Finding Our Voice: Widows and Political Engagement Part 2

Policy Impacts & Historical Wins

Policy Impacts & Historical Wins

We'll review landmark policy achievements that have positively affected widows' lives, from Social Security survivors' benefits to recent tax code changes. By examining these case studies, we'll demonstrate how policy directly impacts widows' health outcomes, financial security, and quality of life—underscoring what's at stake when widows' voices are absent from the political conversation.

That got me to thinking about which organizations in the U.S. actively advocate for widows’ rights, working to influence policy, provide support, and raise awareness.

Policy Progress and Advocacy: How Legislation Shapes Widows' Lives

When Eleanor Roosevelt (Legendary Widow) championed Social Security survivors' benefits in the 1930s, she established a precedent that would ultimately save millions of widows from destitution. This landmark legislation represents just one example of how policy shapes the lived experience of widowhood—often determining whether a woman thrives or merely survives after losing her spouse.

As I've reflected on the critical policy achievements that have transformed widows' lives, I found myself wondering: which organizations are actively advocating for widows' rights today? Who is carrying forward this essential work of influencing legislation, providing support, and raising awareness about issues unique to widowhood?

Social Security Survivors' Benefits: The Financial Foundation

Perhaps no single policy has more profoundly affected American widows than Social Security survivors' benefits. Established during the Great Depression, this program currently supports approximately 5.9 million people, the majority being widowed women. For many, especially older widows who may have limited work history due to generational norms, these benefits represent the difference between stability and poverty.

"Before Social Security included survivors' benefits, widowhood was the leading cause of poverty among older women," explains Dr. Linda Patterson, economist specializing in women's financial security. "The monthly survivor benefit, while modest, created a floor beneath which widows could not fall."

However, gaps remain. Benefits calculations still disadvantage women who took career breaks for caregiving, and the much-discussed "widow's tax" (partially addressed in 2020) reduced benefits for military spouses for decades.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017: The "Widow's Penalty" Revision

A less-discussed but significant recent policy change came through the 2017 tax reform, which addressed what many called the "widow's penalty"—where a surviving spouse faced dramatically higher taxes as a single filer immediately after loss.

"The year after my husband died, I was shocked to discover my tax bill increased by thousands, despite my income dropping substantially," recalls Patricia, 59, from Colorado. "It felt like being punished financially while still grieving."

The revised tax code created a two-year transition period with a more favorable filing status, giving widows time to adjust financially. This seemingly technical change translated to real-world breathing room during crisis for millions of women.

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act: The Future Focus

Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act included provisions that significantly impact widows, particularly regarding inherited retirement accounts. While some changes restricted options for non-spouse beneficiaries, the legislation maintained important protections for widowed spouses, including the ability to roll over retirement accounts and delay required minimum distributions.