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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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Should I switch from my Survivor benefit to my own Social Security retirement benefit?

Full question: I currently receive Survivor benefits and I’m wondering what my own Social Security benefit would pay. I am 65 and full retirement age is 66+4. Should I wait until I’m 70 to collect my own and will I ever be able to collect 100% of deceased husbands? Hi there, If you are collecting…

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What is the best claiming strategy if you are eligible to collect both Social Security and Railroad Retirement?

Full question: Is there a strategy if you have both Railroad retirement credits, my case 13 years’ worth and about 27 years of Social Security credits. Turn on one before or at FRA then switch to the other to get the delay credits from Social Security? Hello, Railroad Retirement and Social Security can be very…

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Should I collect Social Security or Railroad Retirement?

Full question: I receive Social Security because it is more than Railroad Retirement. Is it wise to switch over to Railroad Retirement like my husband- he is an RR retiree? Hi there, The Railroad Retirement and Social Security can be very situational. Meaning that depending on your situation, the answer may change. In some cases,…

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How does a teaching pension impact Social Security survivor benefits?

Full question: My mom (68 years old) is receiving survivor benefits and is in the process of selecting an annuity option from TRS. She doesn’t have 40 credits and paid into TRS only. We’ve been prepping and searching for answers on IF and how a partial lump-sum option affects the government pension offset, GPO. Do…

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Does my wife need to wait until her FRA to receive the maximum spousal benefit?

Full question: I understand my wife can receive half my Social Security benefit, as her Social Security benefit. For her to receive the maximum amount this does she need to wait until her FRA? I am 3.5 years older than her and will reach my FRA mid-2023. Thanks. Hello, If your wife is not entitled…

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Are taxable withdrawals from my 401k considered earned income?

Full question: Are withdrawals from my 401k considered “earned income” with respect to taxing my Social Security benefits? I understand how Social Security benefits can be taxed if you have earned income while collecting Social Security. I just don’t understand/know if taxable withdrawals from my 401k count as earned income. Thanks. Hi there, The earnings…

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