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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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Will Social Security still be around when I retire?

Full question: I’m 34 and finally starting to take retirement planning seriously. With all the talk about Social Security turning 90 this month and all the headlines about it “running out of money”, I’m wondering what to expect. Will Social Security still be there when I retire? Should I plan like I won’t get anything…

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Why do I now receive my Social Security check on a different day of the month?

Full question: I always received my Social Security check on the last Wednesday of the month since my birthday is the 31st. Starting this January, I’m receiving it on the last Monday of the month. Why? Hello, Thank you for reaching out regarding the change in the schedule of your Social Security check. The timing…

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How do I determine my monthly benefit and federal taxes owed?

Full question: Is there a more accurate method to determine the amounts of monthly benefit and federal taxes that will be owed? Hello, For your monthly benefit amount, the best resource is your My Social Security Account, where you can access personalized benefit estimates based on your earnings record. You can log in or create…

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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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Am I eligible to receive my ex’s larger Social Security benefit?

Full question: I plan on taking Social Security next year at age 70. I am divorced. I was married to my ex for 12 years and have not remarried. I have worked 44 years. If ex’s Social Security amount is larger than mine will I be entitled to that amount? Thank you. Hi there, Thank…

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Can I file for ex-spousal benefits and switch to my own benefit later?

Full question: May I file for a Social Security benefit against my ex’s record and delay my own benefit filing until age 70? I am single, age 65 and my ex is also 65. Hello, Unfortunately, no. You cannot file for ex-spousal benefits and delay filing for your own retirement benefits until age 70. The…

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