‘He had an affair, divorced me and left me broke.’ I’m 63 and got a $100K inheritance that my boyfriend quickly spent. Now I have just $800 a month in Social Security. Help.

Question: “I am 63 and took Social Security early. My father left me a $100,000 inheritance for my retirement when he died in 2001. I met a man on the internet from Jordan. I worked double shifts to send him money and to support me. He found out I had inherited money and immediately told me he loved me. We got married after I went to Jordan and we proceeded to get him his visa and citizenship. He told me that since we were married, he needed access to the money and I had nobody except him in my life; after we had been married for one year and 10 months, all the money was gone. I eventually got him here, but not long before he had an affair, divorced me and left me broke.

Now I need hip replacement surgery. My current boyfriend is 73 and won’t be around very long. I have a home that I still owe at least $48,000 on and I only get $800 a month from Social Security. I’m so freaked out about my finances. I don’t know what my options are or what to do. I don’t want to be homeless, but I feel really hopeless.”

Answer: This is a heartbreaking situation, but there is hope for you — and there are pros who can help. “Financial vulnerability can be compounded by emotional and physical hardship. The first step you need to take is connecting with a certified financial counselor or nonprofit credit counseling agency, someone who can help assess your full financial picture and explore options like mortgage assistance, benefits programs and debt relief,” says Nick Hamilton at Alliant Retirement and Investment Services.

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Given your limited income and medical needs, you should also look into social services that support seniors and individuals with disabilities. “You may want to explore programs like Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid and local housing assistance, which can help ease your financial burden,” says Hamilton. SSI, which is often confused with Social Security income, is a needs-based program for seniors and people with disabilities and does not require a work history, unlike Social Security income which is based on work history. Fortunately, you can collect both SSI and Social Security income simultaneously if your income and assets fall below certain thresholds with assets under $2,000, not including your primary residence, vehicle or personal belongings.

With only $800 a month coming in, your mortgage is your biggest risk. “You should contact a HUD-approved housing counselor right away to explore hardship or refinance options. Some programs can lower or pause payments for seniors. You also need to talk to your doctor and local senior services about getting your hip replacement covered or subsidized. Fixing your health is part of fixing your finances,” says Aaron Cirksena, founder and CEO of MDRN Capital.

If you’re eligible, you can also apply for property tax relief or utility assistance programs that could free up some monthly cash flow. “There are resources out there, but navigating them alone can be overwhelming. A trusted professional can help you prioritize your urgent needs like securing housing and accessing healthcare while also building a longer-term plan to stabilize your finances,” says Hamilton.

There are certified financial planners who offer pro bono services through the Financial Planning Association and the Foundation for Financial Planning. You may also want to reach out to Savvy Ladies, which is a nonprofit that offers free sessions with financial advisers. Another site worth looking into is AdvisorsGiveBack.org. “It’s a good option for pro bono work, although if you have a complex issue, it may be too much for a volunteer adviser,” says certified financial planner Mark Struthers at Sona Wealth Advisors.

That said, emotional support is equally important. “Financial trauma can be isolating, so finding a community, whether through senior centers, support groups or faith-based organizations can make a real difference,” says Hamilton. The Crisis Text Line offers free, confidential support for those suffering with financial anxiety and stress.

Have an issue with your financial planner or looking for a new one? Email questions or concerns to picks@marketwatch.com.

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