Question
If I'm not receiving the SSDI benefits for my children from Reliance Standard due to custody, should my SSDI benefits increase?
A friend receives SSDI and short term disability through Reliance. When filling out the disability forms 1.5 years ago, he said SSDI pays $1600/mo Social Security Disability for the children. He does not receive the 1600 but his ex-wife who has custody and claims them as dependents does. Should he have been getting more disability each month since his ex-wife has been receiving that money?
Answer
Bill, it depends on terms and conditions relating to “other income benefits” and “offset” under your friend’s long-term disability plan. Most group long-term disability plans reduce your monthly disability benefit by SSDI benefits received by your dependents whether you have custody of them or not.
