Wednesday’s Supreme Court decision opens the door for married gay couples to get federal benefits.

Defense officials estimate there are 18,000 same-sex couples in the active duty, National Guard and Reserves. It’s unclear how many of those are married. The court ruling also could allow same-sex spouses to be buried at Arlington Cemetery.

The Pentagon has said that by Oct. 1, it would extend a variety of benefits to same-sex partners, including access to on-base commissaries and some health and welfare programs.

The repeal of the ban on openly gay military service took effect in September 2011.