Social Security
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The one filing decision that trips up most widowed and divorced women, before you file.
Three Paperbacks
The Solo Series:Widowed or Divorced
(18 reviews)Most retirement advice assumes there are two of you. These three books are built for the woman planning on her own after divorce or widowhood.
- ✓Why the benefit you take first may not be the one you keep
- ✓Put who may act for you in writing while it's still your call
- ✓What the care costs — and who runs it when you're alone
- ✓Three complete books, one reality: the plan is yours to build
“You Will Not Find all of this info easily” — M., reader · Aug 2026
Free US shipping · Printed to order · Arrives ~ 2 weeks
$80.97 bought separately. Buy the bundle and save $10.98
For the woman doing it alone now
The income, the paperwork, and the care. All of it has one name on it now.
A marriage ends — by a death certificate or by a decree — and the retirement you had been planning stops existing. It was built on two Social Security records, two sets of hands, and an unspoken assumption about who would handle things if you couldn't. All of that is a question with your name on it now, and the questions arrive together, while you are least able to research anything.
These three books take one hole each. The first is about money you may already be entitled to and are not being told about — survivor benefits, ex-spouse benefits, and the order you claim them in. The second is about the decades after, when the question stops being what things cost and becomes who is allowed to sign. The third is about the part no document performs: finding the help, pricing it, paying for it and checking it, with nobody standing next to you. Buy them together and none of the three is something you are working out at 2am.
Watch
A short overview of each book
Solo Aging
Watch: who would decide for you?
Who decides for you when there is no spouse or adult child to step in.
Long-Term Care
Watch: when there's no one else to call
The order to arrange your own care — what to decide, line up, and write down.
Why all three
Start with the income. Everything else is priced off it.
There is an order to this, and it is not obvious. What you claim from Social Security, and when, sets the income you will be living on for the rest of your life — and for a woman on her own, that same income is the budget her own care comes out of, which is the largest bill most retirements ever produce. The two look like decisions a decade apart. They are one decision made twice, and most people make the second one having never priced it. Then there is the part money does not settle: the blank line asking who may act for you, which used to have an obvious answer and now does not. SSA's own 2026 audit found 5,367 widows missed $113.8 million — about $21,000 each — by claiming in the wrong order. Every figure in all three books, from SSA's own inspector-general findings to what an hour of home help costs where you live, is cited to a named primary source rather than to a blog post.
Every figure cited to a primary sourceWhat's inside
Three books, and the hole each one fills
Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · 132 pages
The $100,000 order
- Why claiming order beats being a "math person"
- What SSA's own 2026 audit found
- The one choice that changes everything
If you are widowed
- What you're entitled to, at what ages
- The switch that's worth six figures
- Remarriage, work, and the traps
If you are divorced
- Yes, you can claim on his record
- The 10-year line and the 2-year rule
- When your ex has died
The money, verified
- How to verify SSA's own number
- What gets taxed — and what to do
- Timelines and the paperwork that matters
The myths, busted
- Claiming on his record won't cut his check
- He is never notified
- It doesn't touch his current spouse's benefit
Your move this month
- The whole book on one decision page
- A fill-in example for each situation
- Five concrete actions to take this week
Solo Aging: Living Well & Planning Ahead · 146 pages
Your care network
- Your chosen "who's my person"
- Exactly how to ask — the script
- A roster, not a single soulmate
The legal scaffolding
- Healthcare proxy & HIPAA authorization
- Durable power of attorney
- Will, trust & no default next-of-kin
Who decides if you can't
- Agents, backups & professional fiduciaries
- Guardianship you choose vs. one imposed
- SSA advance designation
Funding a solo old age
- Long-term-care costs & insurance
- Medicaid, spend-down & the single math
- Medicare is not long-term care
Housing while you still choose
- Age in place vs. move on your terms
- CCRCs, the Village movement, co-housing
- PACE and the isolation risk
The human side
- Being your own health advocate
- Designing connection on purpose
- Cognitive decline & final wishes
Long-Term Care on Your Own · 294 pages
The job nobody names
- The second job — arranging, not bathing
- The care you are already running today
- Four kinds of help, and how yours unfolds
What it costs, and what pays
- Priced by the hour — the real arithmetic
- What Medicare actually does, and doesn't
- What actually pays for the hours
Bringing care into your home
- Where care actually starts
- Agency or direct hire
- Vetting, scope, and the agreement
Running it and watching it
- The manager's job, week to week
- Who watches the care when you can't
- Who is picking you up after the procedure
When home stops working
- The honest signs the arrangement has ended
- The settings, compared without a brochure
- Choosing a place as the person who'll live in it
When you can't run it yourself
- Handing it over, and to whom
- Professional backup, checked first
- The care management map
What readers say about these books
4.7
18 reader reviews
“You Will Not Find all of this info easily on the Social Security website.”
Social Security for Widows and Divorced Women by M. E. Hart is basically a guide for widowed or divorced women to plan for the most in social security benefits. Though it says women, widowers would benefit to know this information. It is hard to get information from social security because they are often only partially knowledgeable themselves. They make mistakes in math and do not realize there is any other way to receive benefits. Even though we try to understand government guidelines it is hard when you are mourning. I suggest purchasing this book if you are thinking divorce or have warning about pending death of a spouse. Then you can peruse the rules put forth and have a plan that will benefit you financially. The book is set up so that you can skip parts that do not pertain to you and for quick reference. Do you take your own benefits? Or Do you take a spouses benefit or a former spouses' benefits? When are you eligible? Which one is the best for your situation and can you change your mind later and receive a larger benefit. These questions are all answered and timely as of 2026 and will be available when you need them.
M., reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Aug 2026
“Long term care on your own”
This book is a great addition to your elderly care plan. It will help you along with planning for your self care as you age. It also gives pointers on what Medicare covers and the basics and how to for daily care from hospital, being at home alone and employing outside help if you don't have a family member close by or present. It's great information that can assist you in making an informed decision on you long term care.
Hidy, reader of Long-Term Care on Your Own · Aug 2026
“If you are planning to age alone or you know someone who is take a look at this book.”
I really enjoyed this book. I think anyone older and looking to age solo can get something from this book. I feel there were many ideas and guidance in this book. I love how the author points out some of us were just caregivers for loved ones and have been down this road but we were taking care of other people now its about us and we need to make a plan read this book if you want some good guidance in this direction.
Tanya, reader of Solo Aging · Aug 2026
“Great tool for those needing to make a will!”
This is a wonderful book for those that need to plan their will, but do not have dependents or a spouse. It is difficult to plan who to have serve as your power of attorney if you do not have immediate family. This book goes into detail about everything from who will make your medical decisions if you can't to affording housing and your care as you age. Most people have their spouse, dependents or family as their POA, but what if you are not married or widowed? And have no children or living family members? This is something that a person must think about when they are alone and need someone to trust that can provide these services. As someone with no children, I did not think much of my care since I am married. But if I am a surviving spouse in old age I need to have a care network of those that can help as I age. This book has been a tremendous help and made me think of things that could become issues in the future. I highly recommend this book for anyone of any age planning their will, elder care, etc. It gives you topics and issues to consider that may not be on your radar right now.
Heather, reader of Solo Aging · Jul 2026
“Vital info”
This book was a great, quick read, but one that holds vital information for women navigating the social security landscape as a surviving spouse (widow) or as a divorcee. One thing I wish, though, as it would've made for easier navigation between chapters that didn't apply to the widow (versus divorce, as these parts were intentionally separated by the penning author) is that the Table of Contents showed corresponding page numbers for each chapter. There are some genuinely vital details that every woman in these categories should know, from deciding when to file to maximize the benefits (their own + their late husband's), to setting up your SSA.gov account in advance online to track your own earnings, and to double checking SSA's calculations. In an audit, a huge percentage of widows weren't paid survivor benefits in the amount they were owed! The author also shares hypothetical scenarios as an example in each part—for widow and divorcee alike. It's a short book, but again, one packed full of vital information.
Alexa, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
Show all 18 reviewsHide reviews
“A Guide for the Solo Ager”
That opening scene the Tuesday morning aide who never shows, leaving the woman in the apartment unaware of the two hours of frantic phone calls happening behind the scenes to fix her week hit me like a gut punch. This book finally names the invisible second job of long-term care, the one that nobody pictures when they imagine needing help. The author walks you through every terrifying blank on that Care Management Map at the back with such patient, unflinching clarity that I felt less alone just reading it. M.E. Hart doesn't sell false comfort, she hands you a flashlight and a map, then sits beside you while you figure out which caverns are yours to cross alone.
Chantal, reader of Long-Term Care on Your Own · Sep 2026
“Great Resource”
This book was really helpful and it explain everything in a way thats easy to understand. I learned a lot of things I didnt know about Social Security benefits for widows and divorced women. The information was clear, easy to follow, and could save people a lot of money if they know what to look for. I definately recommend this book to anyone going through this situation because it answers a lot of important questions and makes a confusing process much easier to understand.
Devon, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“An eye-opening book with a lot of greeting information”
This was a great resource. It had a lot of interesting points and gave a lot of information for someone who is going through the aging process alone. Talks about where to start information that you need paperwork, figuring out how to choose that someone that can make decisions in case you can’t make them yourself. And how to choose the right person for that. As someone who doesn’t have family or a spouse is definitely something that I need to start looking into.
Rosemarie, reader of Solo Aging · Aug 2026
“SSA help for Widows & Divorced Women”
This book offers clear explanations and examples to help the reader find the right social security benefit for them. There is a lot of information that needs to be addressed and some may or may not apply to the reader. This book is a roadmap. The examples are easy to follow. The book includes worksheets in the Appendix which will be extremely helpful.
Reina, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“Social Security”
Tells elders and people who are getting older how to deal with social security and possibly debt after dealing with a lost one, if you or a loved ones social security is not up to date or fine with no issues then you shouldn't leave any problems for your family
Arii, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“Super helpful!”
This breaks down everything you need to know! It covers things like which benefits you should look into, what order to claim them in, and when; which is super important when trying to save money. Worth the read!
Whitney, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“Solo Aging”
This book offers some practical tips and some excellent information if you are interested in learning more about retiring successfully. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
reader of Solo Aging · Aug 2026
“Book For Those Planning On Retiring Now Or In The Future”
A Very Interesting Book to Read for Those who want to plan or are planning to retire. A++
Robyn, reader of Long-Term Care on Your Own · Aug 2026
“Solo Aging: Living Well & Plaaning Ahead!”
This book is great for those who are without kids, or spouses and they're getting older. You're getting older by yourself and need to learn how to find a person who can be your emergency contact, assist you with going to your Doctor appointments, learn what you want for your final wishes. It also explains how to be your own health advocate. It teaches you to plan ahead.
Lisa, reader of Solo Aging · Aug 2026
“Social security information.”
The information is very informative and gives us the knowledge of what social security can provide. I noticed that some information is not up to date. It could be that from the time the book was written things have changed. Still a good book to read.
Nora, reader of Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women · Jul 2026
“Recommend”
It's straightforward, realistic, and sometimes a little uncomfortable which is why I found it useful. It made me realize that the best time to figure out who will manage my care is while I'm still capable of making the decisions myself.
Kayla, reader of Long-Term Care on Your Own · Aug 2026
“The nexts step”
I found this book repeated some of the same information. However for the most part it contains great information for some who has no family to help with age and the steps they need to take
Kathy, reader of Solo Aging · Jul 2026
“Long Term Care On Your Own”
It's a very straightforward book, it talks about all of the necessary topics that should be discussed as you get older.
Riley, reader of Long-Term Care on Your Own · Aug 2026
Good to know
Common questions
What's actually in the bundle?
All three paperbacks, shipped together in one parcel: Social Security for Widows & Divorced Women (132 pages), Solo Aging (146 pages) and Long-Term Care on Your Own (294 pages), all 5.5x8.5. They are the same editions sold separately — nothing is abridged.
Which one should I read first?
The Social Security book, and not because it is first on the cover. What you claim, and when, sets the income the rest of the plan is built on — including what you will be able to afford when care is the bill. Solo Aging comes next, because naming a healthcare agent takes an afternoon and cannot be done retroactively. Long-Term Care on Your Own is the research, and it is the one to read while nothing is urgent.
I'm divorced, not widowed. Is half of the first book wasted?
No — it splits at that fork and works each side to the end, so you read your half and skip the other. The divorced-spouse side is the one more people get wrong: the 10-year line, the 2-year rule, and the belief that claiming on an ex's record cuts his check or gets him told. It doesn't, and he isn't.
How is this different from The Solo Series: Never Married?
That one is two of these three — Solo Aging and Long-Term Care on Your Own — for a woman who never married and so has no survivor or ex-spouse benefit coming. This one adds the book about the money a marriage leaves behind, which only applies if you were married. If you were never married, or were married under ten years and not widowed, buy the pair instead and keep the difference.
Does Medicare cover the long-term care part of this?
Less than almost anyone expects, and we would rather say so up front. Medicare pays for a limited stretch of skilled care after a qualifying hospital stay; it does not pay for the day-to-day help with bathing, dressing and meals that most long-term care actually is, and Medicare says so plainly on its own long-term care page. That gap is what the third book is written about — what the help costs, which public programs cover part of it, and how to pay for the rest.
Is there a free guide that goes with these?
Two, and both are on our site rather than behind an email form. A flowchart that asks a few questions and shows which Social Security benefit to claim first — widow, divorced-spouse, or your own. And the Solo Ager's Document Kit, the fillable HIPAA and advance-directive templates from the back of Solo Aging. Neither one requires the books.
My divorce isn't final yet. Should I wait?
No. The ten-year line is measured to the date the divorce is final, so if you are anywhere near that mark the timing of the decree is itself a decision worth several years of benefits — and it is a decision you can only make before it is signed. That chapter is the reason to read this now rather than after.
How fast does it arrive?
All three books are printed to order and posted together in one parcel. Free US shipping, and delivery runs about two weeks. There is no rush tier, because the printer sets that schedule and not us — we would rather give you the real date than sell you a faster one we don't control.
Can I give one away and keep the others?
Yes. They are three separate books in one parcel, not a boxed set — and the Social Security one gets handed on more than anything else we publish, usually to a friend who assumed she was not entitled to anything.
Ready when you are
$69.99Both paperbacks · shipped together
$80.97 bought separately. Buy the bundle and save $10.98
Free US shipping · Printed to order · Arrives ~ 2 weeks
Free Tool
Not sure which door is yours?
Use our free "Which Benefit, When?" flowchart to see, in a few taps, which Social Security benefit you should claim first — widow, divorced-spouse, or your own — based on SSA's own rules. Then this book walks you through the strategy in depth.
Open the free flowchart →More free tools: Medicare Enrollment Calendar · Senior Discounts · Brain Games
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Get all three books together
The benefits you are owed, the person who signs if you can't, and the care somebody has to arrange. Three paperbacks, one parcel, free US shipping. Start with the money — the rest is priced off it.
Free US shipping · Printed to order · Arrives ~ 2 weeks
$69.99
Three Paperbacks
