Divorce & Widowhood

Both divorce and widowhood can be extremely emotional and often times unexpected events in a woman's life. And the difficulties are often further compounded by the practical issues that arise during these transitional periods. WISER has developed various resources to help make this time a bit less stressful and to help you make smart and informed financial decisions.


Helpful Tools:

Divorce
Divorce and Retirement:
Take Control of Retirement Benefits

Because pension and retirement benefits are not automatically split in a divorce, this short, common-sense guide emphasizes the importance of these benefits and offers valuable information on marital property, negotiating an agreement, and getting a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO). Download this publication for free:

  

 

WISER, in conjunction with the Heinz Family Foundation, released What Women Need to Know About Retirement, a free e-book available for PDF download. Download Chapter 7, which deals exclusively with the process of becoming a widow: When the Unthinkable Happens.


Widowhood
Further information on Social Security benefits for Widows:

Contact the Social Security Administration or call them at 800-772-1213, and ask if you are eligible for:

  • survivor benefits
  • surviving child benefits
  • lump sum death payment
  • black lung benefit, and/or
  • Medicare benefits

Read WISER's information on Social Security

Seven Life-Defining Financial Decisions is a joint project of WISER and the Actuarial Foundation.
Download Chapter 3: Marriage and Family

 

For more helpful resources on Divorce and Widowhood, click here. 



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