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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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How do I respond to this specific question on my application?

Full question: Hi, I’m looking over my Application for SS Retirement Benefits. Question 13 (c) asks to enter information about any marriage if you meet the criteria. I would meet the criteria for having a disabled child and the disability began before age 22, however the child passed away in 2010. I’m confused about how…

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How does continuing to work and the timing of filing taxes affect one’s Social Security benefits?

Full question: My wife has reached full retirement age. She is working and self-employed. She hasn’t paid taxes for last year yet this year. Should she wait until she files taxes before requesting to start benefits? Will she get an adjustment to her benefit if she starts SS before filing her taxes for last year?…

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How do I alleviate SSDI payment issues?

Full question: Hi, I won my Social Security disability on 10/10 of 2025. I have received one check late and now they messed up my whole schedule and went to pay me and they won’t tell me anything about my back pay. I had an attorney. Hi there, If you are experiencing SSDI payment issues,…

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How is my Social Security benefit calculated?

Full question: I’m thinking about retiring in June. Will my benefit be based on the half year or my last year’s earnings? Hello, Your retirement benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings, after being adjusted for inflation, and then also on the age you begin collecting. Here are more details on how…

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I asked to reduce my hours to stay within Social Security’s earnings limit, but my employer thinks it’s illegal. What should I do?

Hi there, I am assuming that you are younger than your full retirement age, FRA, and collecting retirement benefits while still working. Explain to your employer that you are subject to the SSA Retirement Earnings Test and share this information with them. For personalized assistance, you can work with an RSSA here. Best of luck,…

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How much money can I earn without being penalized?

Full question: I’m 66 years old and my full retirement age will be September 2026. How much money can I earn starting in January 2026 without being penalized? Hi there, If you are planning to continue working, and also begin collecting retirement benefits prior to your FRA, you will be subject to the Retirement Earnings…

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