SETTLE
Benefits & Claims
Robert Kowalski Estate
Settle found
4 Potential Benefits
Based on Robert's profile, employment history, and public records, you may be entitled to money you haven't yet claimed.
Total estimated value
$4,520 lump sum  +  $1,840 / month ongoing
Benefit 1 of 4
Social Security Survivor Benefit
Estimated $1,840 / month (ongoing)
Eligible Sandra Kowalski — surviving spouse, age 68
Status Not yet applied
What this is

As Robert's surviving spouse, you are eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based on his work record. At age 68, you would receive approximately $1,840 / month — based on Robert's estimated benefit at full retirement age. Benefits can be retroactive up to 6 months, meaning you could receive a back payment when you apply.

How to claim — 3 steps
  1. Call SSA: 1-800-772-1213 (Mon–Fri, 8am–7pm). Say: "I'm calling to apply for survivor benefits as a surviving spouse."
  2. Gather before you call: Robert's Social Security number, your SSN, certified death certificate, your birth certificate, and your marriage certificate.
  3. Ask about retroactive payment. Benefits can be backdated up to 6 months — the SSA representative can confirm your eligible start date.
Settle can help
Generate a call script with exact phrases to use with SSA
Print a document checklist to take to the call
Track your application status here
Benefit 2 of 4
Unclaimed Property — Illinois
Estimated $340
Source Illinois State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division
Status Not yet claimed
What this is

Robert has $340 in unclaimed property registered with the State of Illinois. This is likely an old bank account, uncashed check, or insurance refund that was turned over to the state. The state holds it indefinitely — it does not expire and there is no fee to claim it.

How to claim — 3 steps
  1. Visit icash.illinoistreasurer.gov and search for "Robert Kowalski."
  2. Confirm the matching record and start an online claim. You will need: certified death certificate and documentation showing your status as heir or executor (letters testamentary work).
  3. Submit the claim. Illinois typically processes within 90 days and pays by check to the address on file.
Settle can help
Link directly to the verified record on the IL Treasurer site
Remind you to check TX and CA — Settle searched those too
Benefit 3 of 4
VA Burial Benefit
Estimated $2,000 + $948 plot allowance
Eligible Robert served US Army, 1978–1982
Status Not yet applied
What this is

Because Robert served in the US Army, his estate is eligible for a $2,000 burial allowance and a $948 plot allowance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sandra may also be eligible for a headstone or grave marker at no cost. These are separate from any other benefits and do not reduce them.

How to claim — 3 steps
  1. File VA Form 21P-530EZ (Application for Burial Benefits). You can file online at va.gov/burials-memorials or mail to your regional VA office.
  2. Gather: DD-214 (discharge papers), certified death certificate, and burial receipts showing what was paid.
  3. For the headstone or marker, file VA Form 40-1330 separately — this can be submitted at the same time.
Don't have Robert's DD-214?
You can request it from the National Personnel Records Center by filing SF-180. Settle can help you complete and submit that request — it typically takes 1–3 weeks.

Settle can help
Pre-fill VA Form 21P-530EZ with Robert's information
File the SF-180 to request the DD-214
Track both claims in one place
Benefit 4 of 4
Pension Survivor Benefit — Potential
Estimated $180 / month (needs verification)
Source Midwest Manufacturing — Robert's employer, 1987–2012
Status Needs investigation
What this is

Robert worked at Midwest Manufacturing for 25 years. Companies with pension plans often provide survivor benefits to spouses. Settle found a record suggesting Robert may have had a defined benefit pension — but this cannot be confirmed without contacting the employer directly.

Settle cannot confirm this benefit exists. The estimated $180 / month is based on typical pension values for a 25-year tenure. You must contact Midwest Manufacturing to verify.
How to investigate — 3 steps
  1. Call Midwest Manufacturing HR: (312) 555-0189. Ask: "Does Robert Kowalski have a pension or retirement benefit on file? I'm his surviving spouse."
  2. If HR cannot help, ask for the benefits administrator or the name of their pension plan administrator. Many pensions are managed by third parties.
  3. If Midwest Manufacturing has closed or merged, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) may have assumed the plan. Call PBGC: 1-800-400-7242.
Settle can help
Generate a call script for the Midwest Manufacturing HR call
Research whether the company has merged or closed
Search PBGC records for Robert's name
How did Settle find these?
Social Security Based on Robert's age and work history you provided
Unclaimed property Searched state databases in IL, TX, and CA
VA benefits Based on military service dates you provided
Pension Based on employment history you provided

Settle checks: state unclaimed property databases, NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, VA records, and known employer benefit programs. We cannot guarantee any amount. Estimates are based on public data and typical benefit levels.

Claim Tracker
Social Security survivor benefit Not started
Unclaimed property — Illinois Not started
VA burial benefit Not started
Pension investigation Not started
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