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With the Supreme Court ruling that part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has decided to extend marriage-based federal benefits under its supervision and control to federal employees, annuitants and their same-sex spouses who have legally married in a jurisdiction that permits same-sex marriages, regardless of where they currently live or work.

This policy change is deemed a qualifying life event, so employees and annuitants are allowed to change their benefits through Aug. 26.

Click here for a PDF that provides a more detailed explanation of the policy changes.