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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.
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…
Read MoreDoes a widow’s survivor benefit get reduced if she is still working?
Full question: I can’t find clarification on survivor benefits and earnings limits. If a husband passes away and the survivor wife is age 55 and is working and caring for kid(s) under 16, does her benefit get reduced because she is working? Hello, Yes, like other Social Security benefits, survivor benefits also are subject to…
Read MoreHow do I apply for Social Security at 62 and how long will it take to start receiving payments?
Full question: When I turn 62, how do I start my Social Security benefit? And how long after applying for benefits, will it be direct deposited? Hello, When you are ready to begin collecting benefits you should always apply 2-3 months prior! Once you apply for benefits, it usually takes the Social Security Administration 4…
Read MoreSince my spouse has a non-covered foreign pension, will she be subject to the WEP or GPO for benefits on my record?
Full question: Hello Martha, my wife has lived her whole life in Japan and has a small Japanese pension in the near future. The pension system in Japan is mandatory it is run by the government regardless of where you work. Anyways we think she will get about $1000 a month once she retires. The…
Read MoreCan I switch from survivors benefits to my own retirement benefit when I turn 70?
Full question: I am receiving survivors benefits from my deceased ex-husband. Am I able to start drawing mine when I turn 70? Hi there, Yes, you can start collecting your own retirement benefit at age 70 if the amount is greater than the survivor benefit you are collecting. Anyone eligible to collect more than one…
Read MoreCan I receive Social Security earnings credit under the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2021?
Full question: I am a caregiver for my special needs niece for approximately 4 months per year. Can I receive social security earnings credit under the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2021? Hi there, Unfortunately, the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2021 at this time, is just a proposed Bill in congress. This…
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