When dad goes into a nursing home, what do I do for financially for mom?

As JoAnn29 said, Medicaid will not leave her destitute. They have a program for the spouses. Yes, there is a spend down so she will lose assets that are saved but that is only fair. Medicaid is a program for the poor. That being said, you mom can still live in her home, drive a car and have some money. The sooner you check into this the better. An elder law attorney who knows your state laws is a good idea even just for one appointment. It would be money well spent.
Best wishes,
Carol

When do you foresee dad going into a nursing home?

This is not an easy situation for anyone who does not understand the rules....I suggest you consider consulting a competent (and well recommended) elder care attorney...I have found several that were not up to date and lucked out finding one who is on the board of my state's legal poobahs.

Kind regards,
Bob

pqwills, we need more information to help answering your question. Why is your Dad going into a nursing home? Did your Mom take care of Dad full-time prior to going into nursing home? Will your parents be self-pay or will Dad be using Medicaid to pay for his care in the nursing home? Does your Mom get social security? Do your parents own a home?

See an elder law attorney that will help so mom does not become impoverished.

It is possible that you dad always worked "under the table" but this is not common. Your mother is entitled to claim social security based on her husband if the marriage has lasted longer than 10 years and when he passes, she get the full benefit.

Even if your mother had no income, I am assuming she still receives social security, but you did not tell us how old either of these people are. To accurately answer questions, we need more details.

Medicaid will not leave her destitute if you have to use them. Her SS is hers, they can't touch it. If this is the route u have to go, you need to talk to them.

More info is needed.

YOU need an elder care lawyer right now. Your mom is entitled to live in the house and get a little income. You can't do this yourself, get an elder care lawyer.