Ask Martha
Your Questions Answered
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.
Can I work with an RSSA in a different state?
Full question: My and I are entering the retirement phase of our life. My wife is 64 and I am 62. We are both still working. We live in NC and we are interested in receiving a consultation in preparation and strategies to applying for our SSA benefits. But I am cautious instead focusing on…
Read MoreAre our adopted minor children eligible for Social Security benefits?
Full question: Hi Martha, I am turning 64 and retired. My wife is 53. We have two adopted children 11 & 9 yrs old. Can they receive Social Security benefits? Hello, This is a good question. Yes, when you start collecting Social Security retirement benefits, your minor children are entitled to benefits until age 18,…
Read MoreCan a widow who has never taken survivor benefits get a lump sum payment for all the missed years of collection?
Full question: Can a 94 year old widow who has NEVER taken her Social Security benefits get the benefits now? If yes, would she get a Lump Sum payment for the past 20 years of eligibility? Hi there, Well yes, it would appear so. I am assuming you are speaking about survivor benefits. These need…
Read MoreHow do I switch from spousal benefits to my full Social Security benefit?
Full question: How do I switch to full benefits? I turned 70 in December. I’m still employed and collecting spousal benefits from my wife who is 76 and retired on June 2023. Hello, Good question! You should do this as soon as possible since your retirement benefit amount reached its highest value due to delayed…
Read MoreAre Medicare benefits different when switching from disability to retirement?
Hi there, No, they are not different. I am assuming you are asking about reaching full retirement on SSDI and having that benefit converted to a retirement benefit. You should not see any change in your Medicare. But it is wise to verify as you transition just to make sure. Best of luck, Martha
Read MoreWhen am I eligible to collect my full Social Security benefit?
Full question: Hello, I am a widower currently collecting survivor benefits. I turn 66 in March 2024, and are contemplating collecting my own benefits instead of the survivor benefit. When am I eligible to get full benefit? Thank you Hello, If you were born in 1958 your full retirement age (FRA) is 66 and 8…
Read More