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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 the higher earning spouse collect child in care benefits from the lower earning spouse’s record?

Full question: I am 62 and my higher earning spouse is currently 66, but plans to not collect his Social Security until age 70. We have a 30-year-old adult disabled child (from birth) who lives with us. If I collect my OWN reduced benefit now, can my husband collect the Child in Care benefits from…

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Will my deceased husband’s railroad pension impact my Social Security?

Full question: Why can I receive my deceased husbands railroad pension, but I cannot collect my Social Security that I paid into after working for over 30 years? Hi there, Railroad retirement and survivor benefits work with Social Security, not in addition to it. That means that the Railroad retirement benefit is subtracted from the…

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How and where do I file a 2023 W2 form?

Full question: My 93 y/o mom just passed last month. I have been informed that I will have to file her 2023 W2 form. How and where? Hi there, Please contact your tax professional or the IRS for details on reporting income tax. Best of luck, Martha

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Am I eligible to collect on my ex’s Social Security if it is higher than mine?

Full question: I’m 75, divorced and caring for our disabled adult daughter who is collecting SSDI on her dad. Am I entitled to collect on his social security if higher than my SS? Hello, Yes, you may be eligible for an ex-spousal benefit if you were married for 10 or more years and the benefit…

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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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