Americans who get divorced because they suffered domestic abuse by their spouse would have expanded access to their spouse’s Social Security benefits under bipartisan legislation introduced on Nov. 1 by U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH).
Currently, couples must be married for at least 10 years to be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits.
The Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, H.R. 6169, which Rep. Joyce cosponsored alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH), would lower the minimum marital threshold from 10 years to five years for individuals whose former spouse has been convicted of domestic violence or abuse to receive spousal benefits.
“Victims of domestic violence should never feel the need to stay in their marriage due to the fear of not being able to support themselves financially after leaving their abuser,” said Rep. Joyce, co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. “This bipartisan legislation reduces the current barriers to access Social Security spousal benefits so that victims and survivors don’t feel forced to stay in an unsafe situation.”
Rep. Sykes said H.R. 6169 will empower survivors by giving them the financial resources they need to leave their abuser. “I’m glad to lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Joyce because everyone deserves to live safely and securely in our communities,” said the congresswoman.
The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.