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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 I collect SSDI from my ex-spouse?

Full question: My ex husband of 23 years is disabled and collects SSDI. I am single and have been caring for our disabled son solely since he was born and became his legal guardian when he turned 18. He is now 30 and still living with me, under my care. Since I am caring for…

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How do I transfer my Part B Medicare coverage from my spouse’s record?

Full question: I need help getting my Part B coverage transferred from my Spousal record to my Own record. I filed for Social Security benefits at age 70 but Social Security dropped my Part B coverage. Hi there, Please reach out to your local SSA office for a call or in-person meeting to help you…

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I only have 29 work credits. Should I create self-earned income to earn the 40 credits?

Full question: Hello. I am 48 years old. I currently only have 29 credits towards my benefits. I live overseas and have been filing my taxes using the foreign earned income exclusion so I almost never pay into the system. Is it in my best interests to create the minimum amount of self-earned income to…

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When should I begin collecting my Social Security benefits?

Full question: Hello, I was told by an RSSA expert to begin my benefits in Jan. 2024 to avoid being penalized, and possibly losing out on, benefits. I work part-time but my monthly earnings are roughly $3k and the ceiling is around $1770. Should I begin benefits in Jan. 2024 where the first check would…

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My spouse has no earnings history. In the event of my death, will their spousal benefit switch to a higher survivor benefit?

Full question: If my spouse who has no earning history, applies (on my earnings) for reduced spousal benefits now and withdraws and if some thing happens to me before her FRA. The benefits be auto converted to survivor benefits, will benefit be ‘Recalculated’ at that time based on survivor benefits at higher level or will…

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Will the SSA retroactively pay me my missed survivor benefits?

Full question: I discovered recently that my husband passed away in 2012. We were still married but not together. Am I still entitled to receive survivor benefits and how far back will they pay? Hi there, Yes, you are still entitled to survivor benefits if you are still legally married. The SSA pays up to…

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