Navigating Social Security as a Widow: Policy, Pitfalls and What's Changing with David Weaver

Navigating Social Security as a Widow: Policy, Pitfalls and What's Changing with David Weaver

From Healthy Widow Healthy Woman by Carolyn Moor

May 16, 2026 · 58 min

About this episode

This episode features an interview with economist David Weaver discussing Social Security benefits for widows and recent legislative changes.

In this Healthy Widow Healthy Woman podcast episode with Carolyn Moor, we sit down with economist and former Social Security Administration researcher David Weaver Ph.D to break down everything widows need to know. We’ll cover: The different types of widow benefits The new SWIFT Act introduced to Congress by NY Senator Gillibrand, How you can support it and what it could mean for your monthly check A recent Social Security’s Inspector General report that found serious problems in how the SSA is handling widow claims David Weaver also shares: What the Social Security Advisory Board is recommending to better serve widows and their children What the latest research tells us about how widows are faring financially The red flags every widow should watch for when dealing with the Social Security Administration. Whether you’re newly widowed or planning ahead, this episode is essential to Healthy Widow Healthy Woman listening for widow advocates everywhere. HWHW Guest Bio: David A. Weaver currently teaches statistics at the University of South Carolina. Prior to teaching, David served as a researcher and executive in the federal government for several years at the Social Security…

People in this episode

Host: Carolyn Moor

Guest: David Weaver

Topics covered

  • Social Security benefits
  • widow support
  • financial advice
  • legislation
  • economic research
  • advocacy

Keywords

  • widow benefits
  • SWIFT Act
  • Social Security claims
  • financial challenges
  • advocacy for widows
  • economic research

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Social Security Administration, Social Security Advisory Board, Congress, SWIFT Act

Places: New York, Georgia, University of South Carolina, Atlanta, Greenville, South Carolina

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