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Your Social Security Questions Answered

Read answers to reader-submitted Social Security questions from Martha Shedden, NARSSA’s Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer, and her team of experts. Submit your own question to Martha here.

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Can the SSA withhold Social Security to pay child support?

Full question: Can an ex-spouse from twenty years ago start a claim for child support and spouse support and are now collecting from his retirement, because Social Security is now taking half of his retirement from his monthly check? Hi there, Yes, the Social Security Administration can withhold current and continuing Social Security payments to…

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My wife has a pension. Can she still collect a spousal benefit?

Full question: We are married and both collecting Social Security benefits. My benefit is substantially more than hers. Can she collect a spousal benefit (is it 50%?) while I am living and still receive and receive (is it 75%) of my benefit at death? My wife has reduced benefits due to municipal employment.  Hi there,…

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

Full question: When I retired in October 2019, I applied for spouse’s benefits at that time which would continue until age 70. I turned 70 on October 29, 2023. How do I make the change from collecting spouse benefit to my own benefit. Thank you for your assistance. Hi there, We recommend that you contact…

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Can my benefit increase if my current income replaces a lower earning year?

Full question: I’m 72 and work full-time and took my Social Security benefit at FRA (age 66). My employer continues to deduct OASDI from my paycheck. Does the income I earn count toward my PIA calculation? Can my benefit increase if current income replaces a lower earning year? Hi there, Yes, to both of your…

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How do spousal benefits work?

Full question: I am 62 (January 1962) and my spouse is 69 (March 1955). I am still working and doing quite well (>175K per year). She has not started withdrawing her SS yet. How is her portion determined on my SS when I have not retired yet? Is she better off receiving the 130.67% at…

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If my husband takes his pension now, will it affect his Social Security benefits?

Full question: My husband got sick and was only given 1 years worth of disability pay. He hasn’t been able to go back to work for 4 years now. He got sick and his company closed for good during the pandemic. He have a pension plan. Is it wise to take the pension plan benefits…

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