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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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Am I eligible for a survivors benefit?

Full question: I was widowed 19 years ago. My wife was 57 at the time of her death. I began collecting Social Security payments at age 62. I am now 77 and have been told I may be eligible for a widows benefit as my wife had paid into the system for many years. Can…

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What is included in the annual earning limit of $22,320 in 2024?

Full question: What is included in the annual earning limit of $22,320 in 2024? W-2 payments? What about income from land rent? Sale of a business? Pensions payments? Hi there, The earnings test threshold limits only include earned income, which is W-2 payments and net self-employed income. Other income you mentioned is not earned. Take…

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I am a caregiver to my disabled granddaughter. Does that count as earned income?

Full question: I just turned 65 and my husband passed away seven months ago at age 66. He was collecting Social Security Disability Insurance, SSDI. The Social Security Administration withheld the first two months of my benefits because I made too much money. My only income is from being caregiver to my granddaughter who is…

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Will my earnings from being a paid caregiver count as earned income for Social Security purposes?

Full question: Since I’ve been a caregiver for my disabled son and am just starting this year as a paid live-in caregiver through medicaid waiver. How will I be able to draw or show I’ve worked for SSI when it comes time for me to retire, since it’s tax exempt. Will it be as if…

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My spouse passed away at 39. She worked for more than 10 years. What can I expect from Social Security for me and my children?

Full question: My spouse passed away at only 39 years old. She has worked full and part time for more than 10 years. What can I expect in Social Security insurance benefits for myself and our 5 children? Hi there, This is a very important question and has a number or rules that apply to…

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Can I apply for spousal benefits and switch to my own benefits later?

Full question: I’m 62 and stopped working, but not collecting Social Security yet. My husband is 69 and still working. Can he apply for Spousal benefits? Can I apply for Spousal benefits after he retires until I’m 67 and then apply for SS? Hi there, One spouse of a couple can only collect spousal benefits…

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