Mary Grace Purganan v. Richard S. Schweiker , Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

MERRILL, Circuit Judge:

On the death of her father Appellant received child’s insurance benefits under the Social Security Act. 42 U.S.C. § 402(d). These benefits ceased on her marriage in June 1976. § 402(d)(1)(D). That marriage was annulled in December 1976 and Appellant was granted benefits from that date until, at age 22, she became ineligible for further assistance. § 402(d)(l)(F)(ii). Appellant now seeks to recover retroactively benefits for the period of her marriage on the ground that under California law an annulment renders the marriage void ab initio. Benefits were denied by the…