Navigating Social Security When a Spouse Becomes Ill or Dies

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In this episode of Comforting Closure – Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli talks with Martha Shedden, Co-Founder and President of the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts (NARSSA). 

Together, they discuss how Social Security changes when a spouse becomes ill or passes away, and what families can do to plan ahead. This conversation helps listeners understand how illness, caregiving, and loss affect survivor benefits and what practical steps can make a difference during some of life’s hardest moments. 

Key takeaways include: 

• What happens to Social Security benefits when a spouse becomes ill or dies. 
• How timing affects survivor benefits and long-term financial stability. 
• What documents to gather before a crisis. 
• How to avoid common mistakes when claiming benefits. 
• The emotional and practical value of understanding your options early. 

This episode helps normalize conversations around money, planning, and caregiving, especially for families navigating illness, loss, and the realities of aging. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Martha Shedden – www.narssa.org | www.rssa.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli’s Website – https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Social Security Administration – https://www.ssa.gov 

 
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