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Your Social Security Questions Answered

Read answers to reader-submitted Social Security questions from Martha Shedden, RSSA’s CLO, and her team of experts. Submit your own question to Martha here.

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I have worked 5 years. Am I eligible for Social Security?

Hi there, Unfortunately, no. To be eligible for Social Security benefits, you must earn at least 40 credits by paying the Social Security payroll tax on your earnings. You can earn up to 4 credits per year, so it takes at least 10 years to become eligible. For personalized support, you can work with an…

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Will my son’s SSDI benefit be impacted if I get remarried?

Full question: Martha, I have a client age 75 that has been divorced for a few years. His son is age 38 and has been receiving SSDI from his father. The father is planning on getting married to a lady age 51. Will this effect the son’s SSDI benefit or the Medical benefit the son…

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I am 62 and collecting SSDI. Can my husband, 63, collect a spousal benefit?

Hi there, No, he can’t collect spousal benefits now. Your disability benefits will be switched to retirement benefits at your full retirement age (67), then your husband can file and receive spousal benefits. All the best, Martha

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Can I have a Medicare Supplement plan and Medicare Advantage?

Full question: If I’m own Medicare Advantage and turned 65, I purchased a Medicare Supp during my birthday window, but would also like to continue on my current Med Advantage plan for now. Can I keep the Supplement as a back up plan since I haven’t enrolled in Medicare Part D which is what unenrolls…

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How do I fix an issue with an IRMAA penalty?

Full question: I recently retired and got a letter claiming i was getting an IRMAA penalty based upon income from 2 years ago – but my current income is now 1/3 of what i made now that I’m retired. How do I fix this issue? Hi there, You can request to lower the IRMAA by…

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I turn my FRA at the end of May. Should I say I want to receive my benefits in May or June?

Full question: My full retirement age is May 30th 2025. How do I answer the question when do I want to start receiving my benefits. Do I put May or June? Hi there, I assume that you want to file your benefits at your full retirement age so you should put May, the month you…

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