Lump Sum Death Benefit
In 2000, my husband and high school sweetheart passed away. I was 40 years old. I was told I couldn’t receive Widow’s Benefit until I became 60. I received a lump sum of $255 from the Social Security Department. I had no job, an apartment, car payments, and utility bills. I needed help!
In 2008, I remarried. My second husband passed away in 2014. He had no insurance. Funeral cost can start at $6,000. Again, I received $255.
When death comes, you can become devastated with loneliness, grief, depression, financial burdens and the reality of your decreased household income.
The Lump Sum Death Benefit was originally acted in 1935. The benefit was based on 3.5% of an individual’s earning with the average LSDB at that time of $96.93. In 1940, the average LSDB was $145.79. In 1950, the average was $147.81 and in 1954, a cap of $255 was established.
My goal is to change the benefits for widows. A widow has been called a widow if she has been married 1 day, 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years. Presently the definition is defined as 10 years of marriage. Another goal is to allow young widows to receive 2 years Social Security benefits to assist in her transition. For younger widows, the benefit would end after 2 years and be reinstated when she turns 60.
I would like the President, Congress and all concern citizens to be aware of this seriuos situation and help change this policy.
Maybe you are a widow or know a widow. Help me help us by signing this petition.
Thank you
10 Comments
I believe you as a widow should be compensated better than this shameful amount. Congress should want to do better in helping widows.
I agree with the petition. Life has changed over the years as well as income levels. 255.00 in the year 2015 is sad...
It's time for Congress to put themselves in our shoes and make our lives a lot better.
The disability allowance should be increased based on the current market cost of living
The amount need to change, we need to help the widows.
The laws should be changed
Totally agree hope this petition will cause change.
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Lump Sum Death Benefit
In 2000, my husband and high school sweetheart passed away. I was 40 years old. I was told I couldn’t receive Widow’s Benefit until I became 60. I received a lump sum of $255 from the Social Security Department. I had no job, an apartment, car payments, and utility bills. I needed help!
In 2008, I remarried. My second husband passed away in 2014. He had no insurance. Funeral cost can start at $6,000. Again, I received $255.
When death comes, you can become devastated with loneliness, grief, depression, financial burdens and the reality of your decreased household income.
The Lump Sum Death Benefit was originally acted in 1935. The benefit was based on 3.5% of an individual’s earning with the average LSDB at that time of $96.93. In 1940, the average LSDB was $145.79. In 1950, the average was $147.81 and in 1954, a cap of $255 was established.
My goal is to change the benefits for widows. A widow has been called a widow if she has been married 1 day, 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years. Presently the definition is defined as 10 years of marriage. Another goal is to allow young widows to receive 2 years Social Security benefits to assist in her transition. For younger widows, the benefit would end after 2 years and be reinstated when she turns 60.
I would like the President, Congress and all concern citizens to be aware of this seriuos situation and help change this policy.
Maybe you are a widow or know a widow. Help me help us by signing this petition.
Thank you
10 Comments
Congress needs to do better by the people who put them there. They manage to keep their pay raises current. Why do they think a benefit based on average income from 67 years ago is sufficient? Let’s make this benefit beneficial! Sheila Williams, Dayton Ohio
I believe you as a widow should be compensated better than this shameful amount. Congress should want to do better in helping widows.
I agree with the petition. Life has changed over the years as well as income levels. 255.00 in the year 2015 is sad...
It's time for Congress to put themselves in our shoes and make our lives a lot better.
The disability allowance should be increased based on the current market cost of living
The amount need to change, we need to help the widows.
The laws should be changed
Totally agree hope this petition will cause change.
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Congress needs to do better by the people who put them there. They manage to keep their pay raises current. Why do they think a benefit based on average income from 67 years ago is sufficient? Let’s make this benefit beneficial! Sheila Williams, Dayton Ohio