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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.
Am I entitled to my ex-husband’s Social Security?
Full question: I was married in 1982 and the divorce final in 2013. Am I entitled to his Social Security? We both are 69 and not remarried. Hi there, Yes, you are eligible for spousal benefits based on your ex’s earnings record because the marriage was more than ten years. For personalized support, you can…
Read MoreWill my daughter’s benefit increase if my wife suspends her payments?
Full question: My wife receives a spouse with child-in-care payment based on my work record. Currently both her and my child’s payments are reduced due to the family maximum. My wife is going back to work and will suspend her payments because her income will far exceed the max allowed. Will Social Security restore my…
Read MoreDo I need to share my self-employment earnings with Social Security Administration?
Full question: I’ve worked for corporations since 1975 and have SSA earned income from those jobs. I also own a small business (since 1994, LLC with average total income $5k per year) that rarely shows a profit. Do I need to include that as ‘self employment’ if I have no earned income from the business?…
Read MoreCan I still receive ex-spousal benefits if I remarry?
Full question: I was married for 34 years and am now divorced. When I start collecting Social Security benefits of my own and my ex husband collectively and get married to a NON US citizen, will I still be able to receive the full benefit of both mine and my ex’s social security? I was…
Read MoreHow do I get the money back that was withheld from the earnings test?
Full question: When Social Security benefits are paid back due to the earnings limits, how are these dollars recouped later? Hi there, It sounds like you are affected by the earnings test, which applies to those who are: Younger than their full retirement age, FRA, Still working, and Also collecting retirement benefits. If the earnings…
Read MoreI have a teaching pension. Why can’t I collect Social Security?
Full question: I am 71 years old. My school district at the time I taught did not allow me to pay Social Security. I did pay it through side jobs I worked at in summers and after school, but I’m not allowed to collect the full amount I actually earned which would be about $500…
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