The Supreme Court’s ruling striking down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) signaled a historic moment in the United States and in the individual and collective lives of loving, married, same-sex couples and their families. The decision acknowledged the constitutional right of same-sex persons to pursue legal marriage; and, granted same-sex couples equal access to the tangible benefits of the federal safety net. As an extension to the Court’s decision, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is now able to extend benefits to legally-married, same-sex spouses of federal employees and annuitants, regardless of the employee’s or annuitant’s state of residency.
- OPM Benefits Administration Letter- Coverage of Same Sex Spouses
- Information Sheet- Extension of Federal Benefits to Legally Married Same Sex Couples
- HHS Guidance on Benefits for Same Sex Spouses
- DOMA on the Family Medical Leave Act