Understanding Benefit Coordination

In Alabama, when you have both personal SSDI and widow's/widower's benefits:

• Only the higher benefit amount will be paid to you, never both combined.
• SSA conducts a comparison to determine which monthly payment is larger.
• This rule helps prevent overlapping payments for the same individual.

Impact on Widow’s/Widower’s Benefits

Key points to consider about how your SSDI affects survivor benefits:

• If your personal SSDI is higher than the survivor benefit, you will continue receiving your SSDI.
• If the widow's/widower's benefit is greater, SSA will adjust your payment to the higher amount.
• No reduction occurs beyond this benefit coordination.

Eligibility for Survivor Benefits

Requirements for a widow or widower to collect survivor benefits include:

• Being unmarried(with some exceptions for remarriage after age 60 or 50 if disabled).
• Age 60 or older, or age 50 if disabled, to qualify for widow/widower benefits.
• Proper documentation of the deceased spouse's work history and SSA credits.

Applying for Benefits in Alabama

When managing simultaneous benefits claims:

• Notify SSA immediately about any current SSDI benefits when applying for survivor benefits.
• Provide accurate information to ensure correct benefit calculation.
• Timely coordination avoids delays or underpayments.

Common Questions and Pitfalls

Things to watch for include:

• Misunderstanding the benefit offset leading to unexpected income changes.
• Failing to report personal SSDI can cause overpayments and require repayments.
• Not knowing how remarriage affects survivor benefit eligibility.