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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 a divorced spouse claim child-in-care benefits for her disabled adult child?

Full question: Can a divorced spouse claim child-in-care benefits for her disabled adult child if the primary beneficiary is still alive and collecting a benefit? Hi there, A divorced spouse can claim child-in-care benefits for a disabled adult child if the child became disabled before age 22 and the divorced spouse is caring for the…

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What should I consider before applying for Social Security benefits to ensure I’m making the right decisions?

Full question: Hi Martha. I turn 65 this year, the same year Social Security turns 90 and I’m getting ready to file for benefits. I’ve done some reading, but I still feel unsure about what I need to consider before applying. What should I keep in mind to make sure I’m making the right decisions?…

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How do I know if I was contributing to Social Security?

Full question: I am a retired teacher so I couldn’t get Social Security. I have 5 years of credit that I know of . I have worked as a substitute teacher for the last 2 and a half years, but I don’t think they took out money for Social Security. Is there a way I…

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Will my son’s SSI be affected if I am providing care under an AD Waiver?

Hi there, Thank you for reaching out regarding your son’s SSI benefits and the impact of providing a level of care under an AD Waiver. Generally, providing care under an AD Waiver should not directly affect your son’s SSI benefits. The SSI program is designed to provide assistance to individuals with limited income and resources,…

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Are benefits paid to an ex-spouse included in the Family Maximum calculation?

Full question: I am a divorce married to my ex for more than 10 years. My question involves family maximum, I saw this and I’m wondering if I qualify for my full share of benefits from my ex-husbands retirement. My adult disabled son is getting benefits from my husband’s retirement but I was told I…

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How do I apply to Medicaid?

Full question: How to apply to Medicaid? Me and my wife are retired without any financial back up since last three years and hoping get some help. Hi there, Thank you for reaching out regarding your interest in applying for Medicaid. Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that provides health coverage to eligible…

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