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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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Will my Railroad spousal pension impact my Social Security retirement benefits?

Full question: My husband receives an annuity (pension) for his work with the Railroad Retirement system. I am 58 and will also be eligible to receive a spousal RR annuity at 60. I have many years of SS covered employment. Will my RR spousal pension impact my SS retirement benefits? Hello, It may be that…

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Am I entitled to collect against my ex-spouse’s record if caring for a disabled child?

Full question: Am I entitled to keep collecting against my ex spouses record if my qualification was due to 10 yr exception to 10 yr rule caring for disabled child? Hi, For married couples, when one parent begins collecting Social Security retirement benefits, the other parent’s age 62 or older and minor and/or adult disabled…

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I have been married and divorced to the same person twice. Does the SSA require that the ten years be consecutive?

Hi there, The short answer is “yes, sort of!” The “consecutive” part means that the two time periods of the marriages must be in existence in each of the 10 or more consecutive years. Therefore, the second marriage must start within the 12 months after the first divorce. Social Security does require that two people…

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I began collecting Social Security disability when I was married. Is it possible that I am entitled to higher Social Security benefits from my ex-spouse?

Full question: I have a question. I have been collecting Social Security disability for a long time now. At the time I was married and did not recall qualifying for SSI. I really don’t know what is the difference between Social Security disability and SSI, but I have not been married for over eight years….

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I am turning 63 in August and I am applying in May to start receiving benefits in September. Will I get the amount for age 63?

Full question: I am turning 63 in August of this year. I am applying now in May to start receiving benefits in September. I want to get the amount for age 63. Will that work? Hi there, Your benefit check is based on the month that you select to “start benefits” on your application and…

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Are Social Security spousal benefits reduced by the Government Pension Offset (GPO) if you receive a foreign pension?

Full question: My wife is from Poland. She has a pension from ZUS. She is 68 and retired. She currently receives a small social security check. Will her spousal benefits be reduced by Social Security GPO? Hello, Yes, she will still qualify for full Social Security spousal benefits; her foreign pension will have no bearing…

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