Financial allowances for dumped lovers? (4)

I believe the answer is:
exes
'financial allowances' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for exes that I've seen before include "Claims made" , "Financial allowances" , "old dates" , "Reduced claim from employer" , "Spouses once" .)