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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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Will my Social Security benefits be garnished if I owe child support?

Full question: My client is 60 years old. Social Security at age 62 years is $900 month. He owes child support to state. Will they garnish his Social Security check? How much of it? Hi there, Yes, the Social Security Administration is allowed to withhold current and continuing Social Security payments to enforce one’s legal…

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Will I get increased Social Security benefits for being a veteran?

Full question: Hi Martha, I want to apply for Social Security in April 2024 (66 and 6 months). I was told that I get increased Social Security benefits for being a vet (DD Form 214) on active duty between January 1957 to December 31, 2001. Do you have any information on that? Hello, From 1957…

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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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