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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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My divorced spousal benefit is more than my own benefit. I also have a pension from Belgium. Will WEP apply?

Full question: I have social security benefits but would like to apply for Divorced Spouse as I will receive more than from my own record. I also receive a pension from Belgium. I know that GPO will not apply but will WEP apply? Hi there, The WEP rule only affects your retirement benefits, not dependent…

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I’m a widow with an ex-husband. Can I collect from his Social Security?

Hi there, Widows and Widowers may be eligible for survivor benefits from a previous marriage; however, the answer is not a simple one. In cases like this it is not always a one size fits all answer. Ex-spousal survivor benefits depend on the age you begin taking them, what your own benefit is, how long…

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I have an adult child with a disability. Should I wait until I’m 60 to collect survivor benefits?

Full question: Martha, is it better if I wait until I’m 60 to collect off deceased ex-husband’s survivor benefits if I’m caring for our disabled adult son while I’m 59 years of age? Hi there, A survivor benefit can be taken as early as age 60. Deciding when to collect survivor benefits and your own…

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What happens if I switch from survivors benefits to my retirement benefits?

Full question: If I switch from survivors benefits to my retirement benefits (age 67), what happens to the remaining unused survivor benefits? Hi there, When a retiree switches from a survivor benefit to their own retirement benefit, the survivor benefit will no longer be paid unless it is higher than the retirement benefit. If that…

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When is the best time to get RSSA advice on retirement and Social Security?

Full question: When is the best time to get RSSA advice on retirement. I’m disabled and 62, my husband is 67 but plans on working until 70. Hellol, It is always best to consult with an RSSA sooner rather than later! Reason being is that you would not want to miss out on benefits if…

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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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