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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 switch to ex-spousal benefits at my FRA?

Full question: I am 62, was married to my ex-spouse for 22 years, been divorced for 9 years, am not remarried, and have no dependents. My ex-spouse is a high earner and is 61 years old. My Social Security benefits are less than 50% of my ex-spouse benefits. I want to apply to receive my…

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Do you advise on coordinating benefits between Spain’s Social Security system and the US Social Security system?

Hi there, Yes, we can help provide you with the information needed to coordinate with foreign countries. The US has “totalization agreements” with a number of other countries that coordinate Social Security coverage and benefit payments for individuals who have worked in both countries. You can learn more here. And for personalized advice, you can…

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Can I collect a spousal benefit while my own retirement benefit grows?

Full question: If I apply for Social Security at FRA, can I get half of my wife’s Social Security and let mine grow? She is 6 years older. Hi there, Unfortunately no, you cannot claim a spousal benefit and later switch to your own retirement benefit. When you apply for benefits, the SSA looks at…

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How do I switch from spousal benefits to my own retirement benefit on the webiste?

Hi there, I am assuming you are asking about switching from a survivor benefit (based on your deceased spouse’s earnings record), not a spousal benefit (based on your living spouse’s earnings record.) If your own retirement benefit is a greater amount than the survivor amount, you should contact your local SSA office to make this…

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Is there a private/paid Social Security consultant I can hire to help my father continue to collect his benefits?

Full question: I’m POA for my father, am looking for a private / paid SS Consultant to help my father continue to collect my stepmother’s SS as SI or CSRA he’s dependent on that income. Hi there, I think you may be looking to set up a Representative Payee with the SSA for this service….

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Can I receive SSDI benefits if I also receive a pension?

Full question: Two years ago, I left my job and took an early retirement with pension due to muscular dystrophy. My pension is half of what I made monthly when working and considered going back to work. I am at a point in my life due to my disease that I’m not able to go…

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