Legal Document

465 U.S. 728 104 S.Ct. 1387 79 L.Ed.2d 646 Margaret M. HECKLER, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Appellantv.Robert H. MATHEWS et al. No. 82-1050. Argued Dec. 5, 1983. Decided March 1984. Syllabus Prior to 1977, spousal benefits under the Social Security Act (Act) were payable only husbands or widowers who could demonstrate dependency on their wives for one-half support, whereas widows entitled without any such showing husbands. In Califano v. Goldfarb, 430 199, 97 1021, 51 270 (1977), this Court affirmed a District judgment holding that gender-based requirement violated equal protection component Due Process Clause Fifth Amendment. Thereafter, while repealing husbands, Congress, in order avoid fiscal drain trust fund, enacted "pension offset" provision generally requires reduction by amount Federal State Government pensions received applicant. However, protect interests those individuals had retired about retire planned retirements reliance entitlement, pre-1977 law, unreduced government pension benefits, Congress exempted from offset spouses eligible receive prior December 1982 would have qualified as administered January 1977. also included severability clause, which, substance, provides if exception is held invalid, not be affected, application broadened include persons within it. Appellee husband (hereafter appellee), after retiring United States Postal Service, applied husband's account his wife, earlier was fully insured Act. It determined administratively although appellee they entirely Service pursuant then brought class action Court, alleging him other nondependent men but similarly situated women Amendment, clause unconstitutional. The both unconstitutional, concluding latter would, valid, deprive standing bring preventing receiving more he prevails than now allowed. Held: 1. has prosecute action. Because right asserts according classifications do sufficient justification differentiate among covered applicants solely basis sex, substantive particular appellee's does depend ability obtain increased payments. treatment guaranteed Constitution coextensive with rights denied party discriminated against. Rather, discrimination itself, perpetuating "archaic stereotypic notions" stigmatizing members disfavored group "innately inferior" therefore less worthy participants political community, can cause serious noneconomic injuries are because membership group. forbid extension excluded withdrawal favored class, injury caused unequal allegedly suffered may redressed. Pp. 737-740. 2. applies otherwise when show support. language history plainly intended resurrect, 5-year grace period, test pre-Goldfarb law so afford anticipated Goldfarb providing it qualify result decision. To interpret exception, urges, incorporate classification kind invalidated instead exempts women, regard dependency, defeat Congress' intention and, rendering applicable few applicants, frustrate congressional aim fund. 741-744. 3. constitutional. 744-751. (a) Although temporarily reviving directly substantially related important governmental objective protecting reasonable effect decision which entitled. This an exceedingly persuasive incorporated exception. 745-748. (b) And means employed statute achievement objective. By period eligibility criteria narrowly tailored made retirement plans changes occurred date. Such persons, well first became 1977 not. distinguishes archaic generalizations roles abilities rather whether expectation, created full pension. 748-750. Reversed. Mark I. Levy, Washington, D.C., petitioner. John R. Benn, Florence, Ala., respondents. Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion Court. 1 spousal-benefit provisions laws case, Northern Alabama amendments Act, adopted partly response our decision, unjustifiably revive violate J.S.App. 1a-9a. appealed We noted probable jurisdiction 28 U.S.C. § 1252, --- ----, 103 1425, 75 786 (1983), reverse. 2 * A. 3 wives, widows, disabled wage earners. 42 402. wage-earning Wives hand, See former 402(b), (c)(1)(C) (f)(1)(D) (1976). supra, three-judge Amendment.1 Subsequently, summarily two decisions invalidating husbands' benefits. Silbowitz, 924, 1539, 768 (1977); Jablon, (1977). 4 Following these decisions, part general reform system, repealed Amendments (1977 Amendments), 334(b)(1), (d)(1), Pub.L. 95-216, 91 Stat. 1509, 402(c)(1), (f)(1) (Supp. V). S.Rep. 95-572, pp. 88, 93 (1977).2 concluded, however, elimination test, increasing number create problem at 27-28. particularly acute respect large federal state employees become Unlike most must dual against each other, 402(k)(3)(A), civil servants could, time Amendments, estimated payment cost system $190 million 1979. 5 drain, certain 334(a)(2) (b)(2), 402(b)(4)(A) (c)(2)(A). 90 per cent savings achieved proposed Senate attributable payments been Goldfarb. 81. remaining portion savings, come individuals, mostly dependent men, ibid; H.R.Conf.Rep. 95-837, p. 72 S.Conf.Rep. 95-612, group, see infra, 742, ultimately "as being 1977." 334(g)(1), 402 note.3 6 same subsection established five-year provides: 7 "If subsection, thereof person circumstance, remainder section shall affected thereby, circumstances considered invalid." 334(g)(3), note. 8 Conference Committee explained "so [the provision] found invalid pension-offset . it." 71-72 U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News, 4318. B 9 Mathews job October 18, His her months earlier, wife's account. On review application, Administration (SSA) informed $153.30 month that, because, acknowledged, upon wife $573 accordance 334(b)(2) 402(c)(2). 2a. After hearing, administrative judge (ALJ) SSA's initial 16a-22a. ALJ's turn Appeals Council Department Services thereby final Secretary. 13a-14a. 10 205(g) 405(g). complaint alleged Amendment sought declaratory effect. contended certified nationwide composed "all insurance whose applications [beginning 60 days before filing complaint] statutory support benefits." 10a. 11 Shortly thereafter, filed opinion, 1a-9a, order, 26a-27a, 334(g)(1)(B) 334(g)(3) court essence, "provides all five years enactment, enactment economically wives." 3a. light classification, upheld " 'serve[s] objectives [is] objectives." Id., quoting Craig Boren, 429 190, 197, 451, 456, 50 397 decided justified expectation undiminished requiring prove notwithstanding presumes "that relied practices Administration, yet Supreme Court." 5a. Accordingly, "portion male applicant economic violates guarantees due process fifth amendment." 6a-7a (footnote omitted). 12 Having provision, 334(g)(3). event obtained unconstitutionally discriminates him, require nullification like appellee. Consequently, retirees, gender pensions. characterized effort "to mandate outcome challenge validity [pension offset] making fruitless. Even plaintiff success having stricken, derive no personal benefit exception." 8a. its view meant retirees way, concluded expression true Congressional intent, adroit attempt discourage bringing destroying standing." Id. unconstitutional ordered pay rest offsetting 9a. II 13 affect jurisdiction, Linda R.S. Richard D., 410 614, 616, 1146, 1147, 35 536 (1973), we consider Court's conclusion agrees analysis reason, contends amounts thwart remedial power courts. agree Secretary, asserted "benefits distributed [applicants] sex," Weinberger Wiesenfeld, 420 636, 647, 95 1225, 1232, 43 514 (1975), 14 establish purposes constitutional "case controversy" requirement, "must personally some actual threatened putatively illegal conduct defendant," Gladstone, Realtors Village Bellwood, 441 91, 99, 99 1601, 1607, 66 (1979), "is likely redressed favorable decision," Simon Eastern Kentucky Welfare Rights Organization, 426 26, 38, 96 1917, 1924, 48 450 claims type long recognized judicially cognizable.4 He alleges subjects gender; specifically, man, receives fewer woman. J.A. 6. 15 prevent redressing inequality appellee, never suggested constitutionally underinclusive scheme remedied extending program's class. contrary, sustaining claim faces "two alternatives: [it] either declare statute] nullity extend legislature benefit, coverage aggrieved exclusion." Welsh States, 398 333, 361, 1792, 1807, 26 308 (1970) (Harlan, J., concurring result). Westcott, 443 76, 89-91, 2655, 2663-2664, 61 382 (1979).5 For frequently entertained attacks discriminatory statutes even successful monetary relief withdrawing statute's class.6 16 These procedural process, Carey Piphus, 435 247, 266, 98 1042, 1053, 55 252 (1978), co-extensive repeatedly emphasized, Mississippi University Women Hogan, 458 718, 725, 102 3331, 3336, 73 1090 (1982), non-economic group.7 Brandeis explained, "right invoked treatment," appropriate remedy treatment, accomplished Iowa-Des Moines National Bank Bennett, 284 239, 52 133, 136, 76 L.Ed. 265 (1931).8 "be U.S., S.Ct., action.9 III 17 prevailed claim, urges alternative ground affirmance construe dependency. Relying "the maxim should construed questions," Batchelder, 442 114, 122, 2198, 2203, 755 qualifying presumed done reenacting 18 canon favoring constructions questions not, license usurp policy-making legislative functions duly-elected representatives. Yu Cong Eng Trinidad, 271 500, 518, 46 619, 623, 70 1059 (1926). NLRB Catholic Bishop Chicago, 440 490, 499-501, 1313, 1318-1319, 59 533 (1979); id., 508-511, 1322-1324 (BRENNAN, dissenting); Sullivan, 332 689, 693, 68 331, 334, 92 297 (1948). '[A]lthough will often strain legislation save attack, carry point perverting purpose statute' rewriting Aptheker State, 378 515, 84 1659, 1668, 992 (1964), Scales 367 203, 211, 81 1469, 1477, 782 (1961). law. 19 As noted, 731-733, new recipients Nevertheless, resulting There dispute subject requirement. §§ 402(c) (f) (1976); 201-202 nn. 1-2, 1024-1025 1-2.10 further indicated intent including unusual sacrifice exception's goal served itself—preventing undue financial burden system. 734, n. 5; 72; 72. 20 Consistent plain import provisions, Senator Long, Chairman Finance principal manager bill Senate, [who] Goldfarb] decision." 39134 (1977) (emphasis added). 123 Cong.Rec. 39008 (remarks Rep. Ullman). Appellee's interpretation clearly expressed very applicants,11 major reject construction conclude constitutionality classification. IV 21 recently reviewed "firmly-established principles" evaluate appellee: 22 "Our seeking uphold classifies 'exceedingly justification' met least serves 'important employed' 'substantially objectives.' 23 "Although determining straightforward, free fixed notions concerning males females. Care taken ascertaining itself reflects notions. Thus, exclude 'protect' one suffer inherent handicap innately inferior, illegitimate. 24 State's legitimate important, next determine requisite direct, substantial relationship between present." 724-725, 3336-3337. (Citations footnotes 25 carried (A) "exceedingly justification" (B) demonstrating relationship" purports serve. revives requirements Congress's adopting bears concerns animated original criteria. standards, premised assumption females normally earnings constituted "accidental byproduct traditional way thinking females," 223, 1035 (Stevens, judgment), reflected 'old notions' 'archaic overbroad' generalizations" relative 217, 1029, 1032 (plurality opinion). "objective [was] illegitimate." 3336.12 27 issue here, contrast, illegitimate purposes. detailed above, expectations based pre-January incorporating existed 1977; choice approach explicit adoption standards confirms reassert sexist assumptions rejected Nor rendered fact through temporary revival recognized, contexts, legitimacy allowing remain limited time. See, e.g., Pipeline Construction Co. Marathon Pipe Line Co., 50, 87-89, 2858, 2880-2881, 598 (1982) opinion); Buckley Valeo, 424 1, 142-143, 612, 693-694, 659 (1976) (per curiam); Chevron Oil Huson, 404 97, 106-107, 349, 355-356, 30 296 (1971). Los Angeles Dept. Water Power Manhart, 702, 718-723, 1370, 1380-1382, 657 (1978). retained unduly prolonged name interests, brief protected themselves unreasonable illegitimate, there indication suffers flaws. duration closely 748-749, suggest hardly 29 objective: "an here. Kirchberg Feenstra, 455, 461, 101 1195, 1199, 67 428 (1981); Personnel Administrator Mass. Feeney, 256, 273, 2282, 2293, 870 (1979). cannot, contest Secretary's statement "it significant salutary secure Nation's workers good faith reasonably Act." Brief Appellant 33. Instead, people justifiably actually effective date required 28-29, 21, 31-32. determined, many adjusted spending habits pension,13 reason doubt conclusion. One commentator explained: "Many couples undoubtedly level private saving investment anticipation social security special spouse. An abrupt denial cases, spouse them shown truly inequitable since couple's different anticipated. strong argument change gradually inequities approaching available accordingly." Flowers, Security: Institutional Dilemma 41 31 short, immediately preceding retirement, make spending, regarding income expect stop working. during critically important.14 recognition fact, words Report, protects "people already retired, close public employment cannot expected readjust take 'offset' apply future." That purpose, consistent principle '[g]reat nations, great keep word,' Astrup INS, 509, 514, 4, 1583, 1586, (1971), FPC Tuscarora Indian Nation, 362 142, 80 543, 567, 584 (1960) (Black, dissenting), 32 identified little trouble "substantially [that] objectiv[e]." Wengler Druggists Mutual Insurance 446 150, 100 1540, 1545, 64 107 (1980). Individuals changed assumed begun planning provision. 747-748. pensions, not.15 33 Moreover, "through reasoned mechanical traditional, inaccurate, proper women." 726, 3337 set out above demonstrates, carefully length problems led might frustrated solution finally adopted, rejection expensive impractical alternatives,16 V 34 334(g)(1) interest majority 201, 1024 (STEVENS, judgment). At time, directed Health, Education, entire question distinctions [a] 6-month study proposals eliminate sex discrimination. ." 4155, 4319. eliminated 1983, 98-21, 301-309, 109-115; 98-47, 140 143. Section 334(g) 1546, note, full: "(1) [section 334] monthly payable, (b), (c), (e), (f), (g) (as case be) 202 individual— "(A) whom 60-month beginning (or for) periodic (within meaning provisions) individual's service subdivision thereof, defined 218(b)(2) Act); "(B) entitlement meets "(2) paragraph (1)(A), individual benefit. "(3) If 12, July 1983 satisfies half-support test. 97-455, 7, 2501. April 20, revised two-thirds 337, 131. still named recent moot case. E.g., 147-149, 1543-1544, (1980); 212, 1029 Baker Carr, 369 186, 207, 82 691, 704, 663 (1962) (finding "[t]he appellants assert disfavors voters counties reside, placing position unjustifiable vis-a-vis irrationally counties"). 620-621, 1150-1151, (1973) (WHITE, dissenting). "extension" "nullification" "constitutional competence district court," 2664, ordinarily "extension, nullification, course," 89, 2663, course, "use powers circumvent legislature," 94, 2665 (opinion POWELL, J.) "measure intensity commitment residual policy degree potential disruption occur opposed abrogation." 365, 1809 90, 2663. has, preference extension, invalid. seek judicial redress need court's violation Constitution. 40-55. 152-153, 1546-1547; Orr Orr, 268, 272, 1102, 1108, 306 Webster, 313, 316, 1192, 1194, 360 Kahn Shevin, 416 351, 352, 94 1734, 1735, 40 189 (1974); Stanton Stanton, 421 17-18, 1373, 1379-1380, 688 (1975). Bob Jones ---- - 2017, 2029-2031, 157 (1983); Havens Realty Corp. Coleman, 455 363, 373-374, 1114, 1121-1122, 71 214 (1982); 109-114, 1612-1615; Norwood Harrison, 413 465-466, 467; Frontiero Richardson, 411 677, 684-685, 1764, 1769-1770, 36 583 Trafficante Metropolitan Life Ins. 409 205, 208, 364, 366, 415 (1972); 368 concurring); Brown Board 347 483, 493, 74 686, 873 (1954). Sierra Club Morton, 405 727, 734-735, 1361, 1365-1366, 636 (1972). Brandeis's explanation victims program end preferential others. Gilmore City Montgomery, 417 556, 566-567, 2416, 2422-2423, 304 470-471, 2804, 2813-2814, 37 723 (1973); Griffin County School Prince Edward County, 377 218, 232-234, 1226, 1233-1234, 256 (1964). 93-94, 2665-2666 aid violative plaintiffs' arguing enjoin plaintiffs). indigents, medical tax-exempt hospitals, lacked government's unlawful administration tax code "purely speculative" actions "decisions hospitals implications." 42-43, 1926-1927. Here, direct causal deprivation suffered—denial gender. Similarly, receive, generalized "claim 'the possessed every citizen, .' 705, Fairchild Hughes, 258 126, 129, 274, 275, 499 (1922). contrary suggestion, altered SSA withholding disputed pending disposition Claims Manual notes current claimants (widower's) (husband's) meet [While challenged court], remains unchanged until requirement." Transmittal 3844 (July 14, 1976). indicates provided extant did failed wives. 23-24; Reply example, shortened divorced married 1978, 1548, 402(b)(1)(G), 416(d), just subsequent extended categories see, Cooper Califano, 87 F.R.D. (ED Pa.1980) (young husbands); Mertz Harris, 497 F.Supp. 1134 (SD Tex.1980) (remarried widowers); Yates 471 (WD Ky.1979) (surviving fathers); Oliver [1977-1978 Transfer Binder] Unempl. (CCH), ¶ 15244 (ND Cal. June 24, 1977) (divorced husbands). groups mentioned limiting newly beneficiaries express desire 27-28 1543-1544; 643, 1230, (1975); Schlesinger Ballard, 419 498, 507, 572, 577, 610 688, 1771. 72, 4318 ("The managers concerned numbers especially late fifties, drawing draw bill, non-covered work availability widow's security"); (same); Staff Comm. Finance, 95th Cong., 1st Sess., Summary H.R. 9346, Passed (P.L. 95-216) (Comm.Print ("To assure counting nearing age adversely 9346 includes transitional reduced 1977"). Indeed, recognizes critical importance where forbids recovery overpayments recipient fault recapture "would equity conscience." 404(b). issued present. 11, supra. who, given announced year. people, file Amendments. 334(f), operation unfortunate timing retirement. pension, 2, Mr. 15. 4. exempt took day. Alternatively, day enacted, known plans. bind thus imposed dates regrettable, fatally greater his. House Ways Means, WMCP: 95-57 Principal Provisions Financing (House version proposing six-month of, inter alia, "various mitigate impact system"); (describing consideration grounds abuse, inequity, invasion privacy, difficulty spouse).

Classification Label: 1