I'm not sure what's going on here, but I'll take a shot. If your cousin's husband died, then the will controls who gets his belongings. If your cousin executed a durable power of attorney, then the power holder can assist her with collecting such belongings. If the powerholder is deceased, then the alternate powerholder can help. If there is none, then the power of attorney is void. In most cases, the ex-wife would not have a claim to the social security benefits of a deceased ex-spouse. (There can be an exceptions to the rule, but those usually involve children, and you mentioned there are none.)
As for what to do next, if the cousin has periods of lucidity, then have her execute a new durable power during a period of lucidity. If she's never lucid, then a guardianship may be in order.
Dave
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