Surviving Spouse Resources and Links

This page is designed to provide resources to surviving spouses and answer some of the more frequent asked questions of MOAA regarding survivor issues. Access more MOAA resources by visiting MOAA.org or MOAA's Surviving Spouse page, and learn more about joining MOAA.

(Jump directly to Suggested Reading or information about Survivor Organizations.)

Q. How do I reach out to MOAA's Surviving Spouse Advisory Council?

A. Email the council at sscomm@moaa.org. Meet the members at this link.

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Q. How do I reach out to, or join, MOAA's Surviving Spouses Virtual Chapter?

A. Email the virtual chapter at mssvc02@gmail.com. You can also join the chapter's Facebook group or visit its website to find details on membership, upcoming meetings, and other resources. Learn how to apply for membership.

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Q. What publications does MOAA provide to surviving spouses?

A. MOAA provides multiple publications. You may also be interested in some spouse and family publications or financial publications. Resources beyond publications, including advocacy news and monthly updates to MOAA's Surviving Spouse Corner, are also available.

MOAA's Minnesota Chapter has compiled The Day After Calls, an online publication to help families with steps to take when a military member passes.

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Q. In addition to surviving spouse materials, what other information can you provide about joining MOAA, or about other resources?

A. The lists below are grouped by topic. Not finding what you're looking for? You can reach out to MOAA's Member Service Center at 1-800-234-6622 or at msc@moaa.org.

MOAA LINKS

MOAA Insurance
MOAA career/transition assistance (Includes spouse employment resources. Also check out the Pentagon's Military Spouse Employment Partnership)
More benefits of MOAA membership

HEALTH CARE LINKS

SURVIVOR BENEFITS LINKS

VA BENEFITS LINKS

FINANCIAL LINKS

GENERAL FINANCIAL LINKS/GUIDANCE

SOCIAL SECURITY

Information regarding Social Security, including how to report a death as well as benefits for survivors, can be found at SSA.gov.

SCAMS

It is important to be aware of different types of scams, to have preventive measures in place to avoid them, and to know what steps to take if you have been scammed More resources:

SURVIVORS' ORGANIZATIONS

Organizations that support Surviving Spouses, Surviving Children, the Wounded/Disabled, and Caregivers

SUGGESTED READING

GRIEF AND LOSS

A Grief Observed C.S. Lewis
A Widow's Guide to Healing: Gentle Support and Advice for the First Five Years Kristin Meekhof and James Windell
Getting Past What You'll Never Get Over John E. Westfall
Healing A Spouse’s Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas After Your Husband or Wife Dies Bonnie Carroll and Alan D. Wolfelt PhD
Here If You Need Me: A True Story Kate Braestrup
Heaven is for Real Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent
How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies Theresa A Rando, PhD
I Wasn’t Ready To Say Goodbye Brook Noel, Pamela Blair PhD
Life After Loss Bob Deits
Live, Love, and Let Go James K. Abshire MD
Military Widow: A Survival Guide Joanne M. Steen
On Death and Dying Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Second Firsts: Live, Laugh, Love Again Christina Rasmussen
Stitches Anne Lamott
When Bad Things Happen to Good People Harold S. Kushner
When God Winks Squire Rushnell
Why Are the Casseroles Always Tuna? Darcie Sims

DEATH OF A CHILD

Lament for a Son Nicholas Wolterstorff
The Worst Loss: How Families Heal from the Death of a Child Barbara D. Rosof

SUICIDE

After Suicide Loss Bob Baugher and Jack Jordan
Making Peace With Suicide: A book of Hope, Understanding and Comfort Adele Ryan McDowell PhD

FINANCIAL

A Widow's Guide to Healing: Gentle Support and Advice for the First Five Years Kristin Meekhof and James Windell
Financial Strategies for Today's Widow: Coping with the Economic Challenges of Losing a Spouse David Latko