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Your Social Security Questions Answered

Read answers to reader-submitted Social Security questions from Martha Shedden, NARSSA’s Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer, and her team of experts.

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Can a divorced woman collect Social Security when her ex-husband has died?

Hi there, Yes, if they were married for 10 or more years she is entitled to ex-survivor benefits. You can learn more here. If she wants personalized support, she can work with an RSSA here. Warmly, Martha

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Can you help me use the SSA Online Benefits Calculator?

Full question: Hello Martha, I’m using the Online Benefits Calculator to determine my monthly retirement benefit. After filling out all the inputs of income and entering a retirement age of 60 it spits out a monthly retirement benefit, but it doesn’t tell you what the age it corresponds to. Can you please assist in telling…

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What benefits am I eligible for if I am divorced and care for a disabled adult child?

Full question: Will I get 50% of my ex-spouse’s Social Security along with my own Social Security when I reach FRA if I care for his DAC? Hi there, Thank you for reaching out with your question. If you are caring for your ex-spouse’s disabled adult child (DAC), you may be eligible to receive benefits…

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Can I collect a spousal benefit now and switch to a survivor benefit later?

Full question: I will be 65 in February 2026. My spouse died fifteen years ago at age 54. Can I take a spousal benefit through Social Security at age 65 and then survivor benefit at full retirement age? My spouse’s benefit will be considerably more than mine. I earn 32,000 annually. Thanks. Hi there, If…

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My wife has less than 40 quarters for Social Security. What does that mean?

Hello, Having less than 40 quarters of credit means that your wife has not yet met the minimum threshold for her own Social Security retirement benefits, which requires 40 credits (typically 10 years of work). However, she may still be eligible for spousal benefits based on your Social Security record if you are receiving retirement…

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How do I address a notice informing me that my benefits are being discontinued?

Full question: My mother was married to my American Father for 22 years. She worked in the US and now lives in Bermuda. We received notice that payments would stop September 2025 and have 60 days to appeal. What should we do? Hi there, Thank you for reaching out to us with your concern about…

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