Emergency Support & Helplines

You don't have to navigate this alone. These resources provide immediate support, whether you're in crisis, need someone to talk to, or require practical assistance.

In Crisis? Get Help Now

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 available 24/7

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

24/7 Crisis Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Phone: 988 (call or text)

Available: 24/7, confidential, free

Provides crisis counseling and mental health referrals. You don't have to be suicidal to call.

Crisis Text Line

Text: HOME to 741741

Available: 24/7

Free, confidential support via text message with a trained crisis counselor.

SAMHSA National Helpline

Phone: 1-800-662-4357

Available: 24/7, free, confidential

Treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance use disorders.

Grief Support Organizations

GriefShare

Website: griefshare.org

13-week support group program with meetings nationwide. Find a group near you on their website.

The Sisterhood of Widows

Website: sisterhoodofwidows.com

Private Facebook community and resources specifically for widows. Safe space to share and connect.

Soaring Spirits International

Website: soaringspirits.org

Widow/widower peer-based support programs including regional groups and Camp Widow conferences.

Modern Widows Club

Website: modernwidowsclub.com

Support and empowerment for widows through local chapters and online community.

Government & Financial Assistance

Social Security Administration

Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 AM - 7 PM

Survivor benefits, death benefit, and benefit estimates

Veterans Affairs

Phone: 1-800-827-1000

Available: 24/7

Burial benefits, survivor pensions, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC)

211 - Community Resources

Phone: Dial 211

Available: 24/7 in most areas

Local food banks, utility assistance, housing help, and other community resources

Counseling & Therapy

Finding a Grief Therapist

Professional grief counseling can be invaluable. Here's how to find help:

  • Psychology Today: psychologytoday.com - Search for therapists specializing in grief
  • BetterHelp: Online therapy with licensed therapists, often covered by insurance
  • Talkspace: Text and video therapy for grief and loss
  • Open Path Collective: Affordable therapy ($30-80/session) for those without insurance

Check your insurance: Many health insurance plans cover grief counseling. Call the number on your insurance card to ask about mental health benefits.

Online Communities & Forums

  • r/widowers on Reddit: Active, supportive community of widows and widowers
  • Widow Village: Online widow support group and community
  • Hope for Widows Foundation: Faith-based support for Christian widows
  • Young Widow Forum: Support specifically for younger widows

Emergency Financial Assistance

If you're facing immediate financial hardship:

  • Modest Needs: modestneeds.org - Grants for short-term financial emergencies
  • 211: Dial 211 for local rent, utility, and food assistance
  • LIHEAP: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program - help with heating/cooling bills
  • Local churches and charities: Many offer one-time emergency assistance
  • Salvation Army: Emergency financial assistance in many communities

Warning: Avoid Scams

Unfortunately, widows are often targeted by scammers. Be cautious of:

  • Anyone asking for upfront fees to "help" you get benefits
  • Romance scams on dating sites or social media
  • High-pressure investment "opportunities"
  • Unsolicited calls about your spouse's "unclaimed" money

When in doubt, verify. Government agencies will never ask for payment to help you access benefits.