REP. PANETTA INTRODUCES THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY FOR DISABLED ADULTS ACT

Statement

Today, Congressman Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) introduced the Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act to eliminate requirements that disabled adult children (DAC) should remain unmarried in order to receive lifetime benefits and health care through Social Security. Under current law, DACs lose federal benefits if they marry a non-disabled person. After working closely with Lori Long, one of his constituents on the central coast of California who is impacted by this outdated legal standard, Rep. Panetta wrote this bill to eliminate the rule that removes DAC benefits should a beneficiary marry. The Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act will benefit hundreds of DACs who have had their marriages terminated and countless DACs who have avoided getting married in order to prevent the loss of benefits.

"By taking away the medical benefits from those Disabled Adult Children who get married, the current law can put people in a position where they are forced to choose between their health care or their happiness," said Rep. Panetta. "That type of marriage penalty is antiquated, and I hope to change it through my legislation so that those with lifelong disabilities, like Lori, can be married and continue to receive their needed lifetime health care."

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