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Martha Shedden is RSSA’s President and Co-Founder. Read Martha’s responses to questions regarding Social Security. View all questions or browse by category. Submit your own question to Martha here.

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Can you earn work credits from a self-employment business?

Full question: This question is for my mother. She is 67 and she would like to apply for Social Security benefits. She has been a homemaker until my Dad decided to get a small Cafe going. This business is in my mom’s name and my question is, may we apply the last 6 credits she…

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Can I pay my income tax due on my benefits at the end of the year?

Full question: I would rather pay my tax at the end of the year when filing. How do I change that? Thank you. Hi there, I am assuming you are referring to the income tax due on your Social Security benefits. If this is the case, contact the SSA here and have them change the…

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I am a widow. My husband was on disability. What am I eligible to receive at age 62?

Full question: I am a widow, my husband was on disability when he died (at ager 55 years old). What am I eligible to do at age 62- may I collect mine and not collect survivor benefits til 70? Hi there, At age 60 you are eligible for survivor benefits and at age 62 you…

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Why am I not eligible for survivors benefits?

Full question: I’ve been a widow for almost 10 years. I retired 2 years ago and receive a monthly pension. I’ve been denied for benefits for a widow. I have to pay my Medicare. Why do I not qualify for widow benefits? Hi there, My guess is that your monthly pension is the type subject…

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I have a pension from the UK. How will the WEP affect me?

Full question: I am receiving ex spousal benefits and have just become eligible for my own benefits although I am over FRA. I have a U.K. state pension. How will WEP affect me.? Will I still receive the same spousal benefit that I was receiving before? Hi there, If you are receiving ex-spousal benefits and…

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Will my husband’s benefit amount increase when I file for my benefits at age 70?

Full question: My husband is age 50 and has been receiving SSDI income since age 30. I am 63 and intend to file for SS at age 70. Will my husband get a step up based on my PIA at my FRA or is it based on when he reaches his FRA? Hi there, When…

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