Have you sent a copy to the life insurance agency? Check your policy for exclusions. Unless it specifically states something the beneficiary should be receiving a check. Sharon

So many things to think about and to be scared about. I hope the insurance company comes through for you. I can relate to wanting the love and reassurance of your husband. Just when you need it most it's not there. Do you have any family to help you? You do have DS to help you by support. Chris

The life insurance company contested my husband's policy as he had only had it for 3 months before he passed unexpectedly. It was a process but they did pay it eventually. Hang in there I thought the whole process was like adding insult to injury but I would think as long as he
had the policy before he knew he had the disease you should be ok. Take it one day at a time. My faith has helped me through sending prayers your way. Julie

I do have family- my daughter and I are living with my sister and her husband right now. My daughter has been so supportive! She talked with me as I had my breakdown today. She is trying hard to be there for me. I am so thankful that I also found DS! Julie- I am doing a ton of praying and have the word out for everyone I know asking for prayer! Thank You for yours! If anyone can solve this I know God can I just have to keep facing it all as it comes~

Dear Emastin . . another "one day at a time" necessary. I'm almost at 10 months and I've gotten here living by that mantra. A little about my money woes . . . I was left "destitute" financially as my husband changed his Will 16 days before he passed . . . he omitted me completely. (BTW, he had dementia) I found myself with months of bills that had not been paid, living in our home that is not "cheap" to keep up, and zero money in my personal bank account. It hasn't been easy, but by the Grace of God, I am still here in our home, the bills do get paid and I've learned to live frugal. The biggest lesson I've learned through all of this is "humility". I hope the Life Insurance works out for you . . . hold onto that hope. My hubby didn't of all things have insurance to boot! Sigh. I know how scared you are . . just know you are not alone. One breath, one moment, one day at a time. Big hug to you sister . . Dayna

Sharon is right - take a look at the policy, and you will probably need to send them a certified copy of the death certificate. If he didn't know he had ALS, they cannot deny you the policy benefits.

I don't know if you have already done this, but check with the human resources/benefits manager at both your work and his work to see if he had life coverage through work and whether you had dependent coverage on him through your work. Cliff had a huge accidental death policy, but he died of a heart attack so it didn't pay a dime. However, I had purchased a smallish life policy to cover my sons which also happened to cover Cliff, and that one paid out. It wasn't huge, but it helped a lot.

Some other types of accounts come with free small life coverages - some bank accounts, credit cards, etc. It might be worthwhile looking at your accounts for any freebies like that.

If you haven't done so already, apply for the small one-time death benefit you get from Social Security. It's only $255, but every little bit helps.

If your daughter is still in school, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits for her. There is no age limit for disabled surviving children.

As far as your income tax return goes, for 2014 you can still file married-jointly with the appropriate exemptions. The IRS expects you to file your husband's last return. If you have a dependent child, you can file your taxes as "qualifying widow(er)" for an additional two years. It doesn't have all the benefits of married-filing jointly, but the tax rate is nearly the same. Hopefully, these things will help you get a refund to help you get back on your feet.

I am sorry for your loss and that you have this worry on top of it. Most of us took a financial hit at the beginning of our bereavements for one reason or another. It took some adjusting and getting used to, but maybe it's not time to panic just yet. I do understand about wishing he was still around to tell you it would be okay. When Cliff was alive and I would get overwhelmed by everything on my plate, I would say, "It's all so big and I am so little," because that's how I felt. And he would tell me not to worry, we would be all right. When we lost him, I had to tell myself that instead. Not easy! But don't give up, you can get through this, honest.

Love and Hugs,
Martha

emastin,

I am praying that this will all work out for you, and that GOD will show you the way to walk the path you need to walk.

We were unable to get life insurance for my wife, due to her pre-existing conditions, not that any of them were life threatening.

The two accidental death policies we did have, both denied my claim because the care accident (the root cause of her death) happend over 10 years ago. Apparently she would have needed to of passed with in the first 12 months following the accident in order them to pay out.

I understand your financial stress, I have lost almost half of my income with this move, when you figure in less wages, higher rent, and losing her disability income. I have had to make major changes in our living habits, and am still living paycheck to paycheck, just hoping I will have enough to cover the monthly bills.

On top of all of this, you are having to deal with the loss of the most important part of your life. Stay strong, and stay focused, you will make it through this, we are all here for you.

I would not be able to make it financially without my family. I always was frugal but I am super frugal now. Instead of new clothes I mend what I have. I coupon and only buy exactly what I need. When I need to go out I combine several things at once so that I am only driving about once a week. I make sure my trips are in the shortest route to conserve gas and I watch the price of gas so that I get the best price I can. Most of my frugality is easy to do but the hardest one is keeping the thermostat set low so the heat doesn't run much. I wear lots of layers of clothes to stay warm. The up side is that my cat cuddles a lot with me for the warmth.