Benefits for Widows

Widows not only have to deal with the grief of losing their spouses, but also deal with a loss of income, and may not be able to receive needed benefits. Without adequate funds, bills become overdue, and it may be difficult to put food on the table. Grants for widows not only help with household expenses, but can also provide the funds for widows to pursue personal goals, which can improve the quality of their lives.

Army Stateside Spouse Education Program

Sponsored by the Army Emergency Relief Foundation, the Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program (SSEAP), was created to allow widows and widowers of soldiers who died while on active duty or were in a retired status, the opportunity to receive financial assistance in pursuing their educational goals. Applicants must be live in the United States, and be either enrolled, accepted, or in a pending status as full time students in a college or vocational school, that is approved by the United States Department of Education. Funds will be awarded based on financial need, taking into consideration the size of the family, income and assets, and special financial debts and circumstances. Grants for widows can total up to $2700 per academic year, for up to four academic years. An application and required documentation must be submitted to the SSEAP program.

Headquarters, Army Emergency Relief
Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, VA 22332-0600
866-878-6378 (Toll Free)

Social Security Survivor Benefits

If a spouse is working, a portion of income is paid as Social Security taxes. In order for a widow to receive Social Security Benefits, her deceased spouse must have worked, and received Social Security credits. Reduced benefits can be received at age 60, but in order to receive full benefits, the widow must wait until she is at full retirement age or older. If widows take benefits at an earlier age, benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month until a widow's full retirement age. Disabled widows can receive benefits starting age 50. To apply for Social Security Survivor benefits, report a spouse's death to the local Social Security office. If a widow is already receiving Social Security benefits, benefits will be changed to survivor benefits. For widows who are not receiving Social Security benefits, an application for survivor benefits can be submitted at the local Social Security office.

Widows Of Deceased Veterans

Founded in September 2004, the Widows of Deceased Veterans Foundation provides financial assistance to veteran's widows who do not qualify for Veteran Survivor Benefits. The Foundation provides assistance with monthly rent, car insurance, utilities, and other urgent needs. In addition to financial assistance, widows receive grief and other types of counseling, as well as health and wellness services, such as high blood pressure, diabetes management, and preventative health maintenance.

Widows of Deceased
Veterans Foundation
2624 East Crestwood Avenue, Florence, SC 29505
(843) 616-0864
www.widowsofdeceasedveterans.com