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Surviving Spouse Corner

Surviving Spouse Corner, November 2023

Surviving Spouse / By

Know your State Benefits!


Florida is an extremely friendly state in many respects, but especially in regulations that benefit Surviving Spouses.
If you own a home, you should qualify for the homestead exemption. If you are widowed, there is an additional exemption. Each additional exemption has eligibility requirements and requires that an application be filed at your County Property Appraiser’s Office. The deadline is March 1.
Also I recommend that each of you get a copy of “Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide 2023” and read it. Surviving spouses, who have not remarried, are allowed to continue receiving their veterans benefits in many circumstances. A few examples are listed and quoted below:

Education Benefit

There are scholarship opportunities for spouses (and dependent children) of veterans who died from a service-connected disability. Visit www.floridafinancialaid.org or call Florida Department of Education 888-827-2004.
Property Tax Exemptions: The unremarried surviving spouse of a disabled ex-service member having a VA certified disability of 10 percent or greater is entitled to a $5,000 deduction on the assessment of her/his home.
Any real estate owned and used as a homestead by the surviving spouse of an Armed Forces member who died from Service-connected causes while on active duty is exempt from taxation, if the member was a permanent resident of Florida on January 1 of the year in which the member died.
If, upon the death of the veteran, the spouse holds the legal or beneficial title to the homestead and permanently resides there, the exemption from taxation carries over to the benefit of the veteran’s spouse until such time as he/she remarries, sells, or otherwise disposes of the property. If the surviving spouse sells the property, an exemption not to exceed the amount granted from the most recent ad valorem tax roll may be transferred to the new residence as long as it is used as the primary residence and the spouse does not remarry.
Any partially disabled veteran who is age 65 or older, any portion of whose disability was combat related, and who was honorably discharged, may be eligible for a discount from the amount of ad valorem tax on the homestead commensurate with the percentage of the veteran’s permanent service-connected disability. Apply at the County Appraiser’s office. The benefit carries over to the Surviving Spouse.


State Employment and Promotion Preference

The state and all political subdivisions of the state, shall give preference in employment and promotion to….
The unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability.

Review the specifics above. If you are eligible, act now to gain the benefits your veteran earned for you.

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Surviving Spouse Corner

Surviving Spouse Corner – September 2023

Surviving Spouse / By

As I wrote this column last Monday, we were under a threat from Hurricane Idalia. I spent the day moving patio furniture and tying down small trees and putting loose things in the garage.

When you read this I hope you are well and suffered minimal damage. I have a few recommendations looking forward (for the next one):

Keep in touch with friends and family. Super charge your phone and keep those charging bricks at full power. If you don’t have one, buy one…about $30. Communicate to loved ones about your safety and location.

Find a handyman or strong teenager who can help you move things.

If you have large trees on your property, have them trimmed. I contacted a tree firm two months ago. My scheduled trim date is September 28. Fortunately, that tree was not impacted by Idalia. I should have made plans earlier. Hurricane storms peak in late September and October.

If you don’t have a generator, get extra industrial strength extension cords. In my tree canopied residential area, neighbors often share electricity using those orange cords.

If your freezer is full, start cooking. As you remove food, pack it with ice.

There are lots of other suggestions at various sites, but these are helpful if you live alone.

Virtual Chapter information…

The next meeting is September 19th at 1 pm. The program is about storing important documents in the cloud. Timely topic! The same day, at 5 pm, the BOOK CLUB will meet. This month’s selection is THE PELL HEIST by Norb Vonnegut. The author will attend the discussion.

If you would like to become a member, contact me. I am the Membership Chair and will send you an invitation to the Zoom meeting.

SBP Recipients, please check that FICA withholding is the appropriate amount!

This has been an issue in 2022 and 2023. I recently double checked my deductions and found that the amount still was not correct. Luckily, I have 4 months to make up the deficit.

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Surviving Spouse Corner

Surviving Spouse Corner – May 2022

Surviving Spouse / By

May is the month to acknowledge Mothers. The second Sunday of May is set aside for this purpose. A lucky few of our members can visit, present gifts and entertain their mothers on Mothers’ Day. Most of our membership has lost their mother. This is the natural outcome of aging. We still cherish them and honor their memory, though, and have come to realize and appreciate the sacrifices they made for our benefit.

If you have daughters (or daughters-in-law) who embrace children and family life, you can honor them. They are the family glue. And they are the nannies, the planners, the carpoolers, the housekeepers, the cooks, the gardeners, the peacekeepers, and the social secretaries of the family. Often, they are a wage earner. (These attributes apply to sons and sons-in-law too, but June is their month.) Praise your daughters for their hard work and congratulate their achievements.

There is another group that we can honor in May – the caregivers of our disabled veterans. They assist those who served. The challenges are unique and the caregiver role may last a lifetime. They are devoted to the well-being of our military heroes. Sacrifices in their careers and financial stability are gladly endured. They re-prioritize their personal ambitions, health, and goals to care for the injured and ill. Their service is an invaluable contribution to our Nation and those who wear the uniform. Let’s honor them, too.

Happy Mother’s Day to All!

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Surviving Spouse Corner

Surviving Spouse Corner

Surviving Spouse / By

Hello, today it feels like spring. I want to go outside and feel the warmth of the sun on my face. If that Punxsutawney rodent is correct, it will be Spring in two more weeks. This is a time of renewal. If you haven’t paid your dues YET, do it today. Come to the next meeting and greet old friends, and make some new ones.

A month ago, a few from your Board gave a presentation about the works of our Chapter. Afterward three members from the audience joined our Chapter. They are Billie Sue Giffen, Bonnie Callahan, and Rhoda Spang. We are so happy to welcome you into our group. These ladies all live in the Winter Park area. Rhoda attended the last luncheon, and was introduced by our President.

The Chapter has great plans. We need more members to share in the accomplishments and the work of running this Chapter. If you have a neighbor who is eligible for membership, or a friend who is a Surviving Spouse bring them to the next meeting. Our Board will be happy to greet them and explain the organization. Surviving Spouses are also invited to join the MOAA Surviving Spouse Virtual Chapter. This organization has no dues and meets virtually every Third Tuesday of the month. Almost two hundred Surviving Spouses meet via zoom meeting. The next meeting is March 15 at 1 pm. The agenda in March is formal with speakers explaining the Advocacy in Action effort that will attempt to persuade Congress to adopt bills that will support military issues.

The key issues for focus are the Major Starr Act, a pay raise for our service men and women, and the Tricare Mental Health Copayment.

It’s easy to join. There are no dues. You can do it on the MOAA.org website. If you have problems with the website, I can help. My contact information is on the first page of this publication.

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Surviving Spouse Corner

Surviving Spouse Corner

Surviving Spouse / By

The Holidays are upon us. If you or someone in your family has suffered a loss, this may be a difficult time for you. If some time has passed, it may be time for some reflection.
Times change, people change, our lives change, and our circumstances change. That is Life’s path. I intend to be more adaptive in my life journey. Will you join me?
Here are a few strategies to try.
Share your memories:
Sort through photos and pick out some special ones and write about what was happening that day, or something funny or sweet that someone said in that moment. Be sure to identify the date, persons involved and if appropriate, add a caption.
Begin a diary or a journal and include remarks that reveal your feelings. If you can, do this in your own hand. I still am thrilled when I come upon something my mother, father or husband wrote to me.
Call an old friend or shut-in. A card is nice and appreciated, but a Christmas call will bring more smiles.
Create some new memories:
Start a new family tradition. Revamp your advent wreath or go to Midnight Christmas Eve services if the children are old enough. Let the kids plan the Christmas menu. Be flexible.
Create a new memory with friends. Try a holiday bridge luncheon, cookie exchange, or lunch and a movie. These may be successful and turn into traditions.
I have another suggestion you can do with family or friends, visit the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
On Saturday, December 18, beginning 10:30 am Wreaths Across America will remember and honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our county’s fallen and saying their name aloud.

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