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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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As a caregiver of a disabled adult child, am I eligible for ex-spousal benefits?

Full question: My daughter is a disabled adult who has been on SSI since childhood. Her father and I divorced and I have remarried. Her father passed away and she is eligible to get survivors benefit, however I was told she would lose her medicaid because she would no longer be eligible for SSI. My…

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When will I begin receiving Social Security payments?

Full question: I will be 68 in February 2024. I understand I can sign up for social security 3 months prior to my birthday. To receive the dollar amount for 68, do I choose the date date to start or do I begin to receive payments in the month I turn 68? Hi there, Yes,…

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My friend recently got widowed. She is still working. Will her income affect her survivor benefits?

Full question: My friend recently got widowed and her late husband had been receiving SS benefits. My friend is still working, will her income affect her survivor benefits being taxed ? Hi there, If your friend is still working and younger than her full (normal) retirement age – FRA, (between 66 and 67 depending on…

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My wife turns 70 in May. What month should she apply for Social Security?

Full question: My wife will turn 70 in 2024, May 21. In what month should she apply for SS? Are there any other considerations that may help her maximize her benefits. I am the husband, age 76. I am currently on SS. Hi there, Your wife can start the online application 3 months prior to…

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I have a foreign pension and I have 36 US work credits. Am I eligible for Social Security?

Full question: If I have 36 points in US Social Security, and have a pension from European countries that have totalization agreement with US, will I avoid the WEP if I DON’T fulfill the 10 year rule/40 points minimum, or will I be not eligible for US pension at all? Hi there, If you do…

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Do I qualify for ex-spousal survivor benefits?

Full question: Hello, my son received survivors benefits until the age of 19. I also received survivor’s benefits due to be the ex-spouse caregiver of my son, but my portion stopped when my son turned 16. My son is now 21 and was just approved for DAC disability. Would I qualify to receive payment again…

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