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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 I switch benefits at a local SSA office or over the phone?

Full question: I am currently receiving spousal benefits and my wife is receiving full benefits. I turn 70 in November and want to switch to my full benefits. Do I need to go to a Social Security Office or can this switch be done over the phone with SSA? Hello, You can do either. Make…

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Can the SSA help me calculate benefits over the phone?

Full question: I want my SS benefit to start in January of 2024. I contacted SSA and they scheduled phone appointment for September of 2023. I need my benefit amount to be calculated as of January (any day) of 2024. Should I keep the appointment, will the September application date impact the amount? Hi there,…

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I collect ex-spousal benefits now. Will that benefit increase when my ex begins collecting?

Full question: I am receiving SS from a former spouse. I took it at 65, my FRA is 66 and 6mo. Spouse is 2 years younger. I heard I might receive a bump when spouse actually takes SS. This doesn’t seem correct to me but thought I’d ask. Hi there, No, unfortunately your benefit amount…

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Can I collect a railroad spousal benefit and does my own work affect that benefit?

Full question: I married July 1, 2022, to a railroad retiree, which retired in 2002 after 35 years, I turned 61, April 23, 2023. I currently work full-time been with company 7 years in October, can I collect of my spouses railroad retirement at age 61, and can I still work? Hello, It sounds like…

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Will my benefit be reduced based on my foreign pension?

Full question: I worked in Sweden 21 years before coming to America. I have full credits to qualify for each independently. My Swedish earning were not used to calculate my benefit amount for SS, only my US earnings. But my benefit has been reduced based on my Swedish pension. Is this correct? Hi there, We…

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How do I switch from a spousal benefit to my own benefit online?

Hi there, Go to www.ssa.gov and on the main page click on “online services” then select “apply for retirement benefits.” Since you are currently collecting benefits on your spouse’s record, you should be able to start a new application for retirement benefits under your own Social Security number. You may also use the SSA online…

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