Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Applying for Social Security Benefits

In order to apply for benefits, the Social Security Administration requires certain evidence be provided in order to prove your common law marriage under Texas law. See the resources below for more information

Understanding the Law

Does Social Security recognize common-law marriages?
An article from AARP that discusses the type of documentation you may need to provide to "prove" your marriage in order to obtain spousal and survivor benefits from Social Security.
Common Law Marriage and Social Security Dependents and Survivor Benefits
An article from self-help legal publisher Nolo that also discuss qualifications and requirements for obtaining Social Security benefits.
State Laws on Validity of Common-Law Non-Ceremonial Marriages (GN 00305.075)
Operating information from the Social Security Administration on what will need to be provided to prove a common law marriage from Texas in order to apply for benefits.

SSA Forms

Statement Regarding Marriage (SSA-753)
Statement filed by a blood relative affirming the marriage.
Statement of Marital Relationship (SSA-754)
Statements filed by either both spouses, or the surviving spouse in a common law marriage.

Medicare Eligibility

Medicare Eligibility and Domestic Partnership
An article from AARP discussing when a common law spouse can delay enrollment into Medicare Part B if covered under their spouse's health insurance plan.
Medicare Mythbuster: 'A Domestic Partner Is A Spouse For Medicare Coverage'?!
A 2019 article from Forbes magazine discussing the myth that Medicare eligibility works the same for domestic partners (such as common law spouses) as they do for formally married spouses.

Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Common Law Marriage

Applying for Social Security Benefits

Understanding the Law

SSA Forms

Medicare Eligibility