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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 earned income impact my Social Security benefits?

Full question: I’m looking to publish my own book, but I’m concerned that if my sales will only be enough to negate my SSI, that I will be left destitute. My research says that royalties such as from book sales are not counted as income for SSI, but I find it prudent to seek outside…

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Does the family maximum benefit apply to child-in-care benefits?

Full question: My ex spouse passed away. We were married over 10 years ,5 kids 4 disabled. The kids get survivors benefits. the SSA office states I qualify for benefits but I can’t get them because it’s at the max benefits and we stay together! ( of course we do, they are minors!) I thought…

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Can my husband collect Social Security from his deceased first wife?

Full question: This question is for my husband. His first wife died 7 years ago at age 55 and made more money than my husband. We got married 4 years ago. He is ready to retire. Can he get her Social Security benefits? Hello, Individuals who have lost a spouse may still be eligible to…

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Is there any adjustment on a tax return for Social Security?

Full question: If a taxpayer went over their income limit for Social Security because they are under retirement age and they have to pay it back, is there any adjustment on their tax return because they already paid on 85% of their benefits. Hi there, This is largely a tax and IRS issue. The taxpayer…

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I haven’t got my Social Security check yet. What should I do?

Hi there, Social Security applications can take several weeks to be reviewed. You should then have received a letter describing the amount of your benefit and the date benefits will be paid. Contact your local SSA office for an update. You can find your local office here. Best of luck, Martha

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Can my minor daughter and my wife collect Social Security based on my record? If so, how?

Full question: Hi Martha, I am 62 years old and recently applied for retirement. My daughter is 9 y.o. and my wife is 47 y.o. I understand that both can collect social security benefits. Question is, do they need to apply separately? Can you please advise how to proceed? Thanks. Hi there, Thank you for…

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