“Unsocial Security”

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Is it right to divorce my second spouse (and just live with him), so I can receive Social Security benefits from my first husband (who is deceased)?  I can only draw $320.00 on my own benefits.

Sincerely,
Penny Pincher

Dear Penny Pincher,

Divorce is only permissible when adultery has occurred (Matt 19:9).  Divorcing your spouse for Social Security benefits isn't right.  You may disagree with the Social Security laws, but God tells us to live peacefully under the laws of whatever nation in which we dwell (Rom 13:1-4).  You married your current spouse, and in so doing, accepted the implications of those marriage vows.  Many Americans are suffering in these difficult economic times, and many marriages are freshly remembering that they vowed to stay married "for richer and for poorer".  May God sustain you and your husband in your trying financial circumstances.

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