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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 benefit increase if my current income replaces a lower earning year?

Full question: I’m 72 and work full-time and took my Social Security benefit at FRA (age 66). My employer continues to deduct OASDI from my paycheck. Does the income I earn count toward my PIA calculation? Can my benefit increase if current income replaces a lower earning year? Hi there, Yes, to both of your…

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How do spousal benefits work?

Full question: I am 62 (January 1962) and my spouse is 69 (March 1955). I am still working and doing quite well (>175K per year). She has not started withdrawing her SS yet. How is her portion determined on my SS when I have not retired yet? Is she better off receiving the 130.67% at…

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If my husband takes his pension now, will it affect his Social Security benefits?

Full question: My husband got sick and was only given 1 years worth of disability pay. He hasn’t been able to go back to work for 4 years now. He got sick and his company closed for good during the pandemic. He have a pension plan. Is it wise to take the pension plan benefits…

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How many Social Security checks will be withheld?

Full question: I want to work and collect Social Security. My FRA is August 2026. I need to make $700 per month over the $1,860/month limit because I need to cover medical benefits for my husband and myself. That equals $350/month penalty. How many security checks will be withheld to offset the penalty? Hi there,…

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Will I ever get back the withholdings as a result of the earnings test?

Full question: I work pastime. I am receiving SS retirement. They take out SS every payday. Will this be added to my benefits at the end of the year? Hi there, It sounds like you are affected by the earnings test, which applies to those who are 1. Younger than their full retirement age, FRA,…

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I am 58 and my wife is 50. We have a disabled son. What benefits (if any) are we eligible to collect?

Full question: I am 58 (turn 59 in December), and my wife is 50. We have a disabled/autistic child who is 7. My wife is suffering from numerous health issues most of which are attacking her immune system. Consequently, she is unable to provide consistent care for our son. She applied for SS Disability, but…

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