Father dies, mother with dementia has no POA. She needs to get his SS to be able to keep paying for her memory care. Any suggestions?

SS does not recognize POA.

Have you gone to SS and talked to them. Your Mom is not the only person who has been in this situation. I don't think a lawyer is needed. Did u talk to the SW at the facility. This should not be something new to her.

For legal authority for her other affairs (like medical and other financial) you will probably need to seek guardianship, but you will need to find out what's possible in her county/state. Consulting an elder law attorney for this will give you answers.

Apply on line, they will have his death record...or at least they should.