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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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What are the requirements and how does my wife file for Social Security disability insurance, SSDI, benefits?

Full question: I am 66.5 and my wife is 66 and disabled. I am going to wait until I’m 70 because I still work, but my wife was wondering do you receive more benefits if you are filing disabled? And what do you need to do in order to file for disability under Social Security?…

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Can you apply for survivor benefits years later and will you receive back pay?

Full question: Hi. Question about survivor benefits. My mother is currently collecting SS. My father passed away in 2002. Can she still apply for survivor benefits after all this time? If so, will she get back pay from 2002 to present year? Thank you. Hi there, Yes, she may be able to collect a higher…

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How do I switch from survivor benefits to my own benefits and withhold a percentage for tax purposes?

Full question: Currently receiving my late wife’s benefit while deferring mine. Turning 70 in September and would like to turn on my benefit and have SS withhold a percentage for tax purposes. I’ve made several calls to the “closed” SS offices and can not get a straight answer as to how I’m supposed to accomplish…

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Does your minor child need to be listed as a dependent on your tax return for you to collect child benefits?

Full question: If you file and start collecting Social Security, and you have a minor child, must they be listed as a deduction on your tax return for you to collect child benefit as well? I ask because I have joint custody of our 11-year-old son, but my ex-wife lists him as a dependent on…

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Can I apply for spousal benefits since my own benefit will be decreased by WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision)?

Full question: My SS benefits will be whacked by WEP. Can I apply under my wife for spousal benefits and will they be half of her benefit (despite my WEP)? Hello, Yes, in fact when you apply for any Social Security benefits, you will be “deemed” to be filing for all the benefits you are…

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Is someone required to take Social Security when they turn 70?

Full question: Is someone required to take Social Security when they turn 70, or can they decline it/never file a claim for it? Sounds crazy on the surface but the situation is husband and wife are on Medicaid, living on only husband’s income, wife turning 70 soon and if she claims her 500/month retirement benefit…

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