Her partner died nearly eight years ago, leaving behind three children from their relationship and two from his previous marriage, all aged between 12 and 20.

The woman recently received a call from her late husband’s ex-wife, who told her that another woman had contacted her claiming to have a seven-year-old child by him and letting them know she was seeking survivor benefits. The news has left the family in a state of “shock” with “so many questions.”

She wrote on Reddit: “Why wait seven years to go for benefits? Why wait 7 years period?? Why not go for them when she found out she was pregnant or after she gave birth???” She added: “We did the maths and if it is true, the baby was conceived less than a week before he passed.

“We had separated for a few months, but we worked on our relationship, we still loved each other and wanted to make it work, so we got back together a little before our middle child’s birthday. Two days after our child’s sixth birthday, he passed away.”

The woman said she and his ex-wife are unsure how to break the news to his parents and their children. She asked whether they should “wait” until they know “for sure” and “get answers” – and asked for her fellow Reddit users’ advice. Many were keen to share their thoughts.

One user advised: “I wouldn’t speak to anyone about it in my family until she shows some sort of concrete proof. No need to start drama in the family and kids for something that isn’t concrete.

“If money is involved at that point a lawyer is probably recommended. Like someone else stated she probably doesn’t have legal power to require your children to be DNA tested to prove her allegations.”

Another said: “The advice is to make the woman prove it and not help her do so and to warn any adult children of the same. This isn’t just about SS benefits, this woman is going to be gunning for the estate as well and OP has an obligation to protect her family and that does not include this possible cheater.”

A third commented: “Exactly! A DNA test done at a facility. OP could bring in one of the adult children with ID so whatever the results are should hold up in court. If the kid is his, he deserves the dad’s social security benefits. It takes nothing from OP’s children. If he is not the son then it shuts it all down, see ya later.”

However, someone else pointed out that “cutting in” another child could affect the amount the woman’s children receive.