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Your Social Security Questions Answered

Read answers to reader-submitted Social Security questions from Martha Shedden, RSSA’s CLO, and her team of experts. Submit your own question to Martha here.

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When can my wife begin collecting spousal benefits?

Full question: Hi Martha. I just turned 59 yeas old and have been collecting SSDI and a private disability benefit for the past 3-4 years. My wife of 36 years will be 60 years old in early July. She is retired from New York State and collecting her retirement benefit from NYS. Unfortunately, due to…

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Can I collect a survivor benefit now before collecting my own benefit at 70?

Full question: I’m 67 and my financial advisor is working with me to delay collecting until age 70. My wife was collecting Social Security since 2018 until her passing two months ago. Can I claim surviving spouse benefits until 1 turn 70? Hi there, Yes, since you are over the age of 60 and your…

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Can I apply for my husband’s Social Security if I am collecting disability?

Hello, Yes, you can apply for spousal benefits on your husband’s Social Security record if you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Once your husband starts receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you may be eligible for an additional spousal benefit if half of his full retirement benefit is higher than your SSDI benefit. For…

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Can my wife apply for Social Security at age 62?

Full question: My wife is 57. If she applies for Social Security at age 62 will she get the higher of her SS benefits or 50% of mine (age 68). Also the 3:1 restriction before FRA – that amount will be added at FRA – so a person does not lose it – but it…

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If I am still working and file 1099, what’s the best route to still pay into Social security?

Hello, Thank you for reaching out with your question about paying into Social Security while working as a 1099 independent contractor. As a self-employed individual filing a 1099, you are responsible for paying Social Security and Medicare taxes through self-employment taxes. This is done by filing an IRS Schedule SE (Form 1040) to report your…

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Can I apply for spousal benefits once my husband’s SSDI converts to Social Security retirement benefits at his FRA?

Full question: I have a question regarding drawing on spousal benefits. Here is our scenario: My husband became eligible and started drawing on SSDI at age 61 in December 2021. He will reach FRA age in Sept 2027. (DOB Sept 1960). This is when his SSDI will convert over to SS retirement benefits. As a…

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