Inability to obtain Social Security Determination for Extended Coverag

[Guest Cindy Shupe]

Can the 29 month extended period of COBRA coverage be required for a potentially disabled adult qualifying beneficiary (spouse of employee) who is unable to obtain a Social Security disability determination of disability because she has not contributed to the Social Security system for a sufficient number of quarters due to employment with a state government which does not participate in the Social Security System? If so, who makes the disability determination? Assume all the other parameters for the extended period of coverage can be met (e.g. disability determined to exist within 60 days of the qualifying event, etc.).