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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.

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Can my disabled adult child switch from SSDI based on her record to SSDI based on my record?

Full question: My adult unmarried child has a disability that started before age 22 and qualifies for SSDI. Based on her work record she has 40 quarters, and a monthly income below the SGA limit. If she starts receiving SSDI based on her work record, can she then reapply once I start drawing Social Security…

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Will my wife receive more money if she switches to a spousal benefit?

Full question: My wife started collecting her Social Security at 65, I started at 70. She is asking if she can switch to collecting under my SS benefits now or do something else to increase her monthly benefit. We have been married 42 years. Hi there, If the amount of spousal benefit your wife is…

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Do I need to notify RRB of my spouse’s death?

Full question: My hubsand died on his birthday, December 23 and was scheduled to get pension and annuity January 1. Will it still be disbursed or do I have call RRB immediately so they can adjust the amount? Hi there, When a spouse dies it is always important for the survivor to notify any agency…

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Will the increase in minimum wage in 2024 affect my SSDI benefits?

Full question: Hi Martha, I collect SSDI benefits each month and work part-time. The Minimum wage will increase in 2024. Will this affect my SSDI benefits? Hi there, Starting in 2024, SSDI recipients will be allowed to earn up to $1,550 monthly from a job without putting their benefits at risk. This is up from…

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Will my Social Security benefits be garnished if I owe child support?

Full question: My client is 60 years old. Social Security at age 62 years is $900 month. He owes child support to state. Will they garnish his Social Security check? How much of it? Hi there, Yes, the Social Security Administration is allowed to withhold current and continuing Social Security payments to enforce one’s legal…

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Will I get increased Social Security benefits for being a veteran?

Full question: Hi Martha, I want to apply for Social Security in April 2024 (66 and 6 months). I was told that I get increased Social Security benefits for being a vet (DD Form 214) on active duty between January 1957 to December 31, 2001. Do you have any information on that? Hello, From 1957…

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