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Your Social Security Questions Answered

Read answers to reader-submitted Social Security questions from Martha Shedden, RSSA’s CLO, and her team of experts. Submit your own question to Martha here.

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Can I file for ex-spousal benefits and not file for my own? What will be ex-spousal benefit be?

Full question: I am divorced over 10 years now. I am 65 divorced, single and my full retirement will be Nov 2027 and I have not filed for Social Security as of yet. My ex spouse will be 62 in Sept 2025. I meet all the required for ex Spouse benefits. Question 1 can I…

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Is my mother eligible to receive her pension and her Social Security?

Full question: My mother receives a pension from my father’s railroad retirement, she has never received Social Security, is she eligible for both? She has a small pension from the City of Boston also, has paid into Social Security her lifetime, wasn’t sure what will work best for her? How do you know what Tier…

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Can my husband collect spousal benefits now and switch to his own at age 70?

Full question: My husband and I are both retired. He is 68 and I am 62 and his salary has always been significantly higher than mine resulting in a higher benefit. I am planning on filing for Social Security this year at age 63 in July 2025. Can he file for spousal benefits? My husband…

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How do I switch from survivor benefits to my own?

Original question: How do I switch to my Social Security benefits as I’m currently receiving my late wife’s? Hello, If you are currently receiving survivor benefits and wish to switch to your own retirement benefits, you will need to apply for retirement benefits separately. This can be done online, by phone, or in person at…

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How do I receive my back pay from the Social Security Fairness Act?

Full question: I believe that I qualify for back compensation from the Social Security Fairness act. I have not received any back pay nor have I heard anything from the SSA. What should I do? Hi there, The Social Security Administration (SSA) began issuing one-time retroactive payments to affected beneficiaries starting February 25, 2025, covering…

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Why was I denied survivor benefits?

Full question: I started my SS at 62, my ex-husband passed away. We were married 10 years. I was denied survivor benefits. Hello, Based on the information provided, as you were married to your ex-spouse for over 10 years and have started collecting your own Social Security benefits at 62, you should be eligible for…

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