Norfolk, Va. - The Defense Department announced today its plan to extend benefits to same-sex spouses of uniformed service members and defense department civilian employees.
The move comes after the Supreme Court struck down a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act in June.
Legally married same-sex military couples will be granted spousal and family benefits by September 3rd as long as service member-sponsors provide a valid marriage certificate.
Entitlements such as TRICARE enrollment, basic allowance for housing (BAH) and family separation allowance are retroactive to the date of the Supreme Court’s decision. Any claims to entitlements before that date will not be granted. For those members married after June 26, 2013, entitlements begin at the date of marriage.
