CDA Social Security & Government Benefits in Divorce 3

Question 1

Divorce is a qualifying life event for COBRA continuation coverage. How long can a divorced spouse maintain coverage under the former spouse's employer health plan via COBRA?

Accepted Answer

36 months

Answer

Divorce is a qualifying event entitling the divorced spouse to up to 36 months of COBRA continuation—longer than the 18-month period triggered by job loss.

Question 2

A non-working spouse who lacked their own Medicare work credits can qualify for Medicare based on an ex-spouse's work record if the marriage lasted at least:

Accepted Answer

10 years

Answer

Similar to Social Security spousal benefits, qualifying for Medicare Part A premium-free through an ex-spouse's record requires a marriage of at least 10 years.

Question 3

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) differs from regular Social Security disability or retirement benefits in that SSI is:

Accepted Answer

A needs-based program funded by general federal tax revenues, not FICA

Answer

SSI is a needs-based program funded by general federal revenues rather than payroll taxes, and eligibility is based on financial need and disability or age, not work history.

Question 4

Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA), military retirement pay in a divorce can be:

Accepted Answer

Treated as marital property divisible by state courts

Answer

The USFSPA authorizes state courts to treat military retired pay as marital property subject to equitable distribution in divorce proceedings.

Question 5

In military divorce, the '10/10 rule' means the former spouse qualifies for direct payment from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) when:

Accepted Answer

The marriage overlapped at least 10 years with 10 years of creditable military service

Answer

The 10/10 rule requires the marriage to have overlapped at least 10 years with 10 years of creditable military service, qualifying the former spouse for direct payment from DFAS rather than from the service member.

(CDA) Certified Divorce Advisor Practice Test

(CDA) Certified Divorce Advisor Practice Test

CDA Social Security & Government Benefits in Divorce 3