Can ex-wives get military benefits after a vet passes?

So, my ex-husband was a disabled vet. We were married for 13 years, and he had only a 10% disability rating. He passed away about a year and a half ago. I know his disability ends with him, but I’m wondering if there’s any chance I might qualify for something? I think his fourth wife might’ve already applied for entitlements. Just curious if anyone knows how this works?

I think ex-spouses can only get benefits if it was ordered during the divorce. Did you have anything like that?

FelixFollan said:
I think ex-spouses can only get benefits if it was ordered during the divorce. Did you have anything like that?

Nope, nothing like that in the divorce. Does that mean I’m out of luck?

FelixFollan said:
I think ex-spouses can only get benefits if it was ordered during the divorce. Did you have anything like that?

Yeah, without a court order, there’s not much you can do. The disability doesn’t transfer either, unfortunately.

Was he getting any retirement benefits? Sometimes those can be split, but it depends on the situation.

Noe said:
Was he getting any retirement benefits? Sometimes those can be split, but it depends on the situation.

No, no retirement benefits, just the disability. I guess that means there’s nothing left to claim?

Noe said:
Was he getting any retirement benefits? Sometimes those can be split, but it depends on the situation.

Yeah, sounds like it. Retirement benefits are usually the only thing that can be divided. Sorry about that.

Wait, what’s the deal with the fourth wife applying? Could she block you from anything if you were eligible?

Laken said:
Wait, what’s the deal with the fourth wife applying? Could she block you from anything if you were eligible?

I’m not sure. I just know she applied for entitlements after he passed. Does that mean she gets priority?

Laken said:
Wait, what’s the deal with the fourth wife applying? Could she block you from anything if you were eligible?

Not really about priority—more like, if she qualifies for something, she gets it. But if you’re not eligible, it doesn’t matter what she’s doing.

FYI, federal laws like USFSPA only cover military retirement pay division during a divorce. It doesn’t apply here, unfortunately.

Jai said:
FYI, federal laws like USFSPA only cover military retirement pay division during a divorce. It doesn’t apply here, unfortunately.

Thanks for clarifying. So there’s no chance for disability or retirement benefits for me in this case?

Jai said:
FYI, federal laws like USFSPA only cover military retirement pay division during a divorce. It doesn’t apply here, unfortunately.

Exactly. Without a court order from the divorce or retirement benefits involved, there’s nothing you can claim. Sorry.

Did he ever have a VA pension or life insurance? Those might be separate from what you’re thinking.

Gale said:
Did he ever have a VA pension or life insurance? Those might be separate from what you’re thinking.

Not that I know of. Just the disability benefits, and those ended when he passed.

Gale said:
Did he ever have a VA pension or life insurance? Those might be separate from what you’re thinking.

Got it. Yeah, disability benefits don’t carry over. Sorry for the confusion!