As part of two major non-profit organizations meant to support widows and widowers, I have both witnessed and experienced the devastating emotional and financial challenges that young widows and widowers face. Often, we find ourselves unsupported, grappling with a lack of life insurance benefits and other pertinent assists. These financial struggles add to the stress during a period when our primary focus should instead be self-care and mental health. 

The cost is more than just personal. The National Widows Association estimates there are about 800,000 new widows each year in the United States and over 11 million widows overall. Among these, a significant number are under 67 years, old and face an uphill battle to access Survivor Benefits. The Survivor Benefits they do receive are often substantially lower than the full value of what their spouse had earned—an unjust system that needs urgent redress. Widows and Widowers under age 67 are only entitled to a one-time benefit of $255. 

We request the Social Security Administration (SSA) to enforce a policy ensuring Widows and Widowers under the age of 67 receive full value Survivor Benefits based on the lifetime earnings of their departed spouse, and for the continued payment of these benefits until such due earnings are fully exhausted to prevent downfall.

Let us bring equity for widows and widowers, and help them regain financial stability and focus on personal recovery, rather than surviving day-to-day. Stand with us in calling for this essential reform and demand justice for all widows and widowers under 67. Please, sign the petition.

More on Survivors Benefits Can Be Found Here: chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf   *As a sidenote beyond this matter for younger widows and widowers, it is worth pointing out that senior widows and widowers only receive either their own or their spouse's SSI rather than both. Therefore, there is an ongoing occurrence of funds never being accessed despite an individual's work service over time. A change should occur in several areas regarding this. Many of our seniors are also suffering in this economy.

HISTORY OF WIDOW/WIDOWER BENEFITS: https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/workingpapers/wp92.html#:~:text=Widow%20benefits%20have%20been%20a,primary%20insurance%20amount%20(%20PIA%20)