Ask Carrie by Carrie Schwab Pomerantz

Dear Carrie: My husband died recently, and it's just me now. Who will look out for me if I have issues with Medicare or Social Security? — A Reader

Dear Reader: My heart goes out to you as you adjust to the loss of your husband. The death of a loved one can make everything else pale in significance. But as your question implies, you still need to deal with the practical and financial issues in life, and those can seem a lot more difficult when facing them alone.

At this time, it's really important to reach out to friends, family and trusted advisers who can help you see things more clearly and prioritize what you need to do to make sure you remain financially secure. Don't be afraid to ask for help —and don't let yourself become isolated. There are lots of community services available if you know where to look for them. For my part, I can provide a few insights and point you toward some resources.

ANSWERING SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE QUESTIONS

Let's start with Social Security and Medicare, since you mention them. As a widow, if you're at full retirement age as defined by the Social Security Administration, you qualify for 100 percent of your husband's benefits. If you're younger, benefits are graduated by age and work status. (Of course, if your own benefit is higher, you should take that.)

The SSA can give you detailed information on what you need to provide to get your husband's benefits (e.g., a death certificate, your marriage certificate and Social Security numbers for both of you) and will work with you to assure you receive the maximum in which you're entitled. You can find specifics on how to apply at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You can also contact your local Social Security office.

Generally, you're eligible for Medicare if you or your husband worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment, you're 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you have questions, there are two primary sources of information:

— For eligibility, enrolling or applying for the Extra Help benefit available under the prescription drug program if your income is low, contact the Social Security Administration at the number and website above.

— For covered medical services, choosing a Medicare part D drug plan or finding a local doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients, contact the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-633-4227 or medicare.gov.

FINDING SOMEONE TO HELP YOU

Granted, dealing with these agencies can seem a bit overwhelming.

Fortunately, there are organizations that can help you.

One good place to start could be the Area Agencies on Aging. Chances are there's a local branch in your community. These agencies are dedicated to helping seniors get assistance with health care, home care, transportation and more. Many offer specific help with Medicare and Medicaid issues and provide volunteer counselors and community education programs.

To find out what's offered in your community, you first might contact your county's Department of Health and Human Services, which likely has a division on aging and adult services. They can direct you to specific programs.

There are also a number of websites dedicated to senior care issues, such as the Administration on Aging (aoa.gov) and the National Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org). Both provide online tools for finding local resources and support services, as well as information on government health and disability programs, legal resources and more.

I don't know your living arrangements, but if you're in a position to consider an active adult/senior community, this might make sense. These retirement-oriented communities offer access to a wide variety of resources from job counseling to legal services.

Speaking of legal services, another option is to find an attorney who specializes in senior issues and understands how to navigate through the maze of government agencies. This may be more costly — and you want to make sure you get an attorney who is highly recommended. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys has an online locator (naela.org) that can provide a starting point for finding a qualified attorney in your area.

MOVING FORWARD WITH YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE

I know it's not easy, but it's very important that you now take a close look at your new financial reality. You don't have to do it alone. You can discuss it with your family or seek out a financial adviser, if you don't already have one. Talk about how your lifestyle may change. Go over your saving and spending needs and assess your current situation and goals as you look ahead.

The key is to stay active and involved, reach out, and in some ways be your own advocate. By doing so, you may find that you have more of a support system than you imagined — one that can help you move forward with confidence.

Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (tm) is president of the Charles Schwab Foundation and author of "It Pays to Talk." You can e-mail Carrie at askcarrie@schwab.com. This column is no substitute for an individualized recommendation, tax or personalized investment advice. To find out more about Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2009 CHARLES SCHWAB & CO. INC. MEMBER SIPC

DIST. BY CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.

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