive federal Social Security
spousal benefits.
“Under this proposal, such married
couples would have access to these benefits,” the
budget states.
Kathy Murphy told
the AP that she was denied survivor benefits under Social
Security after her wife died. Because Texas does not recognize
Murphy's Massachusetts marriage, she cannot collect the $600 a month
benefit.
“It's like sort of getting kicked in
the gut after a loss, you know,” Murphy said.
A bill with similar goals was
introduced last year by Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Mark
Udall. Neither proposal, however, is expected to clear the
Republican-controlled Congress.