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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.
Do I qualify to collect spousal benefits on my spouse’s US Social Security record?
Full question: I am married to an US citizen. I am a permanent resident of the US. I collect a pension from my previous Canadian employer. I have never contributed to US Social Security, but I do qualify to receive Canada Pension Plan payments. My question is do I qualify to collect spousal benefits on…
Read MoreCan I pay Medicare on a monthly basis?
Full question: My social security only covers small part of medicare payment. Medicare does NOT allow me to pay the rest monthly but charges me one huge sum once a year. WHY? Hi there, It sounds like your full monthly Medicare premiums are higher than you Social Security benefit. If this is due to your…
Read MoreWill my younger spouse need to wait until FRA in order to claim my benefit as surviving spouse?
Full question: Does my younger spouse need to wait for her FRA in order to claim my benefit as surviving spouse? She will claim early at age 62 in 2031 while I am waiting to claim at age 70 in 2025. Hi there, If you were to pass away prior to your spouse claiming her…
Read MoreIs it true that you receive an 8 percent increase in benefits for each year you delay?
Full question: Is it misleading to say that you receive an 8% increase in benefits for each year you delay? 8% appears to be an average, but the actual annual increase is much less than 8%, according to my actual account. Hello, The 8 percent increase per year only applies to the years from full…
Read MoreWill my benefits be reduced if I work while collecting benefits?
Full question: I am 62 years old . If I start collecting social security now but continue working are my benefits going to be reduced or they will be the same as if I am not working ? Thank you Hi there, If you start collecting your retirement benefits and are still working, your benefits…
Read MoreAm I receiving the correct Social Security benefit amount?
Full question: In 2023, I took my social security benefit at age 70 (born in 1953. previously from age 66 took 50% of my wife’s FRA social security benefit). Had 35+ years at max social wage base. My monthly benefit was $4,498. Social Security Administration said max benefit for 2023 at age 70 was $4,555….
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