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Ask Martha
Your Questions Answered
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.
How long is the waiting period after filing an SSA-1724 form?
Hello, There is no waiting period after filing an SSA-1724 form to claim amounts due in the case of a deceased beneficiary. Hope this helps! Take care, Martha
Read MoreHow will my UK pension impact my USA Social Security benefit?
Full question: Hi Martha, I am from the UK and retired at 62 here in the USA after 22 years of “substantial” earnings for Social Security benefit calculations. I am also eligible to collect a partial UK State Retirement Pension in 2025 for the years I worked in the UK (50% of current max). How…
Read MoreCan I collect social security from my dead husband even if I work?
Hi there, Yes, you may be entitled to collect survivor benefits based on your deceased husband’s earnings record and still work. You must have been married at least 9 months and be at least 60 to collect survivor benefits and 62 to collect retirement benefits. If you are working, collecting benefits, and younger than your…
Read MoreI don’t have 40 quarters of covered earnings for Social Security. What are my other options?
Full question: I am Single (Widower – wife was Homemaker – no payments to SS) aged 79yo and Social Security wont pay me retirement benefits because I have worked for 35 quarters and not 40 quarters. I did not complete the extra 5 quarters because of permanently caring for my wife during her illness (double…
Read MoreWill SSA send a copy of my ex-spouse’s XML earning statement?
Original question: Ex-spouse needs her husbands XML earning statement, but they don’t talk to each other. Will Social Security send her a copy of the earning statement? Hi there, We often get questions about this topic. SSA will usually not provide the earnings record, but the ex-spouse is entitled to know their ex’s primary insurance…
Read MoreIs entitlement of a young spouse with a child in care precluded if the young spouse is divorced?
Hi there, No it is not. The child-in-care spousal benefit is available for a young ex-spouse (less than age 62) if: -They were married at least 10 years, -The applicant is currently unmarried, -They are caring for the claimant’s minor child (under age 16) or disabled adult child, -Their former spouse is eligible for Social…
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