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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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Can my spouse collect their own retirement benefit at FRA and later switch to a higher spousal benefit once I begin collecting?

Full question: Is there any penalty if my spouse begins collecting their Social Security Benefit at FRA, while I wait to turn 70 and then apply for the spousal benefit (presuming 50% is larger than theirs)? Hello there, Yes, a retiree can collect their own retirement benefit at any time age 62 or later. Once…

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Will the earnings test apply if I work a part time job, making my earnings above the annual limit?

Full question: I will turn 65 in 4/22, not drawing Social Security right now and still working. If I begin drawing Social Security now and retire this summer with my income being just short of 19.5K, avoiding the penalty, but in the fall pick up little part time job maybe making $500 or so a…

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Will my benefit decrease for retiring before collecting Social Security?

Full question: I retired at age 60, since I am no longer working will my benefit amount go down for the years not worked before I start collecting Social Security? Hi there, Your benefit amount is calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings both indexed and face value. If you worked less than…

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Are Social Security benefits subject to FICA taxation?

Full question: Thank you for your videos! I’m thinking about drawing Social Security sometime soon as well as retiring, I’m 65. I know that I will be paying federal tax (prob 85%) on my benefit. My question is, while you are drawing Social Security do they still take out OASDI taxes? Hello, I’m glad you…

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What does average monthly expenses for the ‘entire’ household mean on an SSI change of address form?

Hello, I assume you are being asked this in relationship to your living arrangement. Living arrangements, and the expenses associated with it, are a factor used to determine how much Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you can get. This means your SSI benefits may vary depending on where you live: your own house, apartment, or mobile…

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Can paid insurance premiums be deducted from my earned income to avoid earning limit penalties?

Full question: At age 62 I’m going to apply for Social Security and still work part-time. I will purchase health insurance on my own. Can premiums paid be deducted from income earned to conform to earning limits to avoid penalties? Hello, Unfortunately, no. There are no strategies that can lower your earned wages to stay…

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