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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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Does my wife need to re-apply for benefits now that HR 82 has been signed?

Full question: My wife applied for half of my Social Security in 2016, but she was denied due to her teacher pension and her Account was put on Suspension! But now HR 82 has been approved and Biden to sign soon, does she have to go back into her Social Security account and re-apply for…

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How will my husband’s Railroad benefits effect my Social Security benefit amount?

Full question: My husband retired from RR with 40 year and receives full retirement. I am the spouse getting ready for retirement . My SS is more than RR tier 1. Do I qualify for tier 2 and will that affect my SS benefit? Hi there, The Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and the Social Security…

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Can children collect Social Security based on their dad’s record even if he is incarcerated?

Full question: I am 54 and have 3 minor children (9,11, and 17). My ex-husband is 56. He incarcerated with a life sentence. I have full custody of the children. Are they, will they be, eligible to receive his Social Security benefits? And when? Of course, he does not pay child support. Hi there, Unfortunately,…

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If I apply 3 months before I’m 68, what will my benefit amount be?

Full question: I’m looking to start collecting when I’m 68, I’m at FRA. Question is that you are suppose to put in 3 months prior to when you are looking to start. If I put in 3 months before I’m 68, the difference in payout at 67 vs 68 will I get the payout for…

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If you remarry, do you still get to collect a widows benefit?

Full question: If you remarry at 61 do you still get to collect widows benefit of your deceased husband? Hi there, Yes, if you are not remarried before age 60 (50 if disabled), you can collect survivor benefits based on your deceased’s earnings record. All the best, Martha

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Is my Medicaid waiver difficulty of care payment included as income?

Full question: Is my Medicaid waiver difficulty of care payment included as income for my minor disabled child to receive SSI? Hi there, Parental income is deemed as income to a person under 18 who has a disability and this reduces the child’s SSI because the parents still have a legal obligation to support the…

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