As a widow with small kids, finances were a big concern. There are so many things that go into running a household, as I am sure you are aware - the mortgage, utilities, food, gas, car maintenance, and the list goes on. I had never been fully responsible for any of this, and while I had worked in several different professions, I had been out of the work force since my kids were born.
Social Security Survivor Benefits
One of the first things I did after Jon passed was to contact my local Social Security office to see if the kids and I qualified for Survivor Benefits. This program is in place to help widows with young kids make ends meet. There are certain qualifications and income limits, so you’ll want to go to your local Social Security office to get more specifics.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Biological children of the deceased can receive benefits through age 18 or high school graduation, whichever comes last.
- The widowed parent receives benefits until their youngest child turns 16.
- Benefits can be reinstated after the age 60, if you haven’t remarried.
My Dad and I went to the Social Security Office and waited to be seen. When I was called up, they told me they had already been contacted by the funeral home, a copy of Jon’s death certificate had been faxed over, and there wasn’t anything else I needed to do. The benefits would be sent each month without any gap in our income. It was such a relief to have the process already under way.
Prior to his death, Jon had been receiving Social Security Disability, as his ability to work diminished as his illness progressed, and because of this the transition to Survivor Benefits was very straightforward for us. If your late spouse hadn’t been receiving disability, it may take a bit longer to get your benefits going, and you will likely have paperwork to complete, but rest assured, Social Security will make sure you receive any back pay that is due, so you and your children will get everything you qualify for.
As I stood there in the office, I could see God’s provision. He gave us this unexpected blessing that took a lot of financial pressure off. We would be ok. Finances would be tight, we’d have to cut some expenses, live on a very conservative budget, and I would need to find some additional piano students. But I could continue to stay home with my children and pursue Jon's and my desire to home school.
In the midst of hardship, God provided for us in ways I did not foresee. He opened doors that I could not see a way through and reassured us of His love and care for us. I am so thankful for His faithfulness.
If you are a widow with children under 16 or if you are over 60 and have not remarried, I would encourage you to contact your local Social Security Office to see if you qualify for these benefits. Here's a link to learn more about Social Security Survivor Benefits.
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