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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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Are taxable withdrawals from my 401k considered earned income?

Full question: Are withdrawals from my 401k considered “earned income” with respect to taxing my Social Security benefits? I understand how Social Security benefits can be taxed if you have earned income while collecting Social Security. I just don’t understand/know if taxable withdrawals from my 401k count as earned income. Thanks. Hi there, The earnings…

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I am a widow and a teacher with a pension. Am I entitled to any Social Security?

Full question: I am 57, at 45 became a widow. I was told I could receive benefits at 60. Problem is I am a teacher in public school system. I called Social Security and they said I am not entitled to anything because my estimated pension monthly is more than my husband monthly Social. Is…

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I’m 57 and still working. Does my disabled husband qualify to receive spousal benefits?

Full question: My husband is 66 years old and disabled, not enough credits or he has only 36 credits working history. I’m 57 and still working. Is my husband qualified to receive spousal benefits? Hello, I am assuming your husband is NOT collecting Social Security disability insurance benefits. When you become entitled and begin collecting…

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Will I get more money if I collect off of my adult disabled child’s benefits?

Full question: So I’m 59 and I care for my deceased former spouse’s adult disabled child, would I get more money if I collect off his benefits when I turn 60 or does it not matter? He never remarried so my son only collects off of his father’s benefits, but he is living with me….

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I live in Australia. Will the WEP rule apply to my pension?

Full question: Hi Martha. I have tried the WEP screening tool, but it refers to a totalization agreement that confuses me. Asking this question so I can perhaps talk to a WEP expert in a consultation. I wish to know if the section on this document entitled: “Payments which cannot be used to apply WEP…

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I am 61 and caring for my disabled adult son. Are my son and I eligible for Social Security benefits?

Full question: I work full time and care for my disabled adult son, my ex recently started getting disability. Can I qualify for anything? It gets very exhausting at 61 to do all I am doing. Hello, Yes, maybe. When you turn 62, you may be eligible for benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings if…

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