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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.
Can my wife and I use the restricted application filing strategy?
Full question: I was born in 1953 and my wife was born in 1958. I would like to wait to start collecting until age 70 in 2023. Can we use the restricted application filing strategy? Hi there! Yes, you may be able to use this claiming strategy. Since your wife is 62 in 2020, she…
Read MoreWill my wife’s earnings impact her eligibility to receive spousal benefits?
Full question: I just turned 69 and filed for Social Security benefits. My monthly benefit is $2,900. My wife is only 63 and she still works. Can she collect a spousal benefit and will her earnings impact this? Hi there, If you just started collecting at age 69 and your benefit is $2,900 then your…
Read MoreWhat is my mom eligible to collect from my deceased dad’s benefits if she is currently working?
Full question: My mom just turned 62, not yet collecting Social Security. Her husband (my dad) died at age 46. She works full-time. What is my mom eligible to collect from my deceased dad’s benefits and will her current income have an impact on this? Hello, Your mom should look into survivor benefits if she…
Read MoreWhat would my family receive in Social Security benefits if I start collecting now at age 63 vs. waiting to collect at my FRA?
Full Question: Should I retire and pull benefits? This is probably a question you have been asked a million times – but some facts: I am 63 years and 7 months old (on the 22nd) and I am eligible to retire. My wife is 10 years younger than me. We both work for the state…
Read MoreI’m 63 and my husband is 65. Can I qualify for Medicare based on my husband’s age?
Hi, No, not at age 63. Medicare is available for people age 65 or older and is comprised of two parts, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medicare Insurance). You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for…
Read MoreAm I eligible for Social Security if I only worked for 5 years?
Full question: I’ve been a stay at home mom for most of my adult life. I worked for about 5 years. Am I eligible for Social Security? Hello, To be eligible to collect your own retirement benefits, you must have worked and paid taxes into Social Security for 40 quarters, or 10 years. In your…
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