Ask Martha

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.

401k Abroad Adult Disabled Child Applying for Benefits Caring for children Child Benefits Child Support Child-in-care benefits Claiming Strategies COLA Death Dependents Disability Disability Disabled Children Divorce Earned Income Earnings Earnings Test Eligibility for Benefits Ex-spousal benefits Family Benefits Family Maximum Foreign Pensions FRA Future of Social Security Garnishment General GPO Green Card Income Limits Loans Marriage Medicaid Medicare Minor children Multiple benefits My Social Security Account News & Legislation Overpayment Pensions Railroad Retirement Remarriage Representative Payee Retroactive benefits Roadmap Software Self-Employed Social Security Administration Social Security Benefits Social Security Fairness Act (HR 82) Social Security Terminology Spousal Benefits SSDI SSI Substantial Gainful Activity Survivor Benefits Switching benefits Taxation Teaching Pension Totalization Agreements Underpayment Veterans WEP Withdrawing Application Withholding benefits Work Credits Working Working with an RSSA

When can we claim child-in-care benefits?

Full question: We have a 27 year old son who is a brain cancer survivor since age four and on SSI since age 18. I’m 63 and not on Social Security until age 67, she is 56, can claim child in care benefits now? Hi there, Your spouse can claim child-in-care benefits before age 62…

Read More

Can I switch from direct deposit to paper check?

Hello, Federal law requires electronic SSA payments for benefits, and as of September 30, 2025, phased out paper checks entirely, requiring direct deposit or the Direct Express® debit card. Paper checks are only allowed in very limited, exceptional cases, such as for individuals with specific disabilities or those living in remote areas. Take care, Martha

Read More

How do I set up direct deposit for my Social Security check?

Full question: Who do I give my bank routing number to? How can I get my Social Security check drafted to my Bank of America account? You have three options to set up direct deposit at your bank: 1.    Online: Log into your account at ssa.gov/myaccount, navigate to “Benefit & Payment Details,” and select the option…

Read More

I think I made a mistake collecting Social Security. Can I cancel or appeal my decision?

Full question: Hi Martha I turn 70 in January 2025 and called to apply for 70 to maximize benefits. The Rep pressured me about accepting retro to April 2025. I said no and then changed application from 70 to retro 69 and 3 mo to get lump sum which I did not need now. I…

Read More

Is it my responsibility to report changes to the SSA?

Full question: Hello. I get disability and supplemental security income. I was wondering if i can put my sister as a beneficiary on my checking and savings account if something happens to me unexpectedly. And I was looking at the form I requested from my bank to look at it and is joint owner of…

Read More

If my minor children work and make money, will that impact our Social Security?

Full question: I am retired and on Social Security. I have children under 18 and receive Social Security money for them. Are the children allowed to earn any money themselves and if so does this effect how much I receive on their behalf? Hello, Yes, children receiving Social Security benefits can earn money, but their…

Read More