Basic Considerations

To be eligible under the Disabled Widow(er) COA the A/R must meet the following conditions:

The A/R is a disabled widow(er) or a disabled surviving divorced spouse between the ages of 50-59

The A/R is currently receiving RSDI as a disabled widow(er)/disabled surviving divorced spouse.

The A/R is currently ineligible for Medicare Part A coverage.

The A/R previously received SSI or a Mandatory State Supplement (MSS) that was terminated on or after 1/1/91 because of his/her initial entitlement to RSDI as a disabled widow(er)/disabled surviving divorced spouse.

The A/R is eligible for SSI or MSS if the initial entitlement to RSDI as a disabled widow(er) and all subsequent COLAs are disregarded.

The A/R meets all basic and financial eligibility criteria.

Length of Stay (LOS) and Level of Care (LOC) are NOT requirements for this COA.

A disabled Widow(er) is an individual who applies for RSDI between the ages of 50-59 and is determined to meet RSDI disability criteria.

A widow(er) who applies for RSDI at age 60 or older can receive RSDI without meeting disability requirements. SSA will accept a disability application on these individuals after age 60 only for the purpose of establishing Medicare entitlement. These individuals are not eligible for Medicaid under the Disabled Widow(er) COA. Consider eligibility under all other COAs, including Widow(er) Age 60 to 64 COA.

Disabled widow(er)s whose SSI was terminated on or after 1/1/91 are allowed to count previous months of SSI eligibility toward the 24-month waiting period for Medicare entitlement.