Losing a spouse is difficult enough without discovering that valuable survivor benefits, insurance payments, or other financial entitlements were left unclaimed. Here are five important steps to help ensure you receive every benefit you may be owed.
Start by reviewing your Social Security survivor benefits. Confirm your eligibility, estimated benefit amount, and claiming options. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim a survivor benefit first and switch to your own retirement benefit later, or follow the reverse strategy. Compare both options carefully to determine which may provide greater lifetime income.
Next, file every available life insurance claim. Contact each insurance company with the relevant policy number and a certified copy of the death certificate. Life insurance proceeds commonly arrive as a lump sum, although installment options may also be available. These funds can help stabilize your immediate cash flow and reduce the need to withdraw money from investments prematurely.
You should also contact the pension plan administrator. If your spouse had a pension, you may qualify for continuing survivor payments if the appropriate survivor option was selected. Rules vary among private pensions, government plans, and military retirement programs, so confirm exactly what you are entitled to receive and when payments will begin.
Do not overlook employer or union benefits. Final wages, accrued compensation, group life insurance, retirement accounts, and additional survivor benefits can remain unclaimed simply because no one contacts the employer or union to ask.
Finally, review your health insurance coverage. If your insurance was provided through your spouse’s employer, determine how long the existing coverage will continue and what replacement options are available. Acting early can help prevent a costly gap in healthcare coverage.
Benefit eligibility, payment amounts, deadlines, and tax consequences vary according to individual circumstances. Consider speaking with the relevant plan administrator, Social Security Administration, insurance provider, and a qualified financial or tax professional before making important decisions.
If this is your first time with me, I’m Elizabeth.
• I help women navigate taking over the finances after widowed, divorce or illness
• I help people comfortably retire 10 years early
• We provide sustainable, predictable income in retirement
• $200 million and thousands trust us with their retirement planning (as of 8/1/2026)
• Book an intro call. https://calendly.com/nova-wealth-intro/novawealthintro
• Join the Second Half. https://retirenova.com/resources
