Posted: 28 July 2010 at 2:44pm | IP Logged

I am posting this here so no other divorcee makes the same mistake.  I was divorced five years ago.  My ex-husband was a retired postal worker.  Neither my lawyer, nor I, was aware that I needed to ask for survivor benefits.  Because he was already retired, I was unable to file an appeal when I learned this.  I thought the annuity I'd been awarded would be lifetime.  It is, but not mine....his.  When he dies I will lose my support.  Now, he has about a year to live, due to melanoma cancer.  I am 67, too old to find a job, too young to give up.  I will be living on $450 per month social security.  I live in Los Angeles.  Impossible.  Do not let this happen to YOU.