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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 I collect survivor benefits and switch to my own later?

Full question: Good afternoon, My wife passed away 3 years ago from a brain tumor at age 60,.I’m currently collecting my deceased spousal benefits, we were married for 21 years as I had just turned 60, I’m now 63. Am i able to collect on this before i claim my Social Security at 70 ?…

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Will I receive my benefit or my ex-spousal benefit?

Full question: I was married to my ex husband for 11 years and divorced in 2003, I’m now 74 and collected my Social Security at age 64 due to cancer but don’t know if my ex had started collecting Social Security and still working part time and he’s now 72. How do I know if…

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Can you earn work credits from a self-employment business?

Full question: This question is for my mother. She is 67 and she would like to apply for Social Security benefits. She has been a homemaker until my Dad decided to get a small Cafe going. This business is in my mom’s name and my question is, may we apply the last 6 credits she…

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Can I pay my income tax due on my benefits at the end of the year?

Full question: I would rather pay my tax at the end of the year when filing. How do I change that? Thank you. Hi there, I am assuming you are referring to the income tax due on your Social Security benefits. If this is the case, contact the SSA here and have them change the…

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I am a widow. My husband was on disability. What am I eligible to receive at age 62?

Full question: I am a widow, my husband was on disability when he died (at ager 55 years old). What am I eligible to do at age 62- may I collect mine and not collect survivor benefits til 70? Hi there, At age 60 you are eligible for survivor benefits and at age 62 you…

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Why am I not eligible for survivors benefits?

Full question: I’ve been a widow for almost 10 years. I retired 2 years ago and receive a monthly pension. I’ve been denied for benefits for a widow. I have to pay my Medicare. Why do I not qualify for widow benefits? Hi there, My guess is that your monthly pension is the type subject…

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