Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act

12/19/2024, 9:05 AM

Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act

This bill decreases for certain victims of domestic violence the number of years an individual must be married before a divorce to be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits based on the divorced spouse's work record.

Bill 118 hr 6169, also known as the Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, aims to provide additional support for survivors of domestic violence who are seeking to access Social Security benefits. The bill recognizes the unique challenges that survivors of domestic violence face in navigating the Social Security system and seeks to address these barriers.

One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a specialized unit within the Social Security Administration that will be dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence in applying for and receiving the benefits they are entitled to. This unit will be staffed with individuals who have been trained in trauma-informed care and will be equipped to handle the sensitive nature of domestic violence cases.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to streamline the application process for survivors of domestic violence, ensuring that they are able to access benefits in a timely manner. This includes waiving certain documentation requirements that may be difficult for survivors to obtain, such as proof of marriage or cohabitation with an abuser. Overall, the Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act seeks to provide much-needed support for survivors of domestic violence as they navigate the Social Security system. By recognizing the unique challenges that these individuals face and implementing targeted solutions to address them, the bill aims to ensure that survivors are able to access the benefits they need to rebuild their lives and move forward from the trauma of domestic violence.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 6169

Introduced on
2023-11-01

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

11/1/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act

This bill decreases for certain victims of domestic violence the number of years an individual must be married before a divorce to be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits based on the divorced spouse's work record.

Bill 118 hr 6169, also known as the Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, aims to provide additional support for survivors of domestic violence who are seeking to access Social Security benefits. The bill recognizes the unique challenges that survivors of domestic violence face in navigating the Social Security system and seeks to address these barriers.

One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a specialized unit within the Social Security Administration that will be dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence in applying for and receiving the benefits they are entitled to. This unit will be staffed with individuals who have been trained in trauma-informed care and will be equipped to handle the sensitive nature of domestic violence cases.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to streamline the application process for survivors of domestic violence, ensuring that they are able to access benefits in a timely manner. This includes waiving certain documentation requirements that may be difficult for survivors to obtain, such as proof of marriage or cohabitation with an abuser. Overall, the Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act seeks to provide much-needed support for survivors of domestic violence as they navigate the Social Security system. By recognizing the unique challenges that these individuals face and implementing targeted solutions to address them, the bill aims to ensure that survivors are able to access the benefits they need to rebuild their lives and move forward from the trauma of domestic violence.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title II of the Social Security Act to modify the 10-year marriage rule relating to spouse's and surviving spouse's insurance benefits in cases of domestic violence, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Social Welfare

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/24/2024

Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act

This bill decreases for certain victims of domestic violence the number of years an individual must be married before a divorce to be eligible for spousal Social Sec...


Latest Action12/17/2024
Referred to the Subcommittee on Social Security.