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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 children collect Social Security based on their dad’s record even if he is incarcerated?
Full question: I am 54 and have 3 minor children (9,11, and 17). My ex-husband is 56. He incarcerated with a life sentence. I have full custody of the children. Are they, will they be, eligible to receive his Social Security benefits? And when? Of course, he does not pay child support. Hi there, Unfortunately,…
Read MoreIf I apply 3 months before I’m 68, what will my benefit amount be?
Full question: I’m looking to start collecting when I’m 68, I’m at FRA. Question is that you are suppose to put in 3 months prior to when you are looking to start. If I put in 3 months before I’m 68, the difference in payout at 67 vs 68 will I get the payout for…
Read MoreIf you remarry, do you still get to collect a widows benefit?
Full question: If you remarry at 61 do you still get to collect widows benefit of your deceased husband? Hi there, Yes, if you are not remarried before age 60 (50 if disabled), you can collect survivor benefits based on your deceased’s earnings record. All the best, Martha
Read MoreIs my Medicaid waiver difficulty of care payment included as income?
Full question: Is my Medicaid waiver difficulty of care payment included as income for my minor disabled child to receive SSI? Hi there, Parental income is deemed as income to a person under 18 who has a disability and this reduces the child’s SSI because the parents still have a legal obligation to support the…
Read MoreMy husband is about to file for benefits. I am already collecting mine. Can I wait to collect my spousal benefit?
Full question: Hi Martha. Had a case recently where a younger spouse with a small benefit claimed her own benefit at age 62. She will get a spousal benefit eventiually when her husband files for his. When her husband files, does she have to immediately start the spousal benefit, or can she wait a few…
Read MoreWho can help me with an overpayment issue?
Full question: I had an overpayment. I made the mistake of telling them I had paid to file bankruptcy (but that I had not begun the process yet). They went into a deep dive looking for the bankruptcy I told them I hadn’t filed. It took many months to get it started again. But now…
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