Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges
My ex-husband was killed in a car accident in November 2018.
We were married legally for five years.
We got divorced so our daughter could get SSI.
Once you finally get your finances in order, you want to keep them that way. Here arefour moves to make now.
She has cerebral palsy.
When we divorced, we didnt tell anyone except for Social Security.
Not even his parents knew we were divorced.
We were planning on getting married again at the justice of the peace after our daughter turned 18.
Unfortunately, he was killed three months before her 18th birthday.
I took care of his funeral, and I am administrator of his estate.
My daughter draws off of his benefits since she is disabled.
I was told I dont qualify.
Is there some way around this?
I barely worked in the 20 years we were together.
I stayed home to take care of our daughter.
She had endless doctor appointments, physical, occupational and speech therapy appointments, and several surgeries.
Even now it is difficult for me to find a job around her schedule.
Surviving Spouse
Dear Surviving Spouse,
Unfortunately, the circumstances of your divorce dont matter to Social Security.
But it sounds like you may qualify for something called Mothers or Fathers Insurance benefits after your heartbreaking loss.
The program is administered through Social Security.
You dont have to meet the 10-year marriage requirement, though you have to remain unmarried.
Youll only be eligible for this benefit if your daughter remains in your care.
Looking for a few ways to make extra money this month?
Here are some of our favorite ways to pad the ol bank account without getting a full-on second job.
If this is an option, you could earn Social Security credits of your own in addition to income.
I hope these options will help to fill the financial void left behind.
Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
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