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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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If a US citizen wants to move abroad, can they collect Social Security benefits and are their certain time limitations?

Original question: Is there a period of residency or presence in the USA requirement for US Citizens to continue receiving benefit? Hi there, If a US citizen earned Social Security benefits, they can visit or live in most foreign countries and still receive those payments. The SSA has a Payments Abroad Screening Tool that you…

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Can I file for ex-spousal benefits and switch to mine when I retire at 70?

Full question: Martha, I am over 62 years old and divorced, we were married over 10 years. My ex-husband is still working he’s 68 years old. I’m still self-employed also, can I file for spousal benefits until I retire at 70 years old? Hi there! The short answer is that yes, it appears that you…

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Am I still eligible to collect my retirement benefits at age 62 if I move back to Romania?

Full question: Hi..I’m a Romanian citizen and I’m working legally in US under the work visa and Green Card application. I’m 61 years and in January 2024 I want to withdraw my green card application and apply for SS benefits like Non Citizen and go back in Romania under health problem. Question: If i get…

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What is a covered pension?

Full question: Hi Martha, I am 63 and my wife is 62 years of age. I am self-employed and she is a schoolteacher. I am also in the RSSA Program to become a designated analyst. I have been through all of the modules and my final exam is scheduled for May 14th. I did not…

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Can my wife switch to spousal benefits at her FRA?

Full question: My wife will be able to start her minimal Social Security benefits January 2025. If she does so can she switch to spousal benefits when she reaches full retirement age? And will those spousal benefits remain 50 percent of my FRA benefits or be reduced because of her earlier start? Hi there, This…

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How do I correct my Social Security earnings history?

Full question: My earnings on Social Security website show zero earnings even though taxes were with held from paycheck. How do I get this corrected? Hi there, You can submit past income tax filings and/or paychecks to the SSA to have those years updated. There are some restrictions on how far back these corrections can…

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