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Your Social Security Questions Answered

Read answers to reader-submitted Social Security questions from Martha Shedden, NARSSA’s Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer, and her team of experts. Submit your own question to Martha here.

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What benefits am I eligible for if I am divorced and care for a disabled adult child?

Full question: Will I get 50% of my ex-spouse’s Social Security along with my own Social Security when I reach FRA if I care for his DAC? Hi there, Thank you for reaching out with your question. If you are caring for your ex-spouse’s disabled adult child (DAC), you may be eligible to receive benefits…

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Can I collect a spousal benefit now and switch to a survivor benefit later?

Full question: I will be 65 in February 2026. My spouse died fifteen years ago at age 54. Can I take a spousal benefit through Social Security at age 65 and then survivor benefit at full retirement age? My spouse’s benefit will be considerably more than mine. I earn 32,000 annually. Thanks. Hi there, If…

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My wife has less than 40 quarters for Social Security. What does that mean?

Hello, Having less than 40 quarters of credit means that your wife has not yet met the minimum threshold for her own Social Security retirement benefits, which requires 40 credits (typically 10 years of work). However, she may still be eligible for spousal benefits based on your Social Security record if you are receiving retirement…

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How do I address a notice informing me that my benefits are being discontinued?

Full question: My mother was married to my American Father for 22 years. She worked in the US and now lives in Bermuda. We received notice that payments would stop September 2025 and have 60 days to appeal. What should we do? Hi there, Thank you for reaching out to us with your concern about…

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Should I be receiving more from Social Security?

Full question: I had an accident at 62 so with no income I filed for Social Security, I also at the time on my ex husband. He had not filed at the time I only received $88 dollars off of his. Now he has filed and draws 2500. My on him is now $99 and…

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I am 63. Should I collect Social Security now?

Full question: My husband is 77 and 14 years older than me. He started collecting his Social Security benefits at 62. I am 63.5. Would it be more beneficial to collect my Social Security now so our household has 2 Social Security checks? How would this affect my survivor’s benefits? He earned more than me….

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