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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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Will WEP affect my US benefits before I collect my foreign pension?

Full question: I’m an expat about to apply for early benefits (62 years old). I will also start start collecting a foreign pension when I’m 65. Will WEP affect my US benefits until I start collecting the foreign pension (for 3 years until I’m 65)? Hi there, If you are not yet collecting the foreign…

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I am 69 and still working. Will I get the COLA increase from last year?

Full question: I’m past full retirement age and still working full time. I’m turning 69 next spring. Will I get the COLA increase from last year? Hi there, Yes! When you turned 62 you started having the COLA applied to your benefit, regardless of if you were collecting or not. So yes, you will continue…

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Can my daughter receive SSDI benefits based on both parents’ records?

Full question: I am divorced. I have a child on SSI who lives with me. Recently her mother applied for her Social Security retirement and we were notified we could apply for SSDI. I am eligible for SS Retirement, but have not yet applied. If I apply will my daughter receive SSDI benefits on both…

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Should I apply for my own benefits now and then switch to spousal benefits at FRA?

Full question: Hi Martha. I’m a 62 yr old woman married 25 years. Divorced little over 10 years ago. Ex husband is 80 retired at full retirement age with max benefits. Neither of us remarried. His earnings much higher than mine. When is it best for me to apply for SS benefits now or when…

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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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