Mila Morales' husband, Luis, was a longtime employee of the U.S. Postal Service in New Jersey. His family, after fighting to get politicians and government agencies involved to no avail, asked 7 On Your Side to deliver.
Mila and her husband were married for 49 years, raising their two daughters, Jhana and Luanna. His passing before Christmas last year devastated the family.
"I just want my life. I'm not going to get my life back because my husband is not here," said Mila.
Luis worked as a mail carrier at the Teaneck post office and suffered a medical emergency on the job in 2001.
"The doctor came up. He says, 'What's happening is your husband had a very serious heart attack.'"
Luis had to leave work on disability and Mila fought hard for her husband to get workers-compensation benefits.
"My mom has been my father's advocate forever. " said Luanna Saulino, their daughter.
After he died, Luis was owed one more payment of $931 to which Mila was the beneficiary.
"He had to fill out a form. This was years ago. In case you pass away, who do you want your last pay check to? He put down me," said Mila.
When she went to deposit the check the bank returned it, sending a letter stating they returned the money to the Department of Labor.
"Because you cannot deposit a check in a deceased man's account. I tried to explain to them my name is on the account, too. But it doesn't really matter," Morales added.
Her daughters watched their mom grieve the loss of her life partner and fight for the money she was owed.
"And even in his death, she continues to be his advocate. And no one should have to go through this," said Saulino.
"This is beyond anger. This is money he worked" for, said Mila.
7 On Your Side reached out to the Department of Labor Office of Workers' Compensation and they were able to reissue the check in her name.
"Knowing Lou he probably would say well you finally did it... You called Channel 7," said Mila.
Now they can close this chapter and cherish the memories instead.
"I couldn't be more grateful for Channel 7 On Your Side, thank you," said Morales.