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If you are sixty years old, you are entitled to your husband's Social Security survivor benefits. If you worked before you quit your job, check with social security to see how much you've put into the system. If you have all of your quarters in, you can draw your income if it is more than your survivor's amount. If you haven't reached your full retirement age, you will lose some of your money. So, it may be best to take the survivor's benefit for now and then switch over when you reach your full retirement age. Sign up for a food banks if you are having problems with money.

It sounds like you qualify for all types of benefits. Also, check with your employment office for free job training.
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Reply to Scampie1
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Get into grief counseling first so you can figure out how to manage day to day needs. It is an overwhelming difficult time.

If you need more support here, provide us more information about your specific situation.

As another said, since you've been caring for your husband for 11 years.
What is in place over the 11 years? Gena / Touch Matters
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Reply to TouchMatters
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If you have been caring for your husband for over 10 years, you should know where the income was coming for you both. You must have looked ahead to consider when the end was coming for H, and have thought what you were going to do about it,

Could you share the information you have, and the things you have considered?
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Reply to MargaretMcKen
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Social Security survivor benefits:
Spouses and ex-spouses
You may be eligible if you: 

Are age 60 or older, or age 50–59 if you have a disability, and
Were married for at least 9 months before your spouse's death, and
Didn’t remarry before age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability).
Ex-spouses who were married for at least 10 years, as well as some valid non-marital legal relationships, may be eligible.
You might be eligible regardless of age and how long you were married. One common example is if you’re caring for a child of the person who died.
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Reply to Rosered6
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Johnchu, I'm so sorry for your loss. You have lost so much; your full time job, your spouse, maybe even a bit of your identity. We become so wrapped up in being a full time caregiver, we tend to lose ourselves in it, and we take a pause from making plans for the future.

I, too, will be hit financially as well as emotionally if my husband dies. I will suddenly lose my job, my income, and will have to move, as I can't afford to stay where we are on my own. We have hardly any savings, and I will be able to generate very low-income, at best. I will be poor and heartbroken. I don't look forward to it.

My heart goes out to you. He must have had social security income. If you have been married a year and are over 60, you can claim survivor benefits, which would be up to 100% of his SS benefits. Probably not much to live on, if you haven't been able to save over the last 10+ years.
Please, take your time to grieve. Try and keep a positive focus - You are still in the land of the living. Try and re-connect with old friends who you likely lost touch with when you became a caregiver. They might be happy to hear from you again. Try not to overwhelm them with your burden of grief, instead let them lift you up with their stories and joyful living. You may find joy again.
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Reply to CaringWifeAZ
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TouchMatters Nov 20, 2025
I don't see where she lost her full time job?
She doesn't share any information as her situation over the last 11 years.
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How old are you? You should be collecting your husband's social security. There are many jobs you can do from home that are legitimate. You might want to be a paid caregiver or senior sitter in your community.
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Reply to JustAnon
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TouchMatters Nov 20, 2025
Good advice. We all need more information from this writer to ascertain what has been happening over the last 11 years. Something here doesn't add it.
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Do what gives you joy. Findcs rewarding vocation. Volunteer at nursing homes or assisted living. Work in a boutique , antique store, coffee shop. Sit for pets. Keep children. Join a ladies group for widows at church. Most of all take care of yourself. Grieving is normal . Consider counseling service. Sorry for your great loss. God is there for you always. I prayed for you
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Reply to Kalamazootx1
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One of the best examples yet of the need for a higher calling. I do not know if you are a believer, but it does not matter. An all-powerful God is there in you and with you no matter what you believe. Many have believed they would never be left in a situation like the one you are now experiencing. Many of those who overcame their problems had a firm foundation before they became self-sufficient. That foundation is God. God is a God of all no matter what their beliefs. Our brains control our bodies but a Greater controls the brain. You are going to be receiving some good advice from responders, and you should heed them. But for the help you need now seek Yee the Lord, call upon His name that you might be comforted.
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Reply to johnawheeler
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dkiely33 Nov 20, 2025
This won't pay the bills. I think she is looking for practical advice.
(11)
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Become a paid caregiver, I mean you have the experience
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Reply to Elliecares
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Was he collecting Social Security? If he was that should now go to you every month. Contact Social security ASAP
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Reply to Tina1923
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StarJoan Nov 20, 2025
Only if he designated that it should go to her at the time he started taking social security. My husband didn't.
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I'm very sorry for your loss. What were your husband's income sources? Was he receiving Social Security? If so, have you checked into spousal benefits?

Could you take your skills and experience from providing care for him, and use them to apply for caregiving jobs? Agencies are often looking for people, or you may be able to find one through Care.com.

Do you have a house together, that you could tap into the equity, or sell and buy a less expensive place?

Let us know how it goes and how you're doing.
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Reply to MG8522
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John, I am so sorry.
Can you tell us more?
How old are you?
Are you phsically able to get out to Senior Centers in your area? If so, that is where I would start for companionship, options, hobbies, ideas.

Think back. When you were a younger working guy what interested you? Nature, Books, Movies, Games, Puzzles, Walking, sketching. What was it you imagined you would do if you only had the time? Political groups? Church groups? etc.

You were a long time caregiving and somewhere in there you lost other definitions. This is natural and normal because caregiving to a spouse pretty much takes up all the time; there's no time to do anything else, even think.

Is there any family? Did you and wife have any friends remaining?

My heart goes out to you. I am so very sorry for your loss. But know that even if you simply go to a facility and volunteer in caregiving--we have posts here from people who would love to have someone to sit with their loved ones companionably at meals-- you would be both finding a reason for being, and eat up some of what must now seem like long days. Animal shelters are crying out for some to sit with dogs or cats and socialize with them, and potential adopters. The world is full of need. I hope you will update us. And most of all, give yourself a bit of time here. Give yourself time. Know that even getting out to your local library, which will order books and films free for you, would give you an opportunity to volunteer or will have classes to attend.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Lylii1 Nov 20, 2025
I think she has to find a paying job - she says she has no income and no inheritance.
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I'm so sorry for your loss. May you receive peace in your heart and as much rest and help as you need.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Was he a Veteran? Was his illness linked to his military service?
If yes, you would get tax-free DIC.
If he also retired from the military or was diagnosed while serving you would get SBP.
If you are over 60, you can get Social Security.
If you have children 18 or under they get social security and you get it until your youngest turns 16.
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Reply to Caregiveronce
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Can you get Widow's Social Security?. Did he work before getting sick? I received this when my husband passed away 11 years ago from Cancer at 57.
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Reply to Skelly1230
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