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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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I have a pension from the UK. How will the WEP affect me?

Full question: I am receiving ex spousal benefits and have just become eligible for my own benefits although I am over FRA. I have a U.K. state pension. How will WEP affect me.? Will I still receive the same spousal benefit that I was receiving before? Hi there, If you are receiving ex-spousal benefits and…

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Will my husband’s benefit amount increase when I file for my benefits at age 70?

Full question: My husband is age 50 and has been receiving SSDI income since age 30. I am 63 and intend to file for SS at age 70. Will my husband get a step up based on my PIA at my FRA or is it based on when he reaches his FRA? Hi there, When…

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Why can’t I receive a survivors benefit?

Full question: Can I receive survivor benefits since my wife died June 27, now they’re telling me we will no longer receive her benefits, only a $250 burial fee Hello, There are two reasons that you may not be entitled to a survivor benefit based on your wife’s earnings. First, if your own retirement benefit…

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Is it true that I can’t receive a survivors benefit because of my pension?

Full question: Social Security said I’m not eligible for my deceased husbands benefit because I receive a pension from a government agency. We were married 53 years, and I am 71 and receive my own social security as well as the pension. Do I have grounds to appeal their decision? Hi there, There are two…

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How will I know what my Social Security benefit will be if I don’t have 40 quarters of credit?

Full question: I’m a retired State of California employee and drawing a good pension. As a CalPERS member, I didn’t contribute to SS during my 28+ years working for the government agency in CA. I am 61 now and short one (1) quarter of qualifying for SS. (39qtrs) Is there a way to get a…

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Are my Medicaid waiver payments counted as earned income?

Full question: I care for my adult disabled children in my home, and I receive Medicaid waiver payments through the IRIS Program in the state of Wisconsin for doing so. Our fiscal agent is iLIFE in Milwaukee, WI. I’ve been a caregiver with the IRIS Program since 2013 when our youngest turned 18. I’ve always…

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