I'll try to provide as much details as I can, please read carefully. Thanks. Here is the situation:

Length of marriage: 14 years.
The last 6 were spent in a physical separation. There is no legal document or any agreement about the separation. The husband simply moved out.
He took the family car with him.
They have no children.
They do not own real estate together.
During the marriage (8 years) husband's income was 10 times higher. (for example, if husband made $2000 a month, the wife made $200). He had health insurance, but wife wasn't on it. The wife was a housewife but had some part-time jobs.
The couple split the bills (husband collected cash from wife).
The wife could not afford health insurance, or to put any money into a retirement plan.( all her income went to pay half of the bills.). She enrolled in college, right before the separation.

After husband moved out, wife had to pay all the bills, (except car insurance and gas) - her expenses almost doubled.
She could not complete her college degree, due to financial problems.

For the last two years however, her fanatical situation improved because she landed a good job.
The wife still needs a health insurance, a retirement plan, and she wants to complete her degree and further her education.

At the moment husband makes about 20% more money than wife. He has a health insurance and possibly a retirement plan with his company.
He sold the car and bought a new one.
He may own stocks and bonds and have saving accounts.
He may also have some credit cart debts.
(the husband is not eager to disclose his financial situation, so please work with me on that)

Can the wife ask for alimony now? If yes, on what grounds. What would be the legal language?

(Some have asked why didn’t the wife filed for divorce earlier - she simply couldn't afford it. )

Please give me your thoughts, especially if you are a family law specialist or if you have encountered a similar situation. Thanks.
Of course, I will see an attorney too.