dear hilary
please ccheck with the bar association in your area for a lawyer who is a specialist in social security.our son applied a number of times and always was turned down until he found a sharp lawyer and not only succeded in getting ss but evan got a large amount retroactive.that was what he had to give a percent of to laywer.
it sounds like you are trying to get ss as widow and mother of children under 18.maybe that is not the best approach for you. why dont you try to apply as disabled and could qualify under your own or your husbands social security. if the county felt your wrer too ill to care for your children that should give you basis to prove disability.keep your chin up and see if you might find a sympathetic county worker to help you find the right way to word your plea.sometimes we get a no answer because of how we ask .another approach just may help you.
i am praying that you will somehow get what you need
sincerely
connie tate
