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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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How is Social Security impacted by a non-covered teaching pension?

Full question: I have a client who is taking his Social Security at 70, this May. He has worked in the STRS system in Ohio, along with paying into Social Security in the private sector. His statement says $3788/month. He is currently receiving $7600/month from STRS. His wife has not accumulated her 40 quarters. Will…

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How do I determine what my Social Security amount would be now?

Hello there, Social Security benefits are based on your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. You can find a benefit estimate on your Social Security account, but for more accurate results you can calculate your earnings. If you need assistance finding out what you will be eligible for and any rules that may impact your…

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Can my spouse collect spousal benefits if I am collecting a non-covered foreign pension and U.S. Social Security?

Full question: Having worked 32 years France and 7 years in the US, I am getting small US Social Security benefits ($600) and my foreign pension from France. Can my wife apply for SSA benefits as a spouse (which means she could get up to 50% my benefits, or $300), and would my French pension…

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Can I supplement my income by working past the age of 70?

Hi there, Yes, you can work past the age of 70 to supplement your Social Security income. Working past age 70 may or may not affect your Social Security income. Depending on your income, your Social Security could be subject to federal (and state, depending on where you live) taxation. Your future income even has…

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If an ex-spousal benefit is taken early, will it still be reduced if I have minor children? What will my minor children collect?

Full question: I will collect Social Security at 62 as an ex-spouse. 50% of his full benefit will be about $1900. I know typically it would be reduced for filing early, but I read if you have minor children, it is not reduced. Is that true? Also, I have 2 minor children. What number will…

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Am I required to pay back an overpayment to the Social Security Administration?

Full question: After filing for Social Security at age 63 and receiving 5 payments, I received a letter from Social Security saying I needed to pay the money back because I would make too much. Am I required to pay that money back, if so, why? Hello, If you began collecting before your Full Retirement…

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