Aznavorian v. Califano, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare

Opinion summary

Etalia.ai summary of the majority opinion

The case addressed the constitutionality of a federal statute that suspended Social Security benefits for individuals who were outside the United States for more than 30 consecutive days. The petitioner, Aznavorian, challenged this provision after her benefits were withheld while she was abroad. She argued that it violated her right to travel and equal protection under the Fifth Amendment. The Supreme Court held that the law did not violate constitutional rights because it served legitimate governmental interests by ensuring beneficiaries are present in the U.S., where they can be monitored and verified as eligible recipients of public funds. Additionally, since Social Security is a non-contributory welfare program funded by taxpayers rather than an earned entitlement like retirement or disability insurance, Congress has broad discretion over its administration.