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Your Social Security Questions Answered

Read answers to reader-submitted Social Security questions from Martha Shedden, RSSA’s CLO, and her team of experts. Submit your own question to Martha here.

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Will I ever get back the withholdings as a result of the earnings test?

Full question: I work pastime. I am receiving SS retirement. They take out SS every payday. Will this be added to my benefits at the end of the year? Hi there, It sounds like you are affected by the earnings test, which applies to those who are 1. Younger than their full retirement age, FRA,…

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I am 58 and my wife is 50. We have a disabled son. What benefits (if any) are we eligible to collect?

Full question: I am 58 (turn 59 in December), and my wife is 50. We have a disabled/autistic child who is 7. My wife is suffering from numerous health issues most of which are attacking her immune system. Consequently, she is unable to provide consistent care for our son. She applied for SS Disability, but…

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Am I eligible for a survivors benefit?

Full question: I was widowed 19 years ago. My wife was 57 at the time of her death. I began collecting Social Security payments at age 62. I am now 77 and have been told I may be eligible for a widows benefit as my wife had paid into the system for many years. Can…

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What is included in the annual earning limit of $22,320 in 2024?

Full question: What is included in the annual earning limit of $22,320 in 2024? W-2 payments? What about income from land rent? Sale of a business? Pensions payments? Hi there, The earnings test threshold limits only include earned income, which is W-2 payments and net self-employed income. Other income you mentioned is not earned. Take…

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I am a caregiver to my disabled granddaughter. Does that count as earned income?

Full question: I just turned 65 and my husband passed away seven months ago at age 66. He was collecting Social Security Disability Insurance, SSDI. The Social Security Administration withheld the first two months of my benefits because I made too much money. My only income is from being caregiver to my granddaughter who is…

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Will my earnings from being a paid caregiver count as earned income for Social Security purposes?

Full question: Since I’ve been a caregiver for my disabled son and am just starting this year as a paid live-in caregiver through medicaid waiver. How will I be able to draw or show I’ve worked for SSI when it comes time for me to retire, since it’s tax exempt. Will it be as if…

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