The "Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act" proposes to amend Title II of the Social Security Act, specifically targeting the eligibility requirements for divorced spouses seeking insurance benefits. Its primary goal is to modify the existing 10-year marriage rule for individuals who have experienced domestic violence during their marriage. Under this bill, the required marriage duration would be reduced to 5 years for divorced women and men who can provide a court finding that they were victims of domestic violence committed by their spouse. This provision ensures that survivors of domestic violence, as defined by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, are not disqualified from receiving crucial Social Security benefits solely due to not meeting the standard 10-year marriage length. The amendments would take effect for monthly insurance benefits beginning 18 months after the bill's enactment.
Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Social Welfare
Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act
USA119th CongressHR-5701| House
| Updated: 10/6/2025
The "Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act" proposes to amend Title II of the Social Security Act, specifically targeting the eligibility requirements for divorced spouses seeking insurance benefits. Its primary goal is to modify the existing 10-year marriage rule for individuals who have experienced domestic violence during their marriage. Under this bill, the required marriage duration would be reduced to 5 years for divorced women and men who can provide a court finding that they were victims of domestic violence committed by their spouse. This provision ensures that survivors of domestic violence, as defined by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, are not disqualified from receiving crucial Social Security benefits solely due to not meeting the standard 10-year marriage length. The amendments would take effect for monthly insurance benefits beginning 18 months after the bill's enactment.