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Your Social Security Questions Answered

Read answers to reader-submitted Social Security questions from Martha Shedden, RSSA’s CLO, and her team of experts. Submit your own question to Martha here.

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I am still working. Am I eligible for survivor benefits?

Full question: My husband died in August 2023. Am I eligible for his retirement when I reach FRA? Also would I be eligible for survivor benefits at FRA? I am still working and my husband was receiving Social Security benefits. Hi there, The benefit received after a spouse has died is a survivor benefit. Survivor…

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Am I eligible to collect Social Security if I live in Canada, but I worked in the U.S.?

Full question: My Sister lives in Canada, but has worked here in the United States since she was 28 and paid into Social Security. Is she eligible to collect? Hi there, To collect U.S. Social Security retirement benefits, she needs to have earned 40 credits, or quarters of coverage. Only 4 quarters/credits can be earned…

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I am still working. Should I apply for spousal benefits now or wait?

Full question: If I am still working and my husband is retired collecting Social Security what is the advantage/disadvantage for me to apply/collect spousal benefits now? Hi there, If you are still working and are younger than your full retirement age, you will be subject to the earnings test threshold if you are collecting Social…

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How do I determine the best claiming strategy involving ex-spousal benefits?

Full Question: I am divorced born after 1954, and was married for more than 10 years. My ex-spouse has remarried while I have not, and while I do have some earnings to claim, claiming as an ex-spouse will provide the higher estimate. My concern is that while I have reached FRA, my ex-spouse won’t for…

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How are ex-spouse benefits determined?

Hi there, Ex-spouse benefits are based on your ex’s primary insurance amount (PIA), the amount they would receive at their full retirement age (FRA). You may contact the SSA to find out what your ex’s PIA is by providing the information needed to verify your marriage to, and divorce from, the individual. For personalized assistance…

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How long does it take for a Request for Withdrawal of Application to get approved?

Full question: How long does it take Social Security to accept/process a “Request for Withdrawal of Application”. It has been a month since I had the application processed. Hi there, It is difficult to know how long it takes for your withdrawal application to be approved after it has been submitted, but you do have…

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