Wasn't Alice entitled to a widow's pension?

[GARFIELDKOOL]

Her husband was supposely killed in an auto accident I believe. But still, even in those day, she should have gotten something, insurance or not. That way, she wouldn't have to bust her ass working all those hours for mediocre pay.

[Jude The Obscure]

Depends on what type of company her husband worked for. She should have at least gotten SS widow benefits and Tommy, dependent benefits.

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by Jude86

Depends on what type of company her husband worked for. She should have at least gotten SS widow benefits and Tommy, dependent benefits.

This is true. SS would be a benefit she would receive, since her husband was a trucker, whatever earnings he made during his lifetime would entitle Alice to SS death benefits. She would continue receiving that until she married, which she never did while the show was on the air. Tommy would receive it up until he is 18-19 depending upon when he graduates or turns 18.

My youngest daughter was receiving SS benefits from her father's death and she was entitled to it until she turns 19 as long as she was in school full-time. Because she finished school in June at the age of 18 and began working full-time, her benefits were ceased.

I don't know abt pension though, like the poster above stated, depends on the company.

I figure Alice was paying roughly around $200 monthly for rent. Remember when Belle was late on her rent, they mentioned $200 a month rent. Then you have electricity and gas. There was mention of her phone bill when Tommy was calling his girlfriend. Alice referenced her bill was going up because of the constant calling Tommy was doing. However, I know there should not have been charges for local calls. Tommy wasn't calling long distance. Anyways, she had to pay for laundry if there are laundry facilities on the apartment property. Then she has clothing, food, and other essentials for her and Tommy. Bus fare to get to and from work. What else?

[catlover79]

Along the same line, wouldn't Florida Evans (Good Times) be entitled to a widow's pension as well? James DID serve in the Korean War.

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by catlover79

Along the same line, wouldn't Florida Evans (Good Times) be entitled to a widow's pension as well? James DID serve in the Korean War.

She must have and also SS benefits. Michael would have also received SS benefits. That is why the family had it so damn good after James died. Notice how the financial woes seemed to be downplayed after James died?

[mstewart]

Sounds like Don, Alice's husband, did not leave her with anything. But the one thing that was interesting about Alice with what Mel was paying her at the diner she would wear practically designer clothes when she was not in her waitress uniform. That's interesting.

[Jude The Obscure]

Maybe she got good deals at Goodwill/Salvation Army stores--you'd be surprised at what you can find!

[mstewart]

Originally Posted by Jude86

Maybe she got good deals at Goodwill/Salvation Army stores--you'd be surprised at what you can find!

You got that right. I found some nice things at Goodwill. A brand new pair of jeans with the pricetags on for $9.99.

But Alice's clothes were more flashy and styling. I doubt it that they all came from Goodwill/Salvation Army. Just a thought about what she was making at the diner, living in an apartment sleeping on a sofabed in the front room while her son took the bedroom, and to wear the clothes she wore.

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by mstewart

You got that right. I found some nice things at Goodwill. A brand new pair of jeans with the pricetags on for $9.99.

But Alice's clothes were more flashy and styling. I doubt it that they all came from Goodwill/Salvation Army. Just a thought about what she was making at the diner, living in an apartment sleeping on a sofabed in the front room while her son took the bedroom, and to wear the clothes she wore.

She must have been cleaning up with tips!

[mstewart]

Originally Posted by catlover79

She must have been cleaning up with tips!

It wasn't that many people coming into the diner plus word was out that Mel was a horrible cook. Barney's had it going on. I found Alice's wardrobe interesting but she looked sexier in some of the dresses she wore.

[Jude The Obscure]

She did moonlight from time to time--maybe she used that for the splashy wardrobe

[Ireneparalegal]

Back in the 70's, you could easily find clothes, especially dresses that appeared flashy, but were not that expensive. The disco era gave a lot of opportunity for the ladies to wear dresses that had glitter or gems embroidered on them, the style back then could easily be found in many stores, even the lesser known stores.

There is a particular red long dress that Alice wore a few times on the show, I seen it at least twice during the first season.

I am sure even on her limited income and budget, Alice was able to find a bargain and it showed that she was limited in her style of clothing as we seen that particular red dress a few times. I had mentioned that red dress in a thread and I remember Brian D. had pointed out to me she was on a fixed income and her wearing that dress more than once reminded the audience of that fact. It wouldn't make sense for her to wear a dress once.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I think her Husband was a Truck Driver

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by Scoobiedoo30

I think her Husband was a Truck Driver

He was. But wasn't he killed while on the job? I thought Alice said this. If so, wouldn't she have received some sort of payout from the company?

Regardless, her husband worked, therefore she is entitled to Social Security benefits and so was Tommy.

[Scoobiedoo30]

yes he was killed on The Job