AdvertisementGay Marriage Lawsuit Presses For Survivor Benefits04:24Download AudioResumeApril 04, 2012Barbara Bradley HagertyfacebookEmailHerbert Burtis' spouse, John Ferris (left), died four years ago. When Burtis went to the Social Security office to apply for survivor benefits, the clerk told him the federal government did not recognize his marriage. (Courtesy of Herbert Burtis)