These benefits govern almost every aspect of how clients manage taxes, finances, inheritance, housing and health care.

Married couples automatically qualify for no fewer than 1,138 benefits, rights, protections and privileges under current federal law. These benefits govern almost every aspect of how clients manage taxes, finances, inheritance, housing and health care.

This gallery describes the extent of benefits in all categories listed by the General Accounting Office and provides some examples of specific benefits in each category.

Source: Government Accountability Office, 1997, 2014